Beech Tree News Network

Individual awards were given and team accomplishments were recognized recently as the Butler County High School Bears' softball team held its 2015 banquet.  The Bears finished the season with a 24-13 record, were runner-up in the Hancock County Lady Hornet Classic, were runner-up in the 12th District Tournament, and advanced to the Third Region Tournament.  Butler County has finished with at least 20 wins in seven of the last eight years and has advanced to the regional tournament in each of those 20-win seasons.
The Bears JV squad finished with a successful 15-5-1 record for the season.

The banquet was held June 15 at the Commons Area at Butler County High School.

The Butler County Softball team had seven players with perfect 4.0 cummulative grade point averages.

The following players received academic awards from the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (grades 9-12): 
Honorable Mention (G.P.A. 3.25 to 3.74):  Kassie Phelps, Ashlynne Brooks
First Team (G.P.A. 3.75 to 4.0):  Emily Rich, Taylor King, Madison Clark, Maddie McKinney, Zoie Pendley, Olivia Jones, Tori McKinney

The following players received academic awards from the Kentucky Softball Coaches Association (grades 11-12):
First Team (G.P.A. 3.75 to 4.0) Emily Rich, Taylor King
Honorable Mention (G.P.A. 3.25 to 3.49):  Kassie Phelps

In other statewide recognition, Madison "Boo" Clark was named Class 1A, Second Team All State for her performance during the 2015 season. 
The following varsity players received Silver Slugger awards (.300 or higher batting average):  Abigail Fry .333; Cheyenne White .317; Emily Rich .326; Maddie McKinney .309; Madison Clark .442.

The following junior varsity players received Silver Slugger recognition (.300 or higher batting average):  Amber Thacker .341; Ashlynne Brooks .405; Hannah Chaney .340; Olivia Jones .447; Tori McKinney .356.

The following varsity players received Gold Glove awards (.900 or higher fielding percentage):  Callie Cardwell .922; Cheyenne White .979; Emily Rich .917; Kassie Phelps .902; Taylor King.978; Zoie Pendley .920.

The following junior varsity players received Gold Glove recognition (.900 or higher fielding percentage):  Amber Thacker .912; Ashlynne Brooks .902; Dixie Garnier .917; Hannah Chaney .938; Kasidy Graham .957; Olivia Jones .900; Tori McKinney .950; Zoie Pendley .920.  

Kassie Phelps received the varsity pitching award.  She pitched 171.1 Innings; Record 17-12-1; Hits Allowed 180; E.R.A. 1.7; 107 Strike-outs; Opponent's Batting Average .249.

Zoie Pendley received the junior varsity pitching award:  She pitched 57.1 Innings; Record 8-4; Hits Allowed 51; E.R.A. 1.8; 58 Strike-outs; Opponent's Batting Average .223.

Several other varsity players received awards for individual performance: 

Maddie McKinney - Most Hits by Pitch (9); Most Walks (12); Most Home Runs (1).

Taylor King - Most Sacrifices (21-school record); Highest Fielding Percentage/Outfielder (.978)

Madison "Boo" Clark - Most Hits (57-school record), Highest Batting Average (.442); Highest On-Base Percentage (.471); Highest Slugging Percentage (.504); Most Runs Scored (37); Most Stolen Bases (12)

Callie Cardwell - Highest Fielding Percentage/Infielder (.922)

Most RBI - Cheyenne White (32)

Emily Rich, Kassie Phelps, and Taylor King were recognized for their role as team captains.

Rich and Phelps were also presented with gifts as the two seniors on this year's squad.

"We had a very successful season and it was honor to take the time to recognize our players for their many accomplishments on an off the field," said head coach John Embry.  "This is quality group of young ladies and I'm really proud of them and their parents for their commitment to our softball program." 

Coach Embry also recognized the school district for their continued support of the softball program. 

"From transportation to umpires, from facility upgrades to general expenses, we're grateful to the high school and middle school administration, as well as Supt. Howard and Central Office for all they do to make our season a success," added Embry.