Lady Colonel star Bethany Simpson edged out Ladyhound Softball Coach Dwayne Rice for second place in the Doctor’s Top Sports Story of the Year

 

IVAN K. RICE I doctorofsports@aol.com

 

2) Bethany Simpson – Multisport athlete: She lettered in an unheard-of six sports as a Lady Colonel

One cannot say enough about this young lady, and the career she had competing for the Lady Colonels, where she would eventually letter in six sports, which from the knowledge of this writer, is the first athlete, male or female from this area to accomplish that feat.

Simpson started her final year with a bang after she won her first class 2A Region 4 Cross Country Championship, as she stood out in front of the cameras and smartphones during her last race as a high school runner at the Bourbon County Cross Country Course.

Next, Simpson competed at the KHSAA 2A State Cross Country Championship, where she would finish her day in sixth place to earn a fourth straight XC medal as she led her team to an overall fifth place in the team standings.

Although she was getting it done running on the grass, Simpson was also showing off her talents inside the gym for the Lady Colonel volleyball team as she led them to a regional berth.

During her final season, Simpson totaled 200 kills, 241 digs, 229 assists, 47 service aces and 19 blocks. She also reached a milestone when she recorded her 1,000th assist. For her fine effort, Bethany was named to the All 10th Region first team, as well as the 10th Region and 40th District All-Tournament Team.

Simpson’s busy senior year was just getting started because on the horizon was the indoor track season and cheerleading. Cheerleading? Yes, cheerleading!

As a member of the cheer squad, Simpson who was stepping in because of injuries to the team, was always that one special athlete that will help in any way she can. She did her part as the Colonel cheer team placed second in the KHSAA Region 5 “Small Team Game Day” Championship to earn a berth at the KHSAA State Cheer Championship.

Once back on the track, Simpson competed in the KHSAA 2A Indoor State Championship and once again, she didn’t disappoint after leading the Lady Colonels to a fourth place team finish as they added another state track trophy to their overcrowded case. Bethany was Bourbon’s top point scorer after she placed third in the 800 meter run and fourth in the 1500 meter run, while running a crucial leg on the state runner-up 4×400 relay team.

Bethany continued through the spring with a nice showing at the CKC Championship where she would finish as runner-up in the 1600m run and pushed the 4×800 relay team to a CKC Title. She was part of the third place 4×400 relay team and prior to that run, she took sixth in the 300 meter hurdles.

At the 2A Region 5 Championship, where their team placed fourth, Simpson, just as she has done her entire career, was on top of her game for the Lady Colonels as she finished the afternoon scoring a team-high 22 points, after placing second in the high jump, third in the 800 and 1600 meter runs and ran a nice leg on the region runner-up 4×400 relay team.

During the KHSAA 2A State Championship, Simpson, who qualified in four events, was asked to do something different on the day to help her team. And she would as she gave up a few of her individual events to help the relay teams. Without any hesitation and despite not feeling the best, she led both relay teams to a state runner-up finish and 16 points for their team. It was a day like this that made Simpson such a special athlete that the County may not ever see again.

Simpson, an all-state performer, and a Coastal Carolina commit concluded her track season at the 2024 Nike Outdoor Track and Field Nationals that took place at legendary Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

Simpson did her thing in the USATF (U20) 2000 meter steeplechase when she placed 15th overall out of 46 runners. That is not an easy task, especially when your state doesn’t have steeplechase as an event in track and field.

Simpson, one of the most decorated track & field female athlete at Bourbon County, ended her career by winning a whopping (18) KHSAA outdoor state medals. That number would’ve been higher had Covid-19 hadn’t ruined her 8th grade year. From the knowledge of the Doctor of Sports, those 18 state medals are the most medals won by any (male or female) track and field athlete in the City of Paris and County of Bourbon.

 

3) Dwayne Rice – Softball Coach: Ladyhounds’ softball field named after their hardworking coach

May 11, 2024, will forever be observed as Dwayne Rice Day in the town of Paris, Kentucky.

In a proclamation read by Mayor Johnny Plummer, Coach Rice’s many accomplishments as Head Softball Coach of Paris High School were mentioned, along with his dedication to his team and his community.

Orchestrated by school officials, Cary Barr and Stephen McCauley, a ceremony was held to acknowledge Dwayne Rice and to ultimately name the home softball field after him. From being recognized as Paris’ all-time winningest softball coach to the unique experiences he offers his teams to play across the country, Coach Rice is more than deserving of such an honor.

Brand new signs now adorn the Paris Independent field on Georgetown Road, officially deeming it Dwayne Rice Field. When junior softball player Kay Oliver was asked what she thought of the recognition, she was quick to speak highly of her coach, commenting “he deserves everything in the world. I’ve never met someone who loves the game of softball more than him. I really do love Coach Rice.”

It was a beautiful sight to see family members, former players, colleagues, and friends all show up in attendance to support such a momentous occasion. It was evident that everyone there had been positively impacted by Dwayne at one point or another. Amelia Bratton, 2024 Softball Hall of Fame inductee, says “Coach Rice embodies every attribute of a mentor. Through the years, I have watched him pour his heart and soul into every player.”

Some of Rice’s accolades include the following: Ranked in the KHSAA record books as one of the all-time winningest softball coaches in Kentucky; Guided the Ladyhounds to the program’s first District Championship; Guided the Ladyhounds to their first Regional tournament win and their first Regional Championship game; Guided the Ladyhounds “fast pitch” team to their first winning season, most (wins) in a season and (games played) in a season; Guided his 2018 Ladyhound team to a top 25 ranking in the state; First Ladyhound Coach to guide this Class 1A team to victories over district heavyweights Bourbon County (4A school), George Rogers Clark (6A school), and Montgomery County (5A school), all within the same season; Led the Ladyhounds to five appearances in the All ‘A’ Classic 10th Region Championship game; Started the Noah Johnson Memorial Softball Classic.

When the citizens of a community work together and invest in it, the effects can be seen for years to come. Dwayne Rice is the perfect example of this and the legacy he is creating through softball won’t soon be forgotten.

“This was a huge day for our family and I’m glad a lot of our family members got to witness this impressive day that was dedicated to my brother,” said Citizen Sports Editor Ivan K. Rice. “Hard work and dedication got him here and our Dad would be so proud. I know he was smiling in heaven above!”

 

4) Maurice Garrard, Sr. vs. Ashley Garrard – Basketball: First father/daughter basketball coaching matchup in the state

Before the game, they shared stories, they laughed, even cut-up a little and then, finally took in the moment of what most believe to be the first daughter/father matchup of Kentucky High School girls’ basketball since its resurgence back in 1974, to start off Black History Month.

In a game played at Henry Clay High School, history was made when Paris graduates Ashley Garrard, the Head Coach of the Henry Clay Blue Devils and Maurice Garrard Sr., the Head Coach of the Frankfort Lady Panthers, went to battle in a game that was called the teacher versus the student, with the student, in front of a large Paris contingent to see the epic battle, getting the best of the teacher and rightfully so, considering she had one of the better teams in the always loaded 11th Region, while Frankfort is a small class A school from the state capital.

“This game of basketball has been around forever and for my Father and I to be the first to compete against one another as parent vs. child, as head coaches, is a testament to our love for the game,” said Ashley. “Hopefully, we made Paris proud!”

Coach Maurice concurred.

“Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, was priceless. To have my baby daughter to follow my footsteps while at the same time to make history as the first ever father/daughter to play/compete in this game of basketball ever and during Black History Month … what a Day! As this was an unforeseen/unexpected milestone being a father/daughter from the 7th/8th street projects that can give our kids that looks like my daughter and myself an example from our small town of Paris that they can be whatever they aspire to be.”

 

5) Bourbon County Boys Tennis: 10th Region Champions & State Elite Eight

Over the past few years, the Bourbon County Boys Tennis Team has become one of the most successful teams in the 10th Region, even when considering all sports. When a team wins the regional title three out of four years, there is no doubting one may now say they are becoming a gold standard. That is exactly what has happened with Coach Taylor Osborne’s BCHS Boys Tennis Team. Osborne said, “it’s surreal at times. We’ve come so far as a program. The goal when I started coaching was to put Bourbon County tennis back on the map. I think we’ve accomplished that.”

The BCHS team entered the team tournament with a strong lineup: #1 Singles- Noah Earlywine; #2 Singles- Case Davis; #3 Singles- James Mulcahy; #1 Doubles- Cole Knore/Gabe Ritchie; #2 Doubles- Kaden Bentley/Gabe Osborne.

BCHS received a bye in the first round and would then go on to knock off Pendleton County, Campbell County, and George Rogers Clark to claim the team title and earn a berth at state.

At the state, the Colonels won their opening match over Bullitt Central but then bowed out in the elite eight round after suffering a loss to an exceptionally good Ashland Paul Blazer team.

A week prior to the team competition, the Colonels played in the Individual 10th Region tournament with the Colonels’ sophomore Noah Earlywine winning the singles title after defeating foreign exchange student Mario Carpio Fernandez out of Scott High School, 6-1, 6-1. And then, senior James Mulcahy and junior Case Davis had not been playing doubles together long when they came into the regional tournament as the number 2 seed. Both players had great success over the last several seasons but had not played much together. Coach Osborne’s decision to put the duo together proved to be a great move as Mulcahy and Davis made their way through the draw and went on to win the region title with a victory over a doubles team from George Rogers Clark.

The seniors have helped the younger kids on the team on several occasions. It’s what makes me optimistic we will continue to be successful,” said the BCHS coach.

 

6) Marleigh Estes – Track and Field: State track champion & All-star Cheerleader

What a year this young lady had for the Bourbon County volleyball, cross country, track, and cheer squad.

Marleigh started her year off being named a Cheer All-American as well as the Camp Jump off Champion at the Universal Cheerleading Camp. She followed that with a nice showing for the XC team in her first year participating in the sport with a top 15 finish at regional that helped the Lady Colonels to a second place finish and a top 30 placement at state, where Bourbon missed a KHSAA state trophy by one spot.

Sandwiched in between cross country and cheer was volleyball, where she helped the team to the regional tournament. She finished the season with 82 kills and a team-best 35 total blocks.

Estes would go on to compete at one meet during the Indoor Track season where she ended up posting the fastest 60m hurdles time in class 2A after blistering the field at Centre College’s 5-Way Border Battle. But because of her commitment to the cheer squad, she was unable to participate at the inaugural KHSAA state meet. However, Estes, a member of the All 10th Region cheer team, didn’t disappoint as she was named a Cheer All-star that allowed her to compete at the World Cheer Championships in Florida.

During the outdoor track season, Estes captured her first state track title when she won the 300m hurdles at the 2A Championship in a new school-record time of 45.73 seconds, which was nearly an entire second faster than the second place finisher. Estes, the reigning CKC Champion in her specialty event, started her day with fourth place in the 60m hurdles, after coming in ranked ninth, to more than make up for her dismal day at the regional championships.

“I’m so blessed with this accomplishment and couldn’t have done it without God, my family, friends, and coaches,” Estes said about her performance. “Going into state, I didn’t expect much, especially after region. I just knew I needed to give it everything I had. Region showed me what I needed to work on, and I got right to it.”

When Estes, now a state champion and track first team all-state, compares track with cheer, she had this to say.

“Cheer has been my main sport since I was three-years old. Track, however, has quickly caught up with it over the past three years. I would have to say track is my favorite sport out of all that I do.”

 

7) Dalton Tucker – Football: He’s trying his best to make the Indianapolis Colts’ roster

In a way, it’s fair to say Millersburg favorite son Dalton Tucker has already beaten the odds.

Born six and a half weeks premature, the 24 year-old son of Shelby and Amy Tucker is nowadays a very healthy 6’6”, 320 lbs.

He’s got a college degree in health science, and he’s working on a master’s degree in leadership studies. He’s also married to his Marshall University sweetheart, the former Blass Morrone, who just recently graduated from Marshall’s medical school.

But right now, he’s facing one of the biggest challenges of his young life: trying to make the 53-man final NFL roster with the Indianapolis Colts. Tucker, who played right guard for Marshall’s Thundering Herd, has signed a three-year contract with the Colts, as an undrafted free agent.

Just one week into his pro career, he was getting up at 5:30 a.m. daily to participate in drills and working furiously to absorb the team’s complex playbook. The long days he says are both physically and mentally challenging. “But I enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to better myself,” he told The Citizen.

Dalton is an optimist, but he’s also a realist. He knows the hard truth: only 1.96% of NCAA football players ever make a pro roster. Tucker of course is betting on himself to succeed. He’s been praised for his versatility, having played both guard and tackle in college. He’s also known for his agility. He’s still got good knees, a definite plus for a big man in the trenches.

Tucker is mature enough not to “count his chickens before they’re hatched”. But he couldn’t deny the adrenalin he felt on NFL draft night, when he and his family gathered with Dr. Blass’s family for a “watch party” at their West Virginia home. “When the call came in, yeah, it was pretty exciting,” he admits.

“But I just have to take it day by day,” Dalton realizes. “I’m gonna work my tail off to make the team,” he promises. He says he’ll know if he makes the final roster by the end of training camp. “Maybe the end of July.”

Bourbon County Attorney and football coach G. Davis Wilson says Tucker graduated “young” from BCHS. “If he’d been a little older, he’d would’ve gone to a Power 5 school,” Wilson believes. “There’s no doubt Dalton Tucker has all the physical attributes to compete and succeed in the NFL,” Wilson adds. “The mental and physical toughness he developed over his career at Marshall, having had multiple head coaches and position coaches, overcoming injuries, being asked to play multiple positions, and being team captain, all of that will put him in position to make an NFL roster.”

Wilson’s bottom line on Dalton Tucker?

“He has earned everything. Nothing has been given.”

 

8) Ryan Davis – Baseball: Small town kid lived out a long time dream

Taking in the surroundings before the biggest moment of his athletic career, Ryan Davis couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed.

On April 15, Davis, a former record-setting player, and current assistant coach with the Midway baseball program, attended an open tryout with the Lexington Legends, an independent professional team in the Atlantic League, a partner organization of Major League Baseball.

Raised in nearby Paris, Ky., Davis, who played high school baseball for the Paris Greyhounds, grew up regularly making the 40-minute trip to Lexington, where he got to watch some of the game’s greatest players in various stages of their careers. This included a seeing rehab start by seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens and the minor league ascent of eventual American League MVP Jose Altuve.

Davis, who only knew about the tryout because of an Instagram message shared by fellow Eagle assistant Jackson Yazell, says the intimidation factor only increased when he entered the clubhouse.

“I walked in there, I saw a Miami Marlins duffle bag, a Dodgers duffle bag, there were guys there who had played Triple-A, Single-A,” Davis said. “(Being) a small-town kid from an NAIA school…it was just crazy.”

But when compared against what Davis had to overcome to even get to this point, competing for a roster spot against seasoned veteran professionals seemed like small potatoes.

Despite his initial nerves, Davis quickly got into a rhythm during the batting practice portion of his tryout, even rocketing off a few home runs.

That was enough to impress Lexington team officials, who called the next day to offer him a contract. Fully healthy and having gone through a few practices, he was in uniform when the Legends opened their season at home against High Point (N.C.) on Thursday.

Speaking about it a week after signing, Davis says it still feels surreal to know he’s earned a spot on a professional roster. And with everything he’s endured, he is most excited he gets to continue his career around the people closest to him.

“(Everything I went through) made me enjoy it more…because there was a chance I could never play again,” Davis said. “It’s super cool, especially coming from where I come from,” he said. “Being a professional baseball player has always been my dream. And the fact that I’m in Lexington is even better.”

His excitement is shared by those around him.

“For them to sign a local player like that…it’s awesome,” Bramblett said. “He’s got a lot of people in his corner that want to see him succeed, not just at Midway, but back home in Paris.”

 

9) Lady Colonels Track and Field: Team finished fourth at the KHSAA 2A indoor and outdoor state championship 

When it comes to the Bourbon County track and field program, it’s been said once and it’ll be mentioned over and over again … success comes with demanding work and when one works hard, they are normally rewarded.

Coach Drew Perraut’s Bourbon County Colonels completed another successful indoor season after he watched his Lady Colonels walk away with the fourth place trophy at the inaugural KHSAA Indoor Track & Field State Championships.

Bourbon’s top point scorer was their most decorated athlete senior Bethany Simpson, who placed third in the 800 meter and fourth in the 1500 meter, while also running a crucial leg on the state runner-up 4×400 relay team where she teamed up with sophomores Sarah Scott, Addison Felty and Macey McKinzie. Scott, who placed in the top 10 in the long jump and 200 meter dash, would go on and finish as state runner-up in the 400 meter dash in a time of 1:00.89 seconds.

Lady Colonel sophomore Ava Hernandez, the school-record holder, captured the 2024 KHSAA 2A Indoor Pole Vault State Championship with a clearance of 11 feet and 0 inches. Ava now becomes a trivia question … Who is the first person from the Paris area to win a high school Indoor Track and Field “KHSAA” State Individual Championship?

After placing fifth in the CKC Championship, the team came back to get it done at the Region 4 Class 2A Championship.

Simpson, again, was the top point scorer for the Lady Colonels as she finished the afternoon scoring a team-high 22 points that helped her team to a fourth place finish, while Hernandez was the Lady Colonels’ only regional champion for the day after she won the pole vault. Bringing home regional runner-up titles were sophomore Marleigh Estes in the 300m hurdles, and the 4×800 and 4×400 relay teams, which also helped the Lady Colonels to their fourth place finish in the team standings.

Up next was the KHSAA 2A State Championship.

Thanks to their three-headed monster of Simpson, Estes, and Scott, along with their two long distance relay teams (4×400 & 4×800) Bourbon finished the day in fourth place to bring home another state trophy. The three combined to score 35 of Bourbon’s 46 total points. Estes led the way with 17 points, while Simpson and Scott scored 9 points each, which concluded another outstanding outdoor track and field season for the Lady Colonels.

“What an amazing season. I’m so very proud of this team,” Coach Perraut shared. “They are the best ambassadors for our community, great teammates, great sportsmanship, and great character.”

 

10) Bourbon County Colonels Baseball: 10th Regional and 40th District Runners-up

The Bourbon County Colonels baseball team did all they possibly could to bring home the school’s first region baseball title, but they just happened to run into a very hot Mason County baseball team in the 10th Region finals, where the Royals easily disposed of Coach Nelson Faris’ squad to earn their first trip to state in 30 years.

The Colonels lost in the 40th District finals when George Rogers Clark scored all nine of their runs in one inning to blank the host Colonels to claim their first title since 2017. Bourbon was aiming for their first title since 2014.

During the 10th Region Tournament, the Colonels opened play at Conrad/Holmes Field with a victory over Bracken County and then took out 2022 champion Campbell County in the semifinal round, before bowing out to Mason in the finals.

“At the end of the day, the bottom line is that you have to hit the baseball and get runners on base, while playing good defense,” Faris said. “If you don’t hit the ball and don’t cut down on your mistakes, you will not win!”

Bourbon finished the year with a 22-9 record, extending the winning record streak for Coach Faris, who has guided all 22 of his teams that he has coached to a winning season.

Another plus for the County is the fact that they had one of the best pitching staffs in the state. They ended the year ranked No. 5 in the state with a1.65 ERA. They also recorded 247 strikeouts with was 45th best in the state.

 

11) Paris High School Football: Region semifinalist and ranked as high as No.3 in the state

What a season for the Paris Greyhounds.

Because if you win, they will come. And the fans showed up and out, home and on the road.

Coach Tyquan Rice’s squad finished the year with a 10-2 record that saw them rise to as high as No.3 in the state in Class 1A.

The Hounds started the season at 7-0, which was their best start since the 2015 season, and the 10 wins are the most since the 2015 Greyhound team won 11 games. In addition, Paris extended their home win streak to 14 straight games after going undefeated for the second straight year at Blanton Collier Stadium. Paris concluded their year scoring 444 points, which is the most they’ve scored in a season since 2001, when that squad, led by star QB1 Odell Cosby and coached by Hall of Famer Randy Reese, scored 445 points.

Other highlights are as follow: No. 2 scoring team in 1A and 26th best in the state; No. 3 defense in 1A and 22nd best in the state; No.2 scoring margin in 1A and the 18th best in the state; No. 4 rushing team in 1A and the 35th best in the state; No. 3 rushing defense in 1A and the 17th best in the state; Led class A in team sacks, which ranked as No. 3 in the entire state; No. 4 in 1A for fumble recoveries and 12th best in the state; No. 4 in 1A for pass interceptions and No. 19 in the state.

The Greyhounds suffered their first loss of the season to the eventual state runner-up Raceland Rams in the district championship game, before watching their season come to an end for the second straight season in the region semifinal round. The Hounds, after committing a whopping seven turnovers, lost to Sayre 38-12.

“We lost to a really good football team but this one hurts. Because I know this is not how we wanted this to end,” Coach Rice said following the loss. “But I’m proud of all of you guys for what you did for this team, school, and community. Now, we must move forward from here and get ready for the next season. We also need to remember how this feels and never repeat this feeling again. Seniors, you got us here, underclassmen, you need to keep us here!”

 

12) the  “Doctor of Sports”: Has covered sports in Paris and Bourbon County for over 40 years

In Paris and Bourbon County, Ivan K. Rice is “Sports.”

Rice, who turned 60 back on Sept. 16, got his “Doctor of Sports” nickname in middle school when a classmate noted his remarkable ability to recite sports history.

For going on 40 years, Rice, affectionately known as the “Doctor of Sports” — “Doc” or “Sports” for short — has recounted thousands of high school sporting events in his hometown from bass fishing to basketball for the Bourbon County Citizen.

His plainspoken style, countless amusing tales and irrepressible enthusiasm for all things Paris and Bourbon County have made him a legend in his community and among his reporting colleagues across the state.

During basketball season, Rice works the public address system and even keeps the official stats for some teams, like he did for the Greyhounds’ 2017 All “A” Classic boys state basketball champions. That service earned him a championship ring from the team with his own name on it, a treasure he wears proudly.

But with the unapologetic homerism, Rice also portrays sincere respect for Paris’ and Bourbon County’s opponents and offers honest assessments when the results don’t go their way. Rice has earned numerous awards from the Kentucky Press Association and gets positive feedback on his social media pages, too.

“They really do appreciate the coverage I give all the kids in the community,” Rice said. “And it’s about the kids to me. When I was growing up, I loved to see my name in the newspaper, so I know right now that may not mean anything to those kids, but 20 years down the road when they have kids, they’ll be able to say, ‘Look, there’s a newspaper article.’ I’ve written a lot of names over the last 40 years.”

Rice is the quintessential “homer” journalist in the same vein as any sports commentator who grew up and played for the teams they eventually covered. His Saturday morning Facebook videos, delivered with his trademark toothpick ever-present, reveal the love and passion he has for his teams. And he often celebrates and takes photos with the athletes.

For many journalists today, even in small towns, that’s a step too far. But few of Rice’s sports writing colleagues begrudge him for it. They respect his work and enjoy his company so much that seeming fault doesn’t matter.

“The way he embraces it, I think is what’s funny,” said Evan Dennison, longtime sports editor at the Maysville Ledger-Independent who now heads up the sports department at LinkNKY.com. “He’s through-and-through a Paris Greyhound, but he’s not afraid to put on some Bourbon County gear, too.”

 

Best of the rest continues… (HONORABLE MENTION)

NELSON FARIS – Starting with the Bourbon County baseball program in the early 80’s before taking over as its head coach in 2002, Coach Faris

reached a significant milestone this past season when he picked up his 500th career coaching victory, moving him into an elite club in Kentucky High School baseball coaching history. “It means I’ve had a lot of good kids and a lot of good sets of parents that supported me and a lot of good assistant coaches to help me,” said the Coach. Under Faris, the Colonels have made it to the 10th Region Tournament 18 out of 22 seasons, excluding the Covid year. They’ve won four District Championships, advanced to the Region semifinal round 12 times, while moving on to the championship game five times. What’s even more remarkable, Faris has guided all 22 of his teams to a winning record, with his 2014 team having the most wins in a season with 33. Faris was inducted into the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame back in 2015.

ASHER MATTOX – What a year for this Colonel hurdler and runner. Mattox started his year off with a state runner-up finish in the 400 meter dash at the Indoor 2A KHSAA State Championship. He added to his resume with a CKC Title in his specialty event, the 300 meter hurdles and then he went on to win the 2A Region 4 Championship in the same event, where he would also place third in the 110m hurdles. Mattox, a KTCCCA all-state performer, concluded his brilliant season by losing a heartbreaker at the tape in the outdoor 300 hurdles at the KHSAA 2A State Championship. He broke the school-record in the event becoming the first Colonel hurdler at the school to go below 40 (39.44) seconds in the event. Mattox would then team up with Jesus Mendoza-solis, Jacob Ezell and Mark Perraut to bring home a state runner-up title in the 4×400 relay.

NOAH EARLYWINE – This Bourbon County Colonel two-sport star had a breakout year on the basketball court, while continuing his outstanding play on the tennis court. Noah went into the Regional Tennis Tournament as the number 1 seed and he didn’t disappoint as he went on to win his first regional singles title, becoming the first player at the school to do so since 2002. After advancing to the second round at the KHSAA State Tournament, Noah would later go on to win his first USTA tourney that took place in Ohio.

ELIJAH WEBB – The 16th best receiver in 1A and 33rd best statewide, had 24 receptions for a team-best 605 yards and 9 touchdowns for the football Hounds. He carried the ball 24 times for 428 yards and 7 touchdowns. Scored a total of 19 touchdowns, for the 11th best in 1A. E-Webb returned 2 kickoffs back for a score and a punt return. On defense, Elijah had a team-best 5 interceptions (6th best in 1A, 35th best in the state), 26 total tackles, with 3 tackles going for a loss. On the basketball court, Webb was named honorable mention All-Region after he averaged 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. In addition, he totaled 31 blocks, 46 steals, 26 assists and hit 50.7% of his field goal attempts.

BOURBON COUNTY CHEER – The Cheer Colonels, although it wasn’t easy, earned second place at KHSAA Region 5 “Small Team Game Day” Championship, which earned them a bid at the 2024 KHSAA State Championship. Coach Leigh-Clay Estes’ squad concluded their year with a return trip back to the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships that took place at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, after the team pulled together to win the UCA Bluegrass Regionals to qualify for Nationals. Members of the 2023-2024 Colonel Cheer squad and their grade are as followed: Seniors Brynna Sponcil, Maggie Gambill, Ashley Gambill, and Bethany Simpson, along with junior Erick Rosales, as well as sophomores Marleigh Estes, Kennedy Mattox, Bailey Rorer, Raeanna Watkins, Gabby Rojas, and Kaydence Rasmussen. Rounding out the squad were freshmen Jaylynn Gitch, Lexi Herrington, Brooke Davis, and Addie Ward. “The beginning of this season was pieced together like a puzzle,” said Estes. “We dealt with many adversities including injuries and other unforeseen circumstances. Our team has dealt with each change with positive attitudes and continued to give 110%, but this was a great group, and it was a pleasure to see all they accomplished this season.”

WENDY RANKIN MAHANNA – For the second time in her AD role at Bourbon County High School, Mahanna was selected by the 10th Region as their AD (Athletic Director) of the Year. She was also a finalist for the Kentucky State AD of the Year award. Mahanna was recognized at the KAAA awards banquet that took place at the Marriot East in Louisville. “I am humbled to be recognized by my peers who I work alongside tirelessly to give all our student athletes the absolute best experience. We do everything in our power to make it special not only for the athletes at our school, but in our region and across the state. I have met a lot of great ADs through my various positions and have been mentored by some of not only the greatest ADs, but great human beings.” Wendy has been involved with Bourbon County Athletics for 16 years, spending 13 as an assistant for the girls’ basketball team under four different head coaches. She has been the Athletic Director for the past seven years.

BROOKLYN WHITE – The Paris Ladyhound junior forward finally got her chance to shine for the girls’ basketball team and she made the most of

her opportunity as she led the team in several categories this past season. White was named to the All 10th Region second team, while making the All 40th District regular season and tournament team. She was also named to the All A Classic All-Tournament Team as well. White was listed in the top 10 of all but three of the 10th Region statistical categories. She completed her junior season averaging 16.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, while making 53% of her field goal attempts. White, who led the region in rebounds and field goal percentage, broke the Ladyhound school-record for double-doubles in a season with 19, and became only the 13th Ladyhound player to pull down over 300 rebounds (327) in a single season.

JAYDYN “SHORTY” GOODWIN – Finished off her sophomore year at the University of Georgia playing in 58 games with 36 as a starter. Shorty, the former Bourbon County Lady Colonel basketball player, had 38 hits, knocked in 27 runs, scored 22 runs, belted out 10 doubles and 3 homeruns. She batted just under .300 with a .465 slugging percentage. She was walked 10 times, hit by pitch 3 times, and had 7 stolen bases. On defense, she had a 1,000 fielding percentage, with 76 chances for a putout. She had a season-high of 3 hits in a game against Mercer and Arkansas, while hitting two homeruns in a single game versus Georgia Southern.

PARIS MIDDLE SCHOOL 6TH GRADE BOYS’ BASKETBALL – This incredibly talented young basketball team completed the year with a 19-0 record, before losing their first game at the Middle School State Tournament, where they ended up in fourth place. That record, according to coach G. Davis Wilson, is the result of roughly 80 or more games that the team’s core played together before the season even started. “In five to seven years, I can see these kids competing for an All “A” state championship,” said Coach Tyrell Howard. “I could see them competing at the 10th Region Tournament with an opportunity to play at Rupp Arena.” Team members were Layne Royse, Chase Holman, Drayon Thomas, Joshua Bell Jr., DeVaughn Hutsell, Kayden Rainwater, Samuel Wilson, Jack Owens, Carter Walters, Jeremiah Hughes, Parker Green, Kaysn Gnau, Brian Brown, and Troy Clifton.

TYQUAN RICE – The Howard Schnellenberger Award for the High School Football Coach of the Year was presented to the third-year Paris Greyhound Head Football Coach. Rice led the Greyhounds to a 10-2 record where they saw their season end in the regional semifinal, after placing second in the district.

GREYHOUND HALL OF FAME – The Paris Greyhound Hall of Fame honors as inductees, different people each year that have contributed to the athletic and academic tradition of Paris High School, in addition to having a positive effect on those around them. This year they had 17 outstanding individuals who they felt reflect and personify the sterling qualities that have been honored since the Greyhound Hall of Fame was set up in 1983. Those inducted were Jerry Allen, Ron Allen, William Bennett “Bill” Bradford Sr., Eugene “Jeep” Clark, Bobby Craig, Ken Edwards, Joseph Henderson, Judy Henry, Daveed Israel, James F. Landrum Sr., H.C. Morris, Denver Pochodzay, Leon Roberts Jr., Bruce R. Turner, Jim L. “Jimmy” Wills, Rodney Woods, and Bill Worthington.

BOURBON COUNTY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME – Finally, after so many attempts and years to get one started, the Bourbon County Schools Athletic Hall of Fame is now off and running, where each year, they will recognize and honor those who have made valuable contributions to the rich tradition of Bourbon County Athletics. This year, twenty-two individuals were honored as the first class inducted into the Bourbon County Athletic Hall of Fame. Inducted into the inaugural class were Wilson Barlow, Bill Case, Kathy Johnston, Mabel Stimpson, Jerry White, Mary Witt Wilson, Allen Cleaver, Jeff Royce, Jane Jolly, Jim Hurley, Russ Day, Jeff Jett, Jack Tucker, Jim Lemaster, Larry Conrad, Eugene “Cotton” Correll, John Sosby, Kelly Galbraith-Geoghegan, Jim Ishmael, and Pam Raglin.

BRUCE HAYDEN – It was another standout year for this Greyhound runner. For the second year, the freshman Hayden represented the school at the KHSAA 1A State XC Championship after placing seventh overall at the Region 5 Championship. Hayden continued his season with a runner-up finish at the 1A Region 5 Championship in the 800 meter run. He would then go on to break the long stand Paris school-record in the 800 meter run that has stood for nearly 45 years, with his great showing at the KHSAA 1A State Meet when he placed fifth overall in a time of 1:58.10, earning KTCCCA All-state honors.

BOURBON COUNTY BOYS’ BASKETBALL – In what would be his final season as the Head Coach, former Bourbon County Colonel star and all-time leading scorer Derek Robinson guided his Colonel basketball team to a region tournament berth just to see his squad lose a heartbreaker in the legendary Mason County Fieldhouse. Going in as a heavy underdog and had it not been for some late game heroics from the host team, the Colonels, who were making their first appearance in the tournament since 2019, could’ve easily been playing for the Region Championship. After opening the season with three straight losses, Robinson’s team went on a 7-game win streak, which was their most wins in the row since the 2019-2020 team won seven straight.

KAYLYN BARNETT – Ended her final season of softball with the Georgetown Tigers by leading the team in runs scored, doubles, homeruns, walks, stolen bases, on base percentage, slugging percentage, extra base hits, hit by pitch, and total bases, while being second in runs batted in, hits, sacrifices and batting average. Kaylyn also made 8 appearances on the rubber, where she started two games. Her career numbers at G-town saw her with 181 hits, 150 runs scored, 42 stolen bases, 45 doubles, 10 triples, 20 home runs, 302 total bases and a career .321 batting average. In addition, Barnett had an on base percentage of .402, a .616 slugging percentage, along with a .920 fielding percentage.

CRAIG CLARK – Although several runners participated from Paris, one stood out over the others when 71-year old Craig Clark, despite breaking his leg back in April and overcoming a few other obstacles, competed and finished the grueling 6.2 miles race for the 45th time. Clark finished the race in a time of one hour, 50 minutes, and 53 seconds. When asked if this was his last Bluegrass 10,000, Clark said most certainly not. “l will continue. The future is what I live for!”

BOURBON COUNTY LADY COLONELS VOLLEYBALL – The District Runners-up who advanced to the region tournament where they lost a heartbreaker to third ranked Scott High in the elite eight, Coach Lauren Eads’ team did have players that had individual accomplishments. Reaching milestones were junior Rylee Barnes, who recorded her 1,000th career dig, while senior Bethany Simpson and junior Maci Brown collected their 1,000th career assist. In addition, and what would be even more remarkable, is that the entire Lady Colonel Volleyball team was named to the KHSAA Academic All-State team, with 14 of the 15 girls named to the first team! That’s carrying a GPA of 3.75 and above. There’s a reason it’s called student/athlete and not athlete/student!

BOURBON COUNTY BOWLING – Coach Johnny Yazell, as well as Coach David Hooper Colonels, bowled in the KHSAA Bowling State Team Championship, after their runner-up finish at the Region 7 Championship. The only individual to compete at the state was senior Cole Knore. The Colonels as a team placed 10th overall. Cole, on the other hand, opened his day with a 194 but dropped off in his second game bowling a 138, which ultimately cost him a chance of bowling in the singles step ladder, where he could’ve challenged for a state title. Knore did bounce back during his third game by bowling a 202.

PARIS FOOTBALL GAME WINNING FIELD GOAL – Remember that song that was sung by George Michael, “Faith” … well, Coach Tyquan Rice and his staff had faith in their field goal unit, even though it hasn’t been all that great over the past two seasons. But like Michael’s said, “you gotta have faith”, the Paris staff had enough faith and thank goodness they did, because their faith paid off big time when senior long kicker Brandon Cruz nailed a 20-yard field goal to give the Greyhounds a thrilling 39-37 come-from-behind (three times) victory over previously undefeated Rockcastle County, who arrived at Blanton Collier Stadium with the top scoring offense in the state, and number three ranking in class 3A.

WILL WILSON – At the Cincinnati Reds special skills camp sponsored by the Reds, Bourbon Christian Academy’s Will Wilson was rated #1. He worked out at various infield positions, including pitcher. The competition was based on three main skills: running, throwing and bat speed. In a phone interview, Will admitted he was surprised at his success, finishing #1, at the finals in Cincin­nati. His winning totals included: 90’ run – 3.96 seconds; Bat speed – 67 MPH; 75’ throw – 1.63 seconds. The soon to be freshman’s fastball has been clocked at 80 MPH.

BOURBON COUNTY CROSS COUNTRY – Thanks to a region title by Bethany Simpson and a top 8 finish from Stephen Bryce Perraut and Jesus Mendoza-solis, the Bourbon County girls’ and boys’ cross country teams finished as Region 4 runners-up. Both teams would then go on to place fifth at the KHSAA 2A Cross Country Championship, missing a state trophy by one spot.

PARIS LADYHOUNDS VOLLEYBALL – On August 31, the Volleyball Ladyhounds made history when they won their first ever varsity volleyball game when they knocked off the Augusta Lady Panthers 2-1 inside Earl Redwine Gym. Freshman Molly Mason led the way with 7 kills, 28 assists, 8 digs and 3 service aces.

AARON MAGGARD – This former Paris standout was named to the Mid-South Conference second team during his final football season with the Georgetown Tigers. Maggard, a two-time MSC selection, concluded the regular season with 11 catches for 187 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 26.7 yards per game as a pivotal receiver for the Tigers. Maggard, an MSC All-Academic recipient, made the conference team as an All-Purpose player.

ANDREA SZEKERES – Bourbon County Colonel senior Andrea Szekeres competed at the 2024 KHSAA Archery State Championships that took place inside the Central Bank Center Exhibit Halls in Lexington. Szekeres finished her day with a very impressive 284 score that saw her hit 17 tens. She was 8th out of 46 seniors and 29th out of 270 high school archers. Her overall ranking was 33rd out of a total of 295 shooters. Szekeres shot a career best 290 with 21 tens to win the Region 7 Championship, which gave her a spot at state.

FOOTBALL HOUNDS COLLEGE SIGNING DAY – An astonishing nine of Paris’ 12 football seniors from this past season’s team that finished the year 10-2, signed their National Letter of Intent to continue their football playing days at the next level. Heading to Union College are Evan Tipton, Damion “DJ” Plenty and Brandon Cruz. Suiting up for the Morehead State Eagles are Zian Webb, Jaiden Holman, and Jansen Tobin, while Cordre Patterson signed with the Saints of Thomas More University. Jakari Ransom will play at Kentucky State University. Gavin Brown is headed to the United States Naval Academy but will not play football.

AARON SPEAKS – Back on January 27th of 2024, Ladyhound Head Basketball Coach Aaron Speaks became the program’s all-time second winningest coach when his team knocked off West Carter 60-52 inside Earl Redwine Gymnasium. Speaks with 137 wins as the Paris coach, trails only legendary Coach Judy Cox, who finished her career with 303 wins. “Give credit to all the kids that have played under me that have put in the hard work to bring success to our basketball program over the years. And to my assistant coaches and support staff, who have put in countless hours to get the best out of these kids. We all can share this!”

HOPEWELL VOLLEYBALL LADY TITANS – This 13U girls volleyball team that was coached by Steven Abner, won the Queen of the Mountain Tournament in Gatlinburg, Tennessee with Rocky Top Sports World being the host site. Team members included Emma Mulholland, Hailiey Stanfield, Aniya Hayden, Kate Mattox, Mia Mason, Emmalyn Ogden, Gabby Gardner, Gia Griffin, and Natalee Lemire.

LAIKEN HARDIN – This Bourbon senior became the latest Lady Colonel basketball player to score 1,000 points in their high school basketball career. Hardin’s milestone bucket came at the 5:59 mark of the second quarter against Campbell County back on December 18, 2023, inside Russ Day Gym. Hardin, a second team All 10th Region selection, finished her final campaign averaging 12.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.0 steals, and recorded 16 blocks on the season. She completed her career with 1,305 points and 535 rebounds. Hardin will continue her basketball playing days at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, a private Christian University in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Hardin was also an All-District performer for the Lady Colonel soccer team.

JAKARI RANSOM – The Paris senior made the most out of his final year representing orange and black. On the football field, Kari rushed the ball 95 times for 598 yards and 10 touchdowns. He caught a team-best 39 passes for 555 yards and 6 touchdowns. Scored 116 points for 12th best in Class A. Totaled 54 tackles on defense, with 10 going for a loss. Had 2 sacks, and picked off 4 passes, returning one for a touchdown. On the basketball court Ransom was named to the All-Region second team. He led the Greyhounds in scoring (15.7 ppg) and assists, while being second in steals and third in rebounds per game (4.4). He concluded his career as the all-time ninth leading scorer with 1,430 points.

TERENCE BROOKS – After four years as the Head Boys Basketball Coach at Harrison County High School, Coach Brooks resigned from that position just a week after the completion of the 2024 KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16, where Brooks’ Thorobreds just missed their shot of participating in the big event when they lost a heartbreaker in the 10th Region final. Under Brooks, the Breds made four trips to the regional tournament and won three district titles. Over his four years, the Breds posted a 75-42 record, including winning 27 games two years ago, which would be the most wins in a season for the Breds since the 1995-1996 team won 28 games.

 TORI DUMPHORD – Finished her junior softball season for the Paris Ladyhounds by participating in the 10th Region All-Star game. Dumphord led Paris in batting average (.457), runs scored (32), hits (37), and triples (4). In addition, she had 26 RBIs, 7 doubles, 27 stolen bases (42nd best in the state) and walked 17 times. She also reached a milestone by recording her 100th career stolen base.

CAMERON MAYS – Finished his junior baseball season for the Greyhounds by participating in the 10th Region All-Star game. The third team All 10th Region selection and All-District performer led the Hounds with a .423 batting average. He also added 15 RBIs, a team best 30 hits, scored a team-high 27 runs, had 5 doubles, 4 triples (tied for 26th best in the state), 4 homeruns, a team-best 20 walks, to go along with his team-high 33 stolen bases, which was the 25th best in the state. Mays also had the state’s 25th best slugging percentage (0.775).

PRESTON COWAN – Another standout year on the gridiron by the junior Cowan that landed him on two all-state football teams. Cowan was named to the 2023 Prep Redzone All-State defensive football team for the second straight year, as well as the Kentucky High School Sports Zone All Class A football first team defense. The two-time all-District selection led the Greyhounds with 112 total tackles, which was 9th best in Class 1A. Also, he forced a state 19th best four fumbles and recorded a team second-best 28 tackles for loss and 7 sacks, which was 5th best in 1A.

LADYHOUNDS SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME – The Ladyhound Softball Hall of Fame, where they extend appreciation to those that go above and beyond for the program, inducted the following individuals into the 2024 class: Todd Parrish, Barry Barnes, Darren and Amelia Bratton, Donna Shriver, Bruce Hayden, Krista Barnett, Jennifer Arnett, Dolly Mitchell, Williams Lannon & Family, and Coach Dwayne Rice, who was caught by surprise with his induction as he joined the other inductees.

AVA HERNANDEZ – It was another outstanding jumping season for this Bourbon County Lady Colonel sophomore. Ava, the school-record holder, captured the 2024 KHSAA 2A Indoor Pole Vault State Championship with a clearance of 11 feet and 0 inches. She concluded her year with a third place finish at the outdoor 2A state championship in her specialty event and would later be named to the KTCCCA All-state team.

10TH REGION GIRLS BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME – Two Lady Colonel basketball players and a long-time contributor were part of the 2024 Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame Induction class. Missy Happy ended her career among the top five scoring leaders in Bourbon County history with 961 points. As a guard on the 1988-89 Lady Colonels team, she helped lead the squad to a runner-up finish in both the district and region tournaments. During her senior campaign, she was named 37th District Player of the Year. Crystal Brown finished her career scoring 1,233 points. For her play, she was named to the All-District and All-Region teams multiple times. Steve Holbrook has been an integral part of the Bourbon County Lady Colonels program for over 20 years as the scoreboard operator and score table manager.

AIDEN EARLYWINE – This Bourbon County senior, who participated in the 10th Region All-star game, was the recipient of the first Garland George Baseball Memorial Scholarship. Aiden completed his final year with a .337 batting average. He added a team second best 35 hits, along with 18 RBI and 21 runs scored. On the bump, he led the Colonels with 8 wins, which tied him for 19th best in the state. He struck out 83 batters (36th best in the state) with an ERA of 1.41 (42nd best in the state). The lefty concluded his career with a total of 19 pitching victories, 238 strikeouts, scored 73 runs, and had 112 hits at the plate.

KATIE WITT – This softball Lady Colonel concluded her final season with a team-best .444 batting average. She was also the leader in hits (28) and RBIs (18). She scored 17 runs and belted out 9 doubles. During the 10th Region All-star game, Witt laced out a double and hit a homerun.

JAMES MULCAHY/CASE DAVIS – These two Colonel tennis players had not been playing doubles together long when they came into the regional tournament as the number 2 seed. Both players had great success over the last several seasons but had not played much together. Coach Taylor Osborne’s decision to put the duo together proved to be a great move as Mulcahy and Davis made their way through the draw and returned home as 10th Region Doubles Champions.

MIKE WISEMAN – Bourbon County’s boys basketball program recognized Wiseman for his 10 years of service to the Bourbon County basketball program as the scorekeeper. Wiseman has worked 289 games to date for the Colonels.

MYKAH WALTON – The Paris Elementary track sprinter won the KTCCCA State U10 Championship in the girls 100 and 200 meter dash. She would later be named to the KTCCCA All-State team in both events.

ZIAN WEBB – Thanks to his outstanding play throughout the 2023 football season, this Greyhound football senior was named to the Louisville Courier Journal’s Honorable Mention All-State football team as a defensive lineman. Webb was also named to the Kentucky High School Sports Zone All Class A football first team defense. Zian finished fourth in the entire state with 14 QB sacks, which led Class 1A. He totaled 92 tackles on defense and 20 of those hits went for a loss.

ADEA CASKU – Competing in the KTCCCA Under 8 Division, Casku, a first grader at St. Mary School, won a state track title when she breezed home for the victory in the 200 meter dash. Cash’s day also saw her place fourth in the 100 meter dash. She would later be named to the KTCCCA All-State team in both events.

HAVANA WESTER – For the second straight year, Paris native Havana Wester, who attended Lexington’s Paul L. Dunbar High School, before calling Paris home, competed at the American Contender Tournament East Region Finals.

DYLAN MARRUFO – This Paris Elementary track runner was named KTCCCA All-State in the 400 and 800 meter run.

TORI YOUNG – After a stellar freshman season, this former Bourbon County Lady Colonel track star had an even better sophomore season. She was named NAIA All-American in the 4x400m relay at the NAIA Outdoor Championships that saw her foursome run a school record time of 3:47.80. She was also part of the winning 4x400m relay team at the NCCAA Indoor Championships. Tori was on the school record team for the indoor 4x400m relay team of 3:55.36 at the NAIA Indoor Championships placing 15th. Tori earned NCCAA All-American honors in the 4x800m relay at the NCCAA Outdoor Championships and was on the winning 4x400m relay team at the NCCAA Outdoor Championships.

JULIUS “JUJU” GREGORY – This Paris freshman completed 88 of his 161 pass attempts for 1,517 yards and 19 touchdowns. He was ranked as the 10th best passer in 1A.

DONOVAN GRIGGS – The Greyhound freshman finished the season with 44 total tackles, with 7 going for a loss. He picked off 3 passes, returning two for a touchdown, while recovering a team-best 4 fumbles, returning one back for a score.

JAYCEE GOODWIN – In her third season of playing collegiate softball, this former Bourbon County Lady Colonel completed her season at Georgia State appearing in 50 games with 48 starts. She batted .255 while registering 36 hits with 13 RBI, 16 runs scored, nine walks and six stolen bases. Jaycee was ranked second in the Sun Belt with a team-high 12 hit-by-pitches. She tied for first on the team with seven doubles, while recording nine multi-hit games, with a season-high of three hits against Ball State.

JAMIE COWAN – This former Paris Ladyhound basketball star completed her first year at Alice Lloyd College by playing in 31 games, while being a starter in 13 of those games. She averaged 7 points and 6 rebounds per game, while making 44.1% of her field goals attempted. Cowan, a winner of the school’s Athlete of the Week, added 28 assists, 15 blocks and 20 steals to her stat line.

BOURBON COUNTY BOYS TRACK AND FIELD – The Colonels opened their track season with a fifth place finish at the KHSAA 2A Indoor State Championship and then a sixth place finish at the outdoor CKC Championship. Thanks to the performance of up and coming sophomore track star Jacob Ezell, Asher Mattox, and pole vault senior sensation Tayvon Snowden, as well as a 4×400 relay team that went to work for Coach Drew Perraut and his staff, the Bourbon boys placed second overall at the Region 4 Championship, before ending their year with a seventh place finish at the outdoor KHSAA 2A State Championship.

SARAH SCOTT – It was a breakout year for this Track Colonel. She started her sophomore season with  a state runner-up finish in the 400 meter dash at the KHSAA Indoor 2A State, while running a leg on the state runner-up 4×400 relay team. She followed that up with a fourth place finish in the outdoor 2A state 800 meter run and then again, ran a leg on the state runner-up 4×400 relay team. She would later be named to the KTCCCA all-state team.

JAIDEN HOLMAN – Rushed the ball 129 times for 1,211 yards and 13 touchdowns, which was 9th best in 1A. Jaiden caught 9 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown. On defense, he had 46 total tackles, with 3 tackles going for a loss. Holman’s best night in a Greyhound uniform came during their playoff win over Ludlow when he rushed for a career-best 236 yards and three touchdowns, while recording 7 total tackles on defense.

EMMA DAHLSTROM – Batted .353 on the year that saw her with 24 hits, 19 runs scored, knocked in 17 teammates, along with 10 doubles. She led the Bourbon County softball pitching staff with 9 wins and 171 strikeouts (40th best in the state), with a 3.95 earn run average.

BOURBON COUNTY PITCHING STAFF – This Colonel baseball crew, after rising to No. 1, finished the year with the fifth best ERA in the state. Leading the pitching crew was sophomore JT Ritchie (1.01). He was followed by Jake Scott (1.10), Aiden Earlywine (1.41) and Kade Hilander (1.85).

TAYVON SNOWDEN – This Colonel senior pole vaulter placed second at the KHSAA 2A Indoor Championship and then followed that up with a runner-up finish at the CKC Championship before placing sixth at the outdoor KHSAA 2A State Championship, after winning the Region 4 Title.

BOURBON MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK AND FIELD – Coach Drew Perraut’s Bourbon County Middle School Boys Track Colonels didn’t win a single event, nor did they have anyone finish as a state runner-up but what his squad did accomplish, was a team state runner-up finish after several of his competitors placed in the top three in their respective events. “We did it with only six participants,” Perraut said. “These guys rose up!” The threesome of Carson Perraut, Grant Perraut, and Braylon Francis led Bourbon. They combined to score 27 of the team’s 32 points, with Grant leading the way with 13.5 points, after placing third in the 3000m and pole vault. He also ran a leg on the third place 4×800 relay team.