Johnson Central captures fourth straight 15th Region title

Johnson Central High School defeated Lawrence County High School to win the 15th Region Softball Championship on Wednesday, May 24. Photo courtesy of Johnson Central High School.

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PRESTONSBURG — Johnson Central pulled away to defeat Lawrence County 13-5 in the 15th Region Softball Tournament championship game at StoneCrest on Wednesday, May 24.

Perennial championship contender Johnson Central won its fourth straight 15th Region title.

After posting the win, Johnson Central improved to 27-9.

Johnson Central pitcher Maddie Vaughn claimed the win in the circle. Vaughn allowed four earned runs while registering nine strikeouts.

Lawrence County pitcher Taylor Blevins suffered the loss in the circle. Blevins allowed nine earned runs while recording seven strikeouts.

Vaughn (one hit, two RBIs), Mayson Delong (three hits, two RBIs), Keylee Blair (two hits, two RBIs), Adyson Burchett (two hits), Josie Dials (two hits), Randi Delong (one hit, four RBIs), Sophie Younce (one hit, one RBI) and Abbie Stambaugh (one hit) delivered offensively for Johnson Central in its district title-clinching victory. Blair, Younce, Mayson Delong and Randi Delong each homered for the Lady Eagles.

Gracie Preece (two hits, one RBI), Bree Jones (two hits), Jada Patton (one hit, two RBIs), Abby Nelson (one hit) and Allie Triplett (one RBI) each chipped in at the plate for Lawrence County during the region title game.

Lawrence County concluded the 2023 high school softball season 27-13.

Johnson Central will meet 9th Region Champion Highlands in the opening round of the KHSAA Softball State Tournament at the University of Kentucky’s John Cropp Stadium at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 1.