Story by Sunni Partin
Photo by Breanna Ledington
The South Laurel Cardinals are 11-2 on the season with losses to Strongsville, OH and Crescent (Iva), SC.
Waylon Hensley is a key piece to South Laurel’s success. Hensley is hitting .409 on the season and has an ERA of 1.59.
One of the Cardinals big wins this season was against Boyle County, 6-4. The game ended after nine innings.
“My proudest moment on the field this year was watching my team fight into extra innings with a good Boyle County team and one of my teammates, Austin Byrd walking the game off,” Hensley said.
South Laurel has tough district competition. The 50th District includes: Whitley County, Corbin and Williamsburg.
Hensley said, “My goals for this season is to fight through district and compete in the region tournament.”
Hensley takes pride in wearing a Cardinal jersey and knows what it means to compete for a program with great past and present success.
“Representing South Laurel is very important to me. Me and my team know every single time we step on to the field, that we are going to see the other team’s best arm. We have high expectations every year and to me it is very important to make sure me and my team do our best to reach those expectations,” Hensley said.
South Laurel has great talent this year and could make a big postseason run. However, they must first focus on district because the challenge of getting past the Colonels and Redhounds will not be an easy task.
Hensley said, “My team and the potential we have keeps me going and gives me motivation to get better everyday.”
South Laurel’s success this season has been built on hard work and a commitment to getting better. With Hensley’s leadership, the Cardinals are sure to continue their growth and push through the challenges that lie ahead.
