August 16, 2007

Benningfield signs to play baseball at Alice Lloyd

By James Cook
When Corey Benningfield played his last baseball game for the Powell County Pirates this past spring, he was not sure if he would get a chance to walk onto another field. But that all changed last Thursday morning. With his fellow teammates, coaches and proud parents looking on, Benningfield signed a Letter of Intent to play college baseball with the Alice Lloyd College Eagles.
“He is going to be a big asset to our program,” said Eagles Head Coach Scott Cornett. “Corey is an intelligent young man, a very smart baseball player. He knows how to set hitters up, change speeds and get batters out, that is the number one plus he adds to our program.” Coach Cornett is also looking forward to Benningfield playing an infield position as well. “He played some summer ball down our way and looked great,” he said. “I believe we can use him as a pitcher and an infielder. He is a very smart hitter as well. I am excited about how he gets people out as a pitcher and we are glad to have such an outstanding young man join us.”
The player that some youth baseball coaches used to say was too small proved to be a big part of the Pirates success over the past four years. During his time at PCHS, Benningfield helped the Pirates to win three consecutive district titles from 2004 to 2006. In 2006, he was a big part of the Pirates 14th Region Championship run, the first regional title in 28 years.
In his senior season, despite the teams’ heartbreaking loss in the first round of the district tournament, Benningfield chalked up a 5-1 record, while picking up three saves. He also had a streak of pitching 36 consecutive scoreless innings, while picking up wins over then 24th ranked Johnson Central, Perry Central and throwing a no hitter against Allen Central.
Benningfield also took part in the Kentucky Baseball Seniors East/West All Star Game, pitching three innings and only giving up one run against some of the state’s best players. He also helped the 14th Region All Stars top the 15th Region in a separate all star game. At the plate, using his knowledge of the strike zone, he drew 27 walks. Overall, Benningfield was the runner up for the 14th Region Player of the Year, which was won by Perry Central’s John Couch.
“I’m looking forward to playing at Alice Lloyd, I think it’s going to be fun,” Benningfield said. “The biggest challenge or adjustment will be going against better hitters, but I believe I can do it. I’m confident I can.”
Benningfield hopes to become a teacher and he considers the small college in Pippa Passes a good place to begin. Brescia University in Owensboro was also in the running, but wanted Benningfield to red shirt a year. He wanted a chance to play now and Alice Lloyd seemed interested. “I have a chance to play this year and I liked that, Benningfield said with a grin.
Alice Lloyd College is a small, school started by Alice Lloyd and June Buchanan back in 1923. The Eagles athletic teams take part in the KIAC conference and the NAIA division. The baseball team had a rough 2007 season, going 3-8 in their conference and 14-37 overall.

Lady Pirates win opener

By James Cook
The Powell County Lady Pirates volleyball squad opened their season last Thursday night in an impressive fashion. Playing host to the Clark County Lady Cardinals, the home team took care of business early in the first game then came from behind to take the second one and the match. Powell took home the 25-10 and 25-20 match win.
Powell opened the first game by taking a quick 8-5 lead and never looked back. Powell seemed to have no problem with the much taller and more experienced Clark County team. The Lady Cardinals had already opened their season with a victory over Bourbon County. The defending 53rd District champions also did not let their youth play a factor. Powell has only one senior on the team.
In the first game, Powell took the early lead then ran off an 11-1 run to hold a commanding 19-6 lead. Clark did manage a few more points on some quick shots, but Powell rolled to the 25-10 win.
“The first match is always an adventure,” said Powell Coach Ken Jones. “We are young and we refused to be intimidated by the bigger team. Teamwork and hard defense were keys to this win.”
In the second game Clark took off to the lead. But the Lady Pirates, who seemed to gain confidence with every serve, fought back to take the lead and the match. Powell won the second game, 25-20. “I thought the players showed a lot of poise and regained their composure after falling behind in game two, “Coach Jones said after the match. “Hopefully this is a good indicator of how the season is going to go.”
In the JV match, Powell struggled a little but still came away with the victory. Powell held on to beat Clark a 21-18, 8-21 and 16-14 margin.
Powell traveled to Owsley County early this week, but no score was available at press time. The Lady Pirates will travel to Estill County on Aug. 21. Game time is at 6 p.m.