Story by Sunni Partin
Spring is officially here and 13th Region Baseball is in full swing. In the most recent 13th Region Rankings, the Whitley County Colonels stand at No. 1. The Colonels’ record stands at 8-1 with their sole loss being against Hampshire, IL, 2-3. One of Whitley County’s standout players is junior EJ Allen.
Allen is one of the top five 13th region players of the week, joined by Cayden Farmer from Jackson County, Ethan Jackson and Talan Marcum from Clay County and Noah Cima from Corbin.
Allen has pitched five games this season and has compiled 17 strikeouts. He is and will continue to be crucial for Whitley County’s success.
Allen has the opportunity to share the field with his younger brother, Kip. Kip is in 8th grade and is contributing to the pitching game of a very good Colonel team. This season, he has thrown four games and posted 11 strikeouts.
Having a close bond with a teammate undoubtedly makes a difference, even more so when it is your brother. For EJ and Kip, their connection is used to their advantage on the field.
EJ said, “Our relationship as brothers definitely benefit us both on and off the field. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses as well as knowing how to push each other to be the best of our potential.”
Kip is competing against guys four and five years older than him and is being introduced to next level competition as a middle schooler. With the valuable experience he is gaining now, he will make a great player for Whitley County in the future.
“Our relationship helps us play together and makes it more relaxing knowing you always have someone in your corner,” Kip said.
Whitley County has built a great culture around their baseball program as they brought home a state title in 2023.
EJ said, “Playing for Whitley County means the world to me. It’s just different here than anywhere else.”
As the season progresses, the Colonels will continue to improve and succeed with the help of EJ and Kip as well as Dee Parker, Christian Wilson, Jason Nunley, Spencer Bargo, RJ Osborne among several others. They will definitely be a team to watch for come tournament time.
“Year round, we are all constantly striving to get better with one single goal in mind: win,” EJ said.
Whitley County is playing great right now and with a winning mindset, they have the potential to make a deep run in the postseason.
