LAWRENCEBURG — In the 30th District, all five teams will be good. But that is not unusual.

Anderson County baseball coach LW Barnes says it is crazy to believe that among the district competitors, there were three Division 1 pitchers. And that doesn’t include the numerous others who went on to begin their collegiate careers.

And, over the past two seasons, the district has had a team that advanced to the final four in the state tournament, including Shelby County, which was the runner-up.

That being said, Barnes believes his Bearcats are ready to compete for the district title.

Starting on the mound, UK signee Logan Grubb will lead a talented staff. He will mix a 90 mile-per-hour fastball with a nasty off-speed offering.

Seniors Brayden O’Bryan, Elijah Whitaker and Bradley Johnson will be joined by juniors Judson Van Neste and Brent Johnson on the hill.

Barnes has great confidence in the six starting pitchers. And the team lost another D-1 hurler in Aaron Robinson, who went through Tommy John surgery over the summer.

Whitaker, a two-year starter, will be leading off the lineup. Barnes called him a great athlete who will be at the top of the lineup.

Depending on how is pitching that particular day, he looks to have O’Bryan leading off. He has transitioned from the outfield to third base this season, when he’s not on the hill.

Bailey Cole is a two-year starter with a strong arm and is one of the best hitters.

When he’s not pitching, VanNeste will be playing first base or in the outfield.

Johnson will play second base or shortstop when not pitching.

Charlie Cole will be a first-year starter who will play third base when O’Bryan is pitching.

Cooper Burgin is another first-year starter who should be one of the team’s top hitters.

Elijah Castle, a two-year starter, will man one of the outfield positions.

Brent Johnson hasn’t gotten lot of playing time but Barnes said he is one of the team’s best all-around players and can play multiple infield and outfield positions.

Grubb will be in the outfield or at first base when he’s not pitching.

Looking at the offense, Barnes doesn’t anticipate a lot of power. That means there will small ball and making contact. Using team speed will be a key.

Defensively, while the outfield is coming together, the coach thinks he might have the best middle infield in the district.

The key to the season is pretty simple — stay healthy.

“Our pitchers are good enough to beat anyone when they throw strikes consistently,” said Barnes. “Offensively, we have got to be more consistent and cut down on our strikeouts. We have to buy into the bunting game and be better on the bases.”

Once again this season, Barnes looks at the 30th District as being one of the best in the state. He said Woodford County could be the favorite with the other four all pretty even.

The Bearcats will make a spring break trip to Fort Walton, a venture Barnes hopes to take every other year.

Weather permitting, the team opened the season Monday at Oldham County with the home debut on Tuesday against Henry County.

Schedule this week

  • Thursday, Franklin County at 5:30 p.m.
  • Friday, at Mercer County, 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Noon
  • Monday, March 18, at Owen County, 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Carroll County, 6 p.m.