The staff at PBR Kentucky is excited to announce our finalists for our high school Player of the Year, having narrowed it down to a list of 11 talented seniors. The PBR Kentucky Player of The Year will be announced on June 21 by PBR Headquarters along with other PBR state selections for Player of the year. For now, let’s run through our 11 finalists, listed in alphabetical order.

Brady Baxter, RHP/IF, Danville HS (Marshall University)
The physical Marshall signee was an anchor for the Admirals’ lineup the past three years, and continues to make strides on the mound. Baxter put up a .475 average this season with 58 hits, including 11 home runs and 25 extra base hits in addition to 35 runs scored and 52 RBI in a strong offensive season for Danville. On the mound, Baxter led the team with 68.2 innings pitched, striking out 121. The high energy pitcher and power bat has been a joy to watch in the state and the future is bright for the big right-hander.

Jack Bennett, RHP/UTL, McCracken County HS (Western Kentucky University)
Bennett was one of the most impressive players in the state, both at the plate and on the mound. Picking up 54 hits, 39 runs, 35 RBI and eight bombs at the plate for a .466 average, the two-way leader was at the center of a talented McCracken County lineup. On the mound, Bennett totaled 59.1 innings pitched, going 8-1 with a 1.42 ERA and 78 strikeouts. The future is very bright for this WKU signee, truly one of the best all rounded players in the state of Kentucky.

Jake Bennett, C, St. Xavier HS (San Jacinto JC)
The talented backstop was a centerpiece in arguably the most talented lineup in Kentucky. In addition to tallying an outstanding 67 RBI, Bennett batted .436 with 39 BB and 14 bombs on the year. The San Jacinto commit was one of the biggest bats all season long, including a red hot postseason that ended with a state championship.

Korbyn Dickerson, OF, Trinity HS, (University of Louisville)
Posting a .481 average with 51 hits, 57 RBI, and 11 home runs this season, Dickerson has concluded an exceptional high school career. The Louisville signee has consistently been one of the most impressive players to watch in the state. This uber-talented outfielder led a fantastic Trinity lineup, and there’s a possibility his name gets called in the upcoming MLB draft.

Luke Evans, SS, Owensboro Catholic HS, (Wabsh Valley JC)
Possibly the most dangerous combination of power and speed in the commonwealth, Evans has filled out to a 6-foot-2, 190 pound build and is certainly an exciting one to watch. Batting .486 this season with 53 hits, 58 runs, and 38 stolen bases, the Wabash Valley JC commit undeniably has a bright future ahead of him.

Patrick Forbes, SS/RHP, Bowling Green HS, (University of Louisville)
Forbes has continued to progress over the years and is definitely a name that could be called in the draft. The Bowling Green shortstop posted a video game-like stat line this year, including 58 hits, 67 runs, 57 RBI, 15 home runs, 33 walks, and a .563 batting average. The two-way Louisville commit is one of the most impressive players in the state and unquestionably has big things ahead of him.

Nathan Lawson, RHP/1B. Russell County HS, (Eastern Kentucky University)
Lawson was one the most dominant players in the state this year, proving himself as a commanding threat both on the mound and at the plate. After posting a .464 average with 51 hits, 31 runs, 45 RBI, and 13 home runs, the talented EKU commit looks to make an immediate impact early in his college career. On the mound, Lawson finished with an 11-2 record with a 0.78 ERA. In 72 innings, Lawson walked just 20 batters and struck out 123. He led an outstanding playoff run for Russell County, including pitching a CG shutout and hitting a walk-off homer for a run rule victory to send the Lakers to the state final game.

Cody Luttrell, LHP, Russell County HS, (Uncommitted)
Forming arguably the top 1-2 punch in the state with Lawson, the Russell County HS southpaw is the only Pitcher Only to be named to our list of finalists. Luttrell was late to arrive on the scene, but picked up tons of steam his senior year for an astounding 2022 season. Over the span of 75 innings pitched, Luttrell went 12-1 with a miniscule ERA of 0.84, striking out a whopping 136 batters while walking just 12. This uncommitted star was simply dominant on the bump this season and will make a big impact somewhere in the future.

Brady Morse, RHP/UTL, Danville HS, (Bellarmine University)
The two-way Bellarmine commit from Danville HS recently finished a stellar high school career on the diamond, in addition to proving himself as an ultimate team guy and a quiet leader. Morse was a centerpiece in the Admiral program for years, putting up 60 hits, 39 runs, 47 RBI and a .476 average this season in addition to 21 stolen bases. The promising UTL/RHP is looking to make a big impact next year as a freshman in the Knights program.

Baron Ratliff, OF, Paintsville HS, (Freed-Hardeman University)
The 6-foot-4, 200 pound outfielder finally got in sync this year and became one of the top offensive threats all season long, continuing to improve day in and day out. Batting .430 with 45 runs, 55 RBI, and 46 hits including 12 home runs, Ratliff has as much upside as anyone coming out of Kentucky as he heads toward the traditional NAIA power Freed-Hardeman program.

Brody Williams, C, Lyon County HS, (Kent State University)
Arguably the best defensive catcher in the state whose hit tool has significantly developed over the years, Williams posted 53 hits, 39 runs, and 45 RBI to go along with 16 doubles, 12 home runs, and a .530 average this season. The Lyon County HS catcher looks to make a big impact on a strong Kent State program in his promising college career.