[lastrebel1985]

This will most likely be a much more competitive and more interesting Region than the 6th or 8th.

Ballard is the off the list favorite to win, but I'm not so convinced. I do think they will have the most firepower at the plate with Adell, Hull and senior Walker, but they did lose their top hitter in Gray, and from talking to some folks that know more than I do about it, they're pretty young overall, whether that's good or bad? We'll see. I'd say Ballard's biggest issue is pitching. Adell is a more than capable pitcher, but how will she fare carrying the load with little backup, and trying to slap and steal bases also? With Bullitt East, Old Co., and O'bor Cath on the schedule in March, everyone should see fairly soon what the Bruins are all about. Walker will probably be the leader this year.

Male is probably the biggest mystery right now. As everyone in the Commonwealth knows, they have a new coach. The biggest discussion I've read on other forums has been whether or not his ways will work at a public school. The few parents I know are staying tight lipped, but seem pretty enthusiastic. Another pretty young team overall, but they had a lot of seniors last year, so that makes sense. They have two returning senior pitchers in Miozza and Miller, as well as Wireman, who should see circle time also. I would say they are deepest in pitching for the Region. Bellermine signee, Ginter, is also a very solid returning Sr. From looking at posted schedules, I'd say they may have one of, if not the, toughest schedule in the state. That's not surprising considering the new coach.

Eastern has Sr. pitcher Smith. She is a fantastic pitcher, and should shine this year. If they really are as young as their KHSAA roster shows, it will take more than a great pitcher to get them through. They really stumbled late in season last year, and will probably struggle this year.

Assumption has two great long ballers in Nitzken and Tarquinio, and a very good coach, but they really lost a lot in pitching with Foley graduating. Also, heard they had another pitcher not return. I've seen Nitzken pitch before, and she's not bad, but don't think she can hold off a team like Ballard, Male or CAL. They will need a lot of offense.

Sacred Heart starts the season with a W, and has a pretty good pitcher in Holden, and two strong Srs. in Hammer and Russell. Overall, they're fairly thin, but could actually end up finishing 3rd in the Region. It may be a stretch, but it would not shock me.

CAL graduated Foster, which for them was a lot. Cook and Powell are better than average players, and they will probably end up over .500, but nothing more at end of the year.

The rest won't make any noise in the Region.

My best guess is that Male will make their first trip to the State out of this Region carried by the strength of their pitching, coaching.