Beech Tree News Network

With three key players lost to graduation and others absent from last year's roster, the Butler County Bears' softball team is definitely in a rebuilding mode for the 2015 season. 
Lost to graduation from 2014 are Lynsie Clark, Amy Rogers and Natoshia White - all three key players who made significant contributions to the BCHS Softball program since their middle school years.

The Bears return 12 players from last years team, including two seniors - pitcher Kassie Phelps and outfielder Emily Rich.  Both are expected to put up solid numbers in their senior season.
Centerfielder Taylor King, leftfielder Abilgail Fry and second baseman Callie Cardwell are returing juniors.  Casey Lloyd, a junior outfielder, is new to the team this year.
Sophomores include Madison "Boo" Clark (third base), Ashlynne Brooks (third/first base, catcher), Zoie Pendley (pitcher/first base), Cheyenne White (catcher) and Maddie McKinney (shortstop).
Olivia Jones (pitcher/first base/outfield) and Tori McKinney (pitcher/infield/outfield) comprise the freshmen class.  There are six middle school players on the high school team.  They include 8th graders Kasidy Graham (catcher/infield), Dixie Garnier (outfield), Amber Thacker (infield, pitcher) and Kylee Smith (pitcher/outfield/infield).  Hannah Chaney (outfield/catcher) and Ashley Thacker (infield/outfield) are seventh graders though she is expected to be out most of the spring due to a wrist injury. 

"We've lost a lot players since last season and this is definitely a transition year for us," said BCHS head coach John Embry.  "However, we have quality players returning and several younger players who are going to get a lot of opportunities to step up and contribute on both the varsity and JV levels."
Butler County finished 19-17 last season and lost to Grayson County in the first round of the 12th District Tournment, which ended a six-year run of regional tournament appearances and 20-win seasons.  The JV Bears posted a 15-4 record last season. 
Diane Dyer, Jack Clark and Barry Frazier return the dugout as assistant coaches for the 2015 season.

"We're fortunate to have a quality coaching staff who work hard for our players and do all they can to benefit our program," said Embry. 
With plenty of snow and rain during the preseason, the Bears weren't able to practice on the field a single time prior to their opening game on Monday, March 16.  Nevertheless, the Bears picked up a 6-2 win at home against Todd County Central.  On Tuesday, Butler County fell 6-0 to a strong Daviess County team. 

Butler County is in the 12th District, which consists of Edmonson County, Grayson County, and Whitesville Trinity. 
"All teams in our district lost several key players so this year's district race should be a good one," said Embry.  "I expect our district games to be competitive and it will probably boil down to which team gets hot at the right time."
Butler County, as usual, plays a full schedule with multiple tournaments.  The Bears are playing in tournaments at Apollo, Hancock County, Rockcastle County and a round-robin event at Barren County. 
"We have a maximum of 36 regular season games and we try to schedule in such a way that allows us get them all in," said Embry.  "Our 2015 schedule is competitive and feauters some of the top teams in the Third and Fourth Regions." 
Stay connected to Beech Tree News for softball coverage throughout the season.  Fans can also connect with the team through its Facebook page - Butler County Bears Softball. 

SCHEDULE - 2015 BCHS Softball.docx

2015 BCHS Softball Roster.docx