“Bone-Afide” Champs Bad to the Bone Takes All-Star Glory

“Bone-Afide” Champs

Bad to the Bone Takes All-Star Glory

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

It was a night full of laughs, lightning-fast plays, and line-drive lasers as some of the top softball talent in the 16th Region gathered under the glowing lights of the Grayson Sports Park for a fun-filled, high-energy showdown on Tuesday night. Fans packed the stands, gloves popped, bats cracked, and spirits soared as two teams with swagger-packed names—Bad to the Bone, coached by Ashland coach Scott Ingram and the Ball Busters, coached by Rowan County coach Kaitlyn Muncy—battled it out in the region’s annual All-Star extravaganza.

The friendly-yet-fierce clash took place at Kentucky Christian University’s softball field, hosted by the 16th Region Coaches Association. The game wasn’t just about runs and RBIs—it was a celebration of camaraderie, competition, and community.

“The game is a lot of fun. Enjoy getting to know some of the girls from other teams and I think the girls like that also. It is a game that I hope continues for a long while. Appreciate all that Geoff Stewart does to keep it going and get it going every year,” said Bad to the Bone Coach Scott Ingram, capturing the spirit of the evening.

While the scoreboard ended in a 13-4 victory for Bad to the Bone, both teams brought serious game—and a whole lot of personality. The action kicked off hot, with the Ball Busters pouncing early. Ashland’s Brookelyn Duckwyler got things rolling, followed by a single from Boyd County’s Elyn Simpkins, and a booming double from East Carter’s Trina Porter to put two quick runs on the board.

Bad to the Bone didn’t waste time answering back. Ashland’s Addi Laine got involved with an RBI, and several sharply hit balls caused just enough chaos in the field to put runners across the plate.

Simpkins dazzled from the circle, working three efficient innings and allowing just three hits and one earned run. Meanwhile, the Ball Busters added two more to their total thanks to another extra-base hit from Duckwyler, plus RBIs from Porter and Greenup County’s Maddy Steele.

It was all fun and games until the sixth inning... then it was just fireworks…and a few mic drop moments as Bad to the Bone kicked it into high gear.

Ashland’s Zoey Smith lit the fire with a two-RBI triple. Boyd County’s Savanna Henderson, a sophomore with serious speed, followed up with her own triple. Greenup’s Laela Matthews capped it off with a sharp RBI single as the team poured in six runs.

They weren’t done yet.

In the seventh, Bad to the Bone tacked on five more in a thrilling display of offense. East Carter’s Stephany Tussey, Henderson (again!), Kaylen Case, and Matthews all brought in runs, showing that this team had power all the way through the lineup.

With a big lead in hand, Laine returned to the circle and slammed the door shut with three scoreless innings, holding the Busters hitless and striking out three.

It’s games like this that makes people wish that March would hurry up and get here.

Duckwyler, who made plays all over the field and brought energy to every at-bat, was named one of the game’s Most Outstanding Players. On the other side, Boyd County grad, Kyli Kouns earned the honor for Bad to the Bone after a night that included a single, a double, and a stolen base.

Other standouts included Diamond Wills (Rowan County), Brooklyn Jacobs (Boyd County), and Davanna Grubb (Raceland), who all contributed hits for the Ball Busters. For the victors, Lauryn Eastham (Rowan County), was 2-for-3 with an RBI, and Allie Dillon (Bath County), added a double and another RBI to the box score.

After the final out, both squads circled up at the center of the diamond—laughing, hugging, and taking it all in. This wasn’t just a game. It was a memory-maker.

With future stars shining and present talent on full display, it’s safe to say this All-Star classic isn’t going anywhere. Until next time—keep the cleats ready and the smiles wide, because softball nights like these are the real home runs.