WILLIAMSBURG — Jeremy Shope’s Whitley County Colonels are set to defend their KHsAA State championship and 13th Region title with high school baseball action ready to begin.
Last season was one to remember with Shope’s Colonels winning 39 games which included defeating Shelby County, 2-1, in the state title game.
But now, it’s a new season with some familiar faces and new faces as Shope’s squad enters spring as defending state champions.
“We return five every day starters (Bryce Anderson, RJ Osborne, Dee Parker, Hunter Wilson, and Matthew Wright) from last year,” Shope said. “Some of them playing different positions for us this year. This is a selfless bunch of young men who want to do what’s best to make our team as good as we can be.
“Our goal as a program will always be to go compete to win a state championship,” he added. “There are lots of factors to do that. We have to enjoy the day to day grind with everyone knowing their role and doing their job while cheering for the guy beside them.”
For the Colonels to be successful, Shope is depending on numerous players.
“Matthew Wright is one of the biggest leaders on our team,” he said. “He talks the talk and walks the walk. Well respected by his peers. He’s the guy that you want to make the last play of the game or be up to bat with the game on the line.
Hunter Wilson is coming off a big year for us. He will be one of our leaders.
“RJ Osborne is steady,” Shope added. “He is an old school type of player who understands doing his job. Bryce Anderson is a five tool player. He has a lot of God given ability and is really working hard. He’s going to be fun to watch. Dee Parker is a D1 type of defender. He reads the ball off the bat and catches balls in the gaps. EJ Allen has a tremendous work ethic and a lot of versatility. Expecting big things from him. Tyler Rose will have a breakout year.”
One of Whitley County’s strengths last season was pitching, and it could very well be again with Brady Bargo returning along with a number of talented hurlers.
“Brady was 9-0 last year,” Shope said. He understands how to pitch. Disrupts timing and great defender. EJ Allen knows how to pitch and brings experience.
“Tyler Rose, his stuff is electric when healthy,” he added. “Looking for him to provide big innings for us this year, and Trey Walton, I’m looking forward to him building off of last year. He can get people out. Kip Allen, RJ Osborne, Jason Nunley, Christian Wilson, Luke Lambdin, Chris Cureton, Eli Powers give us lots of depth on the mound.”
Once again, Whitley County competes in what many believe could be one of the toughest districts in the state. The Colonels will be battling it out with Corbin, South Laurel, and Williamsburg for a spot in the region tournament,
“Our district is one of the toughest in the region,” he said. “It has won the last six region championships. I feel like if we can get out of our district that we should feel like we have a shot at the region. Lots of things have to go right to win single elimination baseball. Got to be hungry, hot, and heathy to win postseason baseball.
“There are lots of good teams and coaches in our region,” he added. “Every game in postseason is tough. We believe that you must be blue collar (to be successful). You have to be able to work hard every day. Learn from the ups and downs. We have to do the little things every day.
I’m to have the assistant coaches. They’re dedicated and love our program.”
