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2026 KY High School Team Previews: #10-6

March 12, 2026
Wil Hannah | Jamie Tessoff
KY Assistant Director | KY Scouting Director

We are less than ONE WEEK from opening day for the 2026 KHSAA season! The Prep Baseball KY staff has been hard at work ranking the top 25 teams in the Bluegrass State. We are now previewing our top ranked teams as part of our Power 25 countdown. Our next round of preview belongs to #10-6!

#6: Whitley County Colonels   

Region 13 | District 50
Head Coach: Jeremy Shope
Twitter/X: @WCcolonelsBase

2025 Recap
Whitley County turned in an outstanding 27–7 season in 2025, winning the 13th Region regular season and capturing the 50th District title before cuming up just short as the regional runner-up to Corbin. With nearly the entire roster returning and the addition of top-3 ranked 2029 prospect Cooper Parman, the Colonels enter 2026 with heavy momentum in the 13th Region.

Key Departures

  • 2025 Jason Nunley
  • 2025 Ronald Osborne

Returning Core

  • 2027 Eli Powers
  • 2027 Trey Walton
  • 2028 Ty Petrey
  • 2029 Kip Allen

New Contributors

Schedule Highlights

  • Mar 17: @ Sayre
  • Mar 27-29: Prep Baseball KY High School Invitational - Somerset, KY
  • Mar 30-Apr 3: Spring Break at LakePoint - Emerson, GA
  • Apr 17: @ Madison Central
  • May 2: @ Frederick Douglass x2
  • May 11: vs. Sayre
  • May 15: vs. Madison Central

#7: Lexington Catholic Knights 

Region 11 | District 43
Head Coach: Scott Downs
Twitter/X: @LexCathBaseball

2025 Recap
Lexington Catholic went 22–8 in 2025, capturing the 43rd District title and finishing as the 11th Region runner-up after an extra-inning battle with Sayre in the championship game. With certain talent and depth to compete in one of the state’s toughest regions, the Knights once again look capable of making a deep postseason push.

Key Departures

Returning Core

New Contributors

Schedule Highlights

  • Mar 17: vs. Frederick Douglass
  • Mar 19: @ St. Xavier
  • Mar 23: @ Taylor County
  • Mar 27-29: Prep Baseball KY High School Invitational - Somerset, KY
  • May 2: @ Boyd County
  • May 8: @ Frederick Douglass
  • May 11: vs. Trinity

#8: Taylor County Cardinals 

Region 5 | District 20
Head Coach: Brandon Gupton
Twitter/X: @TCcardsbaseball

2025 Recap
Taylor County delivered an outstanding 29–7 season in 2025, cruising through the 5th Region behind a strong senior-led group of upperclassmen. With Kentucky commit Cole McLean set to headline a dominant pitching staff, the Cardinals enter 2026 as an early 5th Region favorite to once again contend for a deep postseason run.

Key Departures

Returning Core

New Contributors

  • 2028 Kaysen Thompson

Schedule Highlights

  • Mar 21: vs. Henry Clay
  • Mar 23: vs. Lexington Catholic
  • Apr 17: vs. LaRue County
  • Apr 18: @ Breckinridge County

#9: Boyd County Lions 

Region 16 | District 64
Head Coach: Frank Conley
Twitter/X: @BoydCoBaseball

Boyd County returns hungry after a Final Four run and brings back a veteran, winning core.

2025 Recap
Finished 31–6, advancing to the state semifinals.

Key Departures

  • Brogan Jones
  • Caleb Gray
  • Kyle Cordial

Returning Core

  • Josh Kelley, SS, 2026
  • Kaleb Kelley, UTIL, 2026
  • Brayden Coleman, DH/1B/RHP, 2026

Team Identity
Experience, selflessness, and postseason composure define this group. Pitching depth and lineup balance give Boyd County a chance to make another deep run.

Outlook
Expectation level is five.

Schedule Highlights
Derby Classic, Somerset PBR, multiple WV matchups, and a loaded regional slate.

#10: Owensboro Catholic Aces 

Region 3 | District 9
Head Coach: Jody Hamilton
Twitter/X: None

The Owensboro Catholic ACES enter the 2026 season looking to build off a strong 2025 campaign, returning a roster with a blend of pitching depth, defensive talent, and athleticism. With key contributors returning across multiple positions, the ACES aim to compete at a high level within their region and make another deep postseason push.

2025 Recap
Owensboro Catholic finished the 2025 season with a 21–11 record, advancing to the region semifinals. The ACES showcased a balanced approach with strong pitching, solid defense, and timely hitting, establishing themselves as one of the more consistent programs in the area.

Key Departures
The ACES will need to replace several significant contributors from last year’s squad:

These gaps open opportunities for returning players and newcomers to take on expanded roles.

Projected Pitching Staff
Owensboro Catholic’s pitching staff is anchored by a mix of size, velocity, and multi-position talent:

  • Barrett Evans, P/3B – Reliable arm with experience at multiple positions.
  • Lane Hundley, LHP/1B – Left-handed starter with strong command and versatility at first base.
  • Jaxson White, P/OF/1B – Athletic arm capable of contributing both on the mound and in the field.
  • Gentry Atwell, P, SR – 6’7”, 240-pound senior who projects as a dominant presence on the mound.
  • Jude Evans, OF, SO – Developing arm with upside.
  • Alex Hood, C – Defensive anchor behind the plate.

Projected Starting Lineup
OF: Jude Evans, Tucker Evans, Jaxson White

C: Alex Hood

INF: Mason Russelburg, Jake Murphy (SS), Barrett Evans (3B), Lane Hundley (1B) 

UTIL: Mason Moser

This group combines athleticism and versatility, allowing the ACES to adapt to different lineups and matchups.

Top Returning Players

  • Gentry Atwell, P, SR – A 6’7”, 240-pound left-handed presence who anchors the pitching staff.
  • Barrett Evans, P/3B – Experienced pitcher and corner infielder with strong defensive and offensive contributions.
  • Lane Hundley, LHP/1B – Left-handed starter and reliable infielder who can impact games on both sides of the ball.
  • Jaxson White, P/OF/1B – Athletic, versatile contributor capable of filling multiple roles.
  • Alex Hood, C – Defensive leader behind the plate and steady contributor on offense.

Top Newcomers / Contributors to Watch

  • Jude Evans, OF, SO – Emerging outfielder with tools to contribute offensively and defensively.
  • Myles Grant, SO – Young talent who will compete for varsity minutes and pitching opportunities.

Team Strengths
Owensboro Catholic is built on pitching and defense, returning multiple arms and position players who can control the game on both sides. The roster is athletic and versatile, capable of running, putting pressure on opposing defenses, and adjusting lineups as needed.

Outlook for 2026
With internal expectations set at five and no known absences, Owensboro Catholic looks poised to compete for district and regional success. Leadership from seniors, combined with developing underclassmen, gives the ACES a well-rounded and competitive roster for the upcoming season.

Schedule Notes
The Aces will face a challenging slate of opponents, including:

  • Louisville Trinity
  • South Warren
  • Apollo
  • University Heights Academy
  • Bowling Green

College Commits

  • Barrett Evans- Brescia
  • Gentry Atwell- Wabash valley

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