[Lowdown]

Well all the pressure is on Estill and Perry. They both have been seen as the favorites by most all season. Wolfe and Letcher are more than capable of making a run if they can get hot. Tournament time affects all kids and teams different. Some kids play better under pressure and some struggle to handle it.
The semifinals and Finals should be some great games.

Agreed Redsfan. Estill and Perry definitely have all the pressure. IMO Coach West, even though losing to the Commodores already earlier in the year, I think has the most pressure to win. After him promising, as you’ve said before, “he would take Estill softball to a new level” has not done that!!!  They do play better competition throughout the year. But when playing against the better 14th region teams, they haven’t came through with the loss to Perry. I also think this group being the so called “best Estill team in a while” has not lived up to the billing after run ruling everyone last year and returning every starter minus one.  Interesting situation in irvine. And as you’ve said, all kids handle pressure differently. This regional play will tell the tale. 

As for Perry, I do think this is the best team they’ve had in a while. The Commodores have had many good pitchers over the last few years, but I think Kim Hughes is the best in a bit. Moves the ball great and keeps batters off balance. They are very athletic in the infield and outfield with the Dixon girls. Every batter is capable of putting the ball in play. Bobby is an amazing coach, but I think that everyone in Perry County is tired of being a contender. They want that region championship trophy in Hazard! If they win the Knott County game, them playing the Wolves with a home team advantage will be a good one.  

Wolfe with the new coach has had an average year. They’ve been great at times, but fumbled in others. However, once Coach Howard gets things going the way she wants, this group could really be good. I’m interested to see how the next few years play out. Big steps to fill coming in after Benny. But I’m quite certain after coaching Pikeville she’s up to the test. 

Letcher Central is the least I know about a team. Being way down there in the bottom of the mountains, I’ve not got to watch a lot of their games. Like the Wolves, Coach Perkins has had them clicking at times. It will be interesting to watch and see if they can make a run in the tournament. 

I still think that Knott could make a run looking at their body of work. 

My sleeper is Breathitt. They’ve beaten all the good teams in the 14th at least once minus the Engineers. They play really well at times. Pennington and Butler make a nice one two punch in the circle. They also HIT!  Don’t throw it over the plate with this bunch. 

Looking forward to this week.