Bardstown learns from the past – After so many seasons of disappointments, head coach Martin Bodkin made sure the Lady Tigers didn’t leave nothing to chance. Botkin loaded the schedule with power teams like Assumption, Ballard, South Oldham, North Oldham, Sacred Heart and Bethlehem preparing them for the single elimination tournament. After having close calls with Bethlehem (2017,2018) and Central Hardin (2019), Bardstown was able to win the close games in the clutch (Central Hardin 1-0, Bethlehem 2-1) and finally represent the 5th Region in the KHSAA State Tournament, this season.
Livingston, I presume! There’s no question that senior Striker Emma Livingston had a marvelous year and although it was shortened by about the month was still able to put up 28-goals and 12-assists in a 16-win season and probably could have had 40. The ability to create space and score in pressure situations separates her from others. Also, she was tested against some of the best defenses in the state and still reached the century mark in varsity career goals and should have a great career at the next level as well.
The Empire STRIKES BACK! It may be a bit early to assume the Banshees are a little over the hill even though they haven’t been back to the State Tournament since 2018, but Bethlehem will still be a threat in the near future THANKS to the marvelous development by coach Dan Rossoll of his team and the quick turnaround of his super freshman class of Kensey Clayton, Hallie Hurst, Ashlyn Miles, Presley Sparks and Carlie Thurmond. Add to that a grest senior class which helped maintain stability and a six sophomores and juniors and the Banshees should be okay next season.
The NEXT Best thing. First there was Abigail Proctor and Maddie Sparks, then Baeli Young and now there is freshman Carlie Thurmond to follow in their footsteps as the next top elite scorer. Thurmond put 34-balls in the back of the net this season and with continues development should even be more effective in the next several years.
The BEST rivalry in the 5th Region. Although Central Hardin vs. Elizabethtown has been a long running rivalry in the 5th over the past seasons, it really doesn’t compare to Bardstown vs. Bethlehem over the past four years. True! During a four year period, the Banshees didn’t lose to a single Region foe from 2015-2018, the Lady Tigers were beginning to develop a presence right around 2017 and for the past two years have beaten Bethlehem six straight times. Five of those games were just by a goal and those five were considered classics with three going to Overtime. With both teams reloading next year, the two teams should still be great entertainment in the near future.
