Anna Kemp lifts Henderson County over North Laurel for first KHSAA state softball title

Behind the big bat and arm of junior Anna Kemp, the Henderson County High School softball team got its first state championship.

Kemp tossed a three-hitter and also had four RBIs as the Colonels crushed North Laurel, 11-0, in Saturday’s championship game of the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop/KHSAA State Tournament.

The game was called after five innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.

A crowd of 1,522 at John Cropp Stadium saw No. 2-ranked Henderson County (36-5) win the championship a year after losing in the state final to Ballard.

Kemp (24-1) struck out six and walked one. The University of Missouri commit also went 2 for 3 at the plate with a double. Henderson County finished with 12 hits, getting at least one from all nine starters.

Kemp was named tournament MVP.

North Laurel finished 30-10.

HENDERSON COUNTY 231 41 - 11 12 1

NORTH LAUREL 000 00 - 0 3 3

WP – Anna Kemp (24-1). LP – Emma Carl (18-6).

MVP – Anna Kemp (Henderson County)

All-tournament team – Anna Kemp, Hallie McCracken, Taylor Troutman (Henderson County); Bella Sizemore, Saige McClure, Emma Carl (North Laurel); Layla Ogden, Hadley Borders (South Warren); Rylee Sandifer, Paige Crain (Assumption); Addley Leidecker (McCracken County); Ava Emmert (Lexington Catholic); Jaycie Goad (Boyd County); Annie Newman (Daviess County)

More high school sports:PRP baseball, behind Grayson Roll, defeats McCracken County to win seventh state title

Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Follow on X @kyhighs.