[Mr.Kimball]

I can see them making it thru as a 2 or 3 in the district. Come season's end, I think they will have 2 pitchers capable of beating either of the other top 2 teams in the district, regardless of the pitching matchup they face. Whether it's Grimm, Shepherd, whoever, I believe Conley or Parker have the ability to match them in a one game situation. Conley proved that last year in Game 3 of semi-states. After having to deal with following 2 outstanding performances by Fyffe and Blanton, and everyone saying there was no way the 3rd in the rotation could come up with a huge game also, he delievered a very solid game for the Eagles. Same would go for the region. If a team overlooks JC in an early round or even semis, hoping to have a favorable pitching matchup in the finals, either of those 2, or Vance can propel the Eagles to a win. But still, I see Paintsville and Lawrence as the 2 clear cut teams to beat.

Mike Conley (junior)I watched Mike throw flat ground yesterday, and he looked very very good. Mike will have a huge year this year. Mike has made himself into an athlete. He has dropped about 35 pounds since his freshman year. He has disciplined himself while developing a great work ethic.

Cody Parker (freshman) can be one of those guys that could be dominating this year. He has all the tools. Lets see if he has a little maturity to go with his natural talent. He seems to be coming along a little in that respect in basketball. I have said before that he could become the best pitcher to ever come out of the 15th region.

Jeremy Stacy (sophomore) actually had the best velocity behind Fyffe and Blanton until Parker joined the staff later on in the season. He had a nice win against Perry Central early in the season, but had to fight off the injury bug through a big portion of the season. I look for Jeremy to become a very good pitcher as well as someone who will have an outstanding year at the plate.

Nick Vance (sophomore) has been working out in Lexington all winter getting professional training. Nick showed a lot of promise last year, and actually beat Lawrence Co. He came up with a huge save in the semi state championship game, when everything was on the line. Nick will do well this year and could become one of the regions better pitchers.

Dillon Baldwin (sophomore) pitched very well down the stretch last season in relief. He is just now obtaining a pitchers attitude. I think he grew more confident in himself every time he hit the rubber. Has a very nice curve ball that he drops down on, to go with some good velocity. He has worked out all fall and winter at the H.I.T Center and has become a lot stronger. Since he will be playing short,I look for him again to basicly work the closer roll. Again he did very well down the stretch last year.

As you can see they will all be back again next year, and the year after that they will lose only Conley. All 5 of these guys will throw 80+ this year. That in it's self is unheard of in the 15th region. Just look at their ages. This could become the best rotation to ever play at Johnson Central when it's all said and done.

Is a 4-peat possible?