10th Region, 37th District:
Campbell County Camels
The Camels won their first regional crown since 2014 last season, going 19-5-2, including an 11-0 mark against regional opponents.
“Every team we lost to was in the top 10 in the state,” said Dave Morris, Campbell County head coach. “So the thing I’ve been stressing to the players in the performance appraisal type of thing is that we beat anyone ranked below us. But we have to get over the hump to compete with the top teams. They had more physical and mental toughness than we did last year.”
Senior forward Ruby Dunlevy returns after scoring 30 goals and adding nine assists for 69 points last year. Senior Ambria Poynter also returns at forward.
Senior Madison Gamble and sophomore Jozie Holmes could play either forward or midfield. Holmes scored 16 goals and had a team-high 15 assists last year for 47 points.
Seniors Isabella Menetrey and Addie Schumacher return at midfield. The Camels also return three defenders in senior Julia Busam, junior Ali Powell and sophomore Emma Westlund. Senior Morgan Rawe returns at goalkeeper after recording 104 saves last year.
“Most of the current senior class were on the varsity team as freshmen,” Morris said. “Even back then, four or five of them started so we’ve been working with this group for four years. They all know each other so it’s easier to possess the ball more and more so we keep working on possession. But we’ve been doing that for years. Typically years ago, we were a defensive team. Now we’re more of an offensive team because of the personnel we have.”
Campbell County plays in the Fayette County Spectacular starting Aug. 10 against Lafayette. Game time is 6:15 pm
Bishop Brossart Lady ‘Stangs
The Lady ‘Stangs are coming off a 15-9-1 season and a third straight appearance in the regional title game.
Brossart returns four of his top five scorers from last year. Senior midfielder Jill Planeaux led the Lady ‘Stangs with 18 goals and 15 assists for 51 points. Junior forward/midfielder Emma Sandfoss had 18 goals and five assists for 41 points.
Two other seniors, midfielder Ella Machenheimer and forward/midfielder Katelynn Kremer, had nine goals each. Brossart returns several defenders hoping to make an impact, such as senior Brooke Shewmaker, junior Avery Schaefer and junior Kylie Kremer if she’s not playing goalkeeper.
Senior goalkeeper Lauren Gooderson is also back. She made 218 saves last year as the Lady ‘Stangs shut out six opponents on the field.
“Our mantra is going to be work ethic,” said Andy Smith, third-year Bishop Brossart Head Coach. “We think if we can get the girls to work according to their ability, we think we’ll be able to win the region. So far we like the camaraderie. You can tell there are a lot of friendships. You can tell they’re going to play for each other as a team, not just for themselves.”
Bishop Brossart opens the season Aug. 8 at Ryle. Game time is 8 pm
8th Region, 32nd District:
Simon Kenton Lady Pioneers
The Lady Pioneers finished 9-10-3 last season.
New Head Coach Hillary Johnson welcomes a group of experienced players. Senior midfielders Sophie Decker, Margo Roberts and senior goalkeeper Olivia York made the all-region second team. Decker is the leading returning point-scorer with four goals and 12 assists for 20 points.
Three more returning players made honorable mention all-region: junior forward Campbell Ruble, junior defender Avery Spaulding and senior defender/midfielder Katey Gadzala.
“Their work ethic is fantastic,” Johnson said. “Their dedication from top to bottom is so great. It’s been really good to step into that situation. They’d been doing self-led workouts before a coach was hired. Hearing that was really a blessing.”
Several others return with varsity experience: senior defenders Abigail Dempsey, Elyse Mulcahy, senior midfielder Anna Harrington and sophomore forward Jada Johnson.
Coach Johnson said three freshmen strikers could make a difference: Ella Smith, Reese Johnson and Alexis Howard. Smith could also see time at midfield.
The Lady Pioneers travel to meet South Oldham on Aug. 8 for a 7:30 pm game.
Walton-Verona Bearcats
The Bearcats finished 16-6-1 last year and claimed an “All A” 8th Region crown for the ninth straight year.
Patrick Luken welcomes back nine returning starters entering his seventh season leading the program.
“This is the best team we’ll have since the program started,” Luken said. “The chemistry is great. We just need to put some pieces together.”
The two leading scorers return for the Bearcats: junior Emma Landrum and sophomore Campbell Christy. Christy had 20 goals and 11 assists for 51 points and Landrum had 22 goals and three assists for 47 points.
Two players in the midfield that Luken pointed out as key are juniors Trinity Bauwens and Olivia Sams. Junior Emily Bowlin could also play a key role there. Junior Macy Sawyer could play midfielder or defender. The returning starters at defender are juniors Regan Stahl and Kassidy Evans.
Senior goalkeeper Payton Kenny also returns. She made 152 saves last year as Walton-Verona shut out 12 teams.
Walton-Verona opens the season Aug. 8 at Henry County. The varsity game starts at 6 pm and will be followed by a junior varsity game.