Valley Sports American Little League

Meet #7 for Team Kentucky: Nolyn Payton

Every team has players who make big plays.
Then there are the players who set the tone for everyone around them.

For Team Kentucky, that's Nolyn.

Whether he's taking the mound, making plays at shortstop, or leading by example in the dugout, Nolyn has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches by approaching the game the same way every single day. He competes with intensity, expects the best from himself, and pushes those around him to do the same.

Coach Jerry says carrying the weight of being "the guy" isn't easy, but he's watched Nolyn grow into that role throughout the years. He knows his teammates are looking to him in big moments, and he's learned how to embrace that responsibility without letting it change who he is. Jerry is proud of the player and young man he's become, and his message is simple:

"Keep going."

Coach Josh describes Nolyn with one word:

Leader.

Not because he demands attention, but because he earns the trust of everyone around him. He leads with his actions, his work ethic, and his character, setting an example that his teammates naturally want to follow. Josh believes the legacy Nolyn leaves behind will last long after this season is over.

Coach Dan summed him up in only three words:
"Aggression barely contained."
Anyone who's watched Nolyn compete knows exactly what he means.

When asked what baseball has taught him, Nolyn's answer was:

"Discipline."

It's a simple answer, but one that shows up every time he steps onto the field. Whether it's preparing for the next pitch, holding himself accountable, or encouraging a teammate after a tough inning, his disciplined approach is part of what makes him such an important piece of Team Kentucky.

When asked what it means to represent Kentucky, Nolyn didn't talk about personal accomplishments.

Instead, he talked about where he comes from.

"I want to show the rest of the world what the South End is made of."

That pride in his community is reflected in the way he plays every game.

When asked what he loves most about this team, his answer was:
"The way we push each other."
That's exactly what great teammates do - and it's exactly what Nolyn has helped create throughout this journey.

Before heading to Iowa, Nolyn left his teammates with one final message:

"Never leave doubt that you left it all out on the field."

It's more than just advice.
It's the standard he's lived by all season.

Help us wish Nolyn the best of luck as Team Kentucky heads to Iowa! Leave him a message in the comments - we know he'll appreciate the encouragement!

The countdown is on...

Team Kentucky opens the Little League Intermediate (50/70) Central Region Tournament on July 19 at 6:30 PM in Ankeny, Iowa.

As we wrap up our player spotlight series, we want to thank all 12 young men for allowing us to share their stories. Every player brings something different to this team, and that's exactly what makes this group so special.

Now it's time.

Let's go show everyone what the South End is made of.

Meet #33 for Team Kentucky: Brody "Gas Man" Waldrop

Some players let the moment get bigger than the game.

Brody never does.

Whether he's standing on the mound with the game on the line or making a play at third base, Brody has a unique ability to stay calm no matter the situation. While emotions can run high in baseball, his steady mindset and relaxed demeanor never seem to change.

If you've ever watched him pitch, you've probably noticed it.

During last year's District Championship, with just a one-run lead, Brody stood on the mound casually flipping the baseball behind his back, tossing it over his shoulder, and catching it between pitches. To anyone watching, you would've thought it was the first inning of a scrimmage instead of one of the biggest moments of the season.

That's just who Brody is.

Unshakable.

Coach Jerry says Brody is "mentally different." No matter the pressure, he competes with the same calm confidence whether his team is up by twenty or locked in a one-run game. His message to Brody is simple: don't ever change. That mindset is one of the things that makes him special.

Coach Josh describes Brody with one word: Unstoppable. His determination, confidence, and relentless effort allow him to attack every challenge head-on while making the players around him better.

Coach Dan summed him up in only a few words:

"About as loose as you can be."

When asked what baseball has taught him, Brody's answer fit his personality perfectly.

"To not think too much."

It's a simple answer, but it explains exactly why he's able to perform in the biggest moments. He trusts his preparation, stays present, and never lets the pressure become bigger than the game itself.

When asked what it means to represent Kentucky, Brody said it makes him proud of his team. And when asked what he's most excited about in Iowa, his answer was just as simple:

Playing baseball with my team.

One thing Brody appreciates most about this journey isn't just the competition - it's the teammates and coaches he's sharing it with.

Before heading to Iowa, Brody had one message for his teammates:

"Play your own game."

It's advice that perfectly reflects the way he approaches baseball every time he steps on the field.

Help us wish Brody the best of luck as Team Kentucky heads to Iowa! Leave him a message in the comments - we know he'll appreciate the encouragement!

The countdown is on...

Team Kentucky opens the Little League Intermediate (50/70) Central Region Tournament on July 19 at 6:30 PM in Ankeny, Iowa.

Follow along as we continue introducing the 12 young men representing Team Kentucky before first pitch. Stay tuned for our next player spotlight!

Meet #1 for Team Kentucky: Hudson "Huddy" Payton

Every great team has that one player who brings everyone together.

For Team Kentucky, that's Huddy.

Spend five minutes around this team and you'll quickly figure out who keeps everyone laughing. Ask almost any player who makes them smile, and chances are you'll hear the same answer:

Hudson.

He's always joking around, keeping the energy high, and making sure everyone feels included. But the moment his cleats hit the dirt, everything changes.

It's go time.

Behind the plate, Hudson becomes one of Team Kentucky's biggest leaders. He controls the game, shuts down opposing baserunners with his pickoff ability, and gives every pitcher on the mound confidence. His presence behind the plate is one of the biggest reasons this team plays with so much confidence.

Coach Jerry describes Hudson's presence behind the plate as unmatched. From controlling the running game to making sure every teammate feels included, he says having a player like Hudson makes coaching a whole lot easier. His message is simple:

"Keep being you. The sky is the limit."

Coach Josh describes Hudson with one word:
Glue.

His positivity, selflessness, and steady presence are what hold this team together. He brings people together, lifts everyone around him, and reminds his teammates what playing for each other is all about.

Coach Dan summed it up in a way only he could:
"It's like I'm watching my son behind the plate."

When asked what baseball has taught him, Hudson's answer was simple:

"Overcoming failure."

That's the mindset every catcher has to embrace. Every pitch is a new opportunity, every inning is a fresh start, and Hudson has learned to keep moving forward no matter what.

One thing that stood out while reading everyone's questionnaires was just how many teammates mentioned Hudson when asked who makes them laugh. It's easy to see why. He keeps the dugout loose, the smiles coming, and the team connected.

But don't mistake his sense of humor for a lack of focus.

When the game begins, the jokes come to a halt, and one of Team Kentucky's biggest leaders takes over behind the plate.

When asked what it means to represent Kentucky, Hudson's answer reflected exactly who he is…

"It feels amazing to represent our little league and state and show them how we do it down here in the South End!"

Before heading to Iowa, Hudson had one final message for his teammates.
It was short...
It was simple...
And it was exactly what everyone expected.

"Don't suck."

If you know Huddy, you're probably laughing right now.

Help us wish Huddy the best of luck as Team Kentucky heads to Iowa! Leave him a message in the comments - we know he'll appreciate the encouragement... and probably have something funny to say back.

The countdown is on...

Team Kentucky opens the Little League Intermediate (50/70) Central Region Tournament on July 19 at 6:30 PM in Ankeny, Iowa.

Follow along as we continue introducing the 12 young men representing Team Kentucky before first pitch. Stay tuned for our next player spotlight!

🔵🔴⚾️9U BASEBALL UPDATE⚾️🔴🔵

9U Baseball All Stars took care of business tonight against North Oldham - Gold, winning in impressive fashion 11-0. This game wrapped up their pool play, as they secured the #2 seed in single elimination play.

⏭️NEXT UP : they will take the field again tomorrow, 7/16, in the DISTRICT 2 SEMI FINALS against North Oldham - Navy, at NOLL game time is 8PM.

LETS GO BOYS!!!

Meet #21 for Team Kentucky: Davis "D" Ray

Some players stand out because of their size.
Others stand out because of their heart.

For Team Kentucky, that's D.

At just 11 years old, Davis is the youngest player on Team Kentucky, but you would never know it by the way he competes. Every practice, every inning, and every opportunity is met with the same determination and relentless effort. He refuses to let size define him, choosing instead to let his work ethic and heart speak for themselves.

Coach Jerry describes D perfectly:

"Small, with the heart of a lion."

He knows Davis faces challenges as the youngest player on the team, but he's watched him battle every single day to improve. Jerry's message is simple: You've put in the work - now it's time to let it pay off.

Coach Josh describes D with one word: Clutch. When the game is on the line, he has a special ability to embrace pressure and deliver when his teammates need him most.

Coach Dan sums it up in the simplest way possible:
"Little dude that works his butt off."

When asked what baseball has taught him, Davis didn't talk about winning.
He simply said:

"Be humble."
That answer says a lot about the kind of teammate he is.

When asked what it means to represent Kentucky, he didn't mention himself either.

Instead, he said it means being a great teammate so he and his team can win it for Kentucky.

One of Davis's favorite baseball memories isn't even from a game.
It's visiting the Donkey Tree with his teammates last year during the State Tournament - a reminder that some of the best moments in baseball happen away from the field.

When asked what he's most excited about in Iowa, his answer was exactly what you'd expect from a baseball kid.

Playing baseball... and hopefully visiting the Field of Dreams.

Before heading to Iowa, D had one message for his teammates:

"We've been practicing for weeks and working like crazy every day. Now let's go out, win this tournament, and have a long summer!"

Help us wish D the best of luck as Team Kentucky heads to Iowa! Leave him a message in the comments - we know he'll appreciate the encouragement!

The countdown is on...

Team Kentucky opens the Little League Intermediate (50/70) Central Region Tournament on July 19 at 6:30 PM in Ankeny, Iowa.

Follow along as we continue introducing the 12 young men representing Team Kentucky before first pitch. Stay tuned for our next player spotlight!

Meet #4 for Team Kentucky: Kyree "Lil Bit" Moore

Some players let adversity define them.
Others refuse to let it change who they are.

For Team Kentucky, that's Kyree Moore.

Coach Jerry describes Kyree with two simple words:

"Absolute. Dog."

Whether battling through injury or stepping into big moments, Kyree has never let adversity shake his confidence or his love for the game. He stays locked in, never backs down from a challenge, and competes with a toughness that's rare for a 12-year-old. No matter what he's faced this season, he's continued to show up with the same determination and mindset every single day.

Coach Jerry says Kyree is one of the toughest players he's ever coached. Even after missing four weeks with an injury, he never let it break his spirit. Instead, he stayed engaged, supported his teammates, and kept preparing for the day he'd be back on the field. Now, that day has arrived.

Coach Josh describes Kyree with one word: Grinder. Every pitch, every play, and every opportunity is met with relentless effort. His toughness, determination, and never-quit mentality make him the kind of teammate every coach wants in the dugout.

Coach Dan put it simply:
"Injured for four weeks and hasn't missed a beat."

When asked what baseball has taught him, Kyree's answer was simple:

"Never give up."

If you've watched him this season, you know those aren't just words - they're the way he lives the game.

When asked what it means to represent Kentucky, Kyree didn't talk about personal accomplishments.

He said he wants to show everyone that Kentucky has some of the best baseball players around.

That team-first mentality shows up throughout everything he does.

When asked what he loves most about this team, his answer was:
"We get along and have great sportsmanship."

And when asked what he's most excited about in Iowa, there was no hesitation:
"Playing baseball."

But the most powerful answer on his questionnaire came in his message to his teammates.

Instead of talking about himself, Kyree thanked the boys who stood beside him while he was injured.

"I just really wanna thank you all for making it this far for me, for our team. I know I've been out and y'all won State for me, and I just really appreciate you guys for being there for me. Thank you guys so much - you guys mean a lot to me."

Those words say everything you need to know about the bond this team has built and the kind of teammate Kyree is.

Help us wish Kyree the best of luck as Team Kentucky heads to Iowa! After fighting his way back, he'll be back on the field doing what he loves with the teammates who never stopped believing in him. Leave him a message in the comments - we know he'll appreciate the encouragement!

The countdown is on...

Team Kentucky opens the Little League Intermediate (50/70) Central Region Tournament on July 19 at 6:30 PM in Ankeny, Iowa.

Follow along as we continue introducing the 12 young men representing Team Kentucky before first pitch. Stay tuned for our next player spotlight!

Meet #9 for Team Kentucky: Tiernan "T" Fowler

Every player's journey is different.

T's just happened to come full circle.

Born in Kentucky and raised much of his life in Florida, Tiernan returned home this season ready for a new challenge. New teammates, new coaches, and a new league quickly turned into a District Championship, a State Championship, and now the opportunity to represent the state where his journey first began.

Coach Jerry has watched T's confidence grow throughout the season and believes that's been the biggest difference in his game. Whether he's playing third base, pitching, or stepping into the outfield, Tiernan has proven he'll do whatever the team needs.

Jerry's message to him has been the same all season:
"You're too good to play scared."

And with every game, T has continued to believe it.

Coach Josh describes Tiernan with one word: Determined. His heart, passion, and relentless drive show in everything he does. Even when things get difficult, he continues to push forward, overcome challenges, and give his best for the team.

Coach Dan has a nickname of his own for Tiernan…
"Our new T-Bird."

When asked what baseball has taught him, T didn't just give a one-word answer.

He said baseball has taught him to never give up, that hard work truly pays off, and that size doesn't determine success. You don't have to be the biggest player on the field to hit bombs - you just have to be willing to put in the work when no one is watching.

One of the coolest moments in Tiernan’s baseball journey was hitting his very first home run. But another accomplishment means just as much to him.

He's proud to say he's been a District Champion in both Florida and Kentucky.

When asked what it means to represent Kentucky, his answer came straight from the heart:
"A lot. I was born here but lived in Florida most of my life. It feels good to move back and become a Kentucky State Champion in the same year. I've always been proud to be from here. Go Cats!"

One answer, though, stood out more than all the others.

When asked who has had the biggest impact on his baseball journey, Tiernan didn't hesitate. His mom.

He shared how she worked two jobs, sacrificed sleep, and still found a way to make it to nearly every game and every practice. He says watching everything she has done for him and his siblings motivates him to always give his very best because she has always given hers.

When asked what he's looking forward to most in Iowa, T's answer wasn't just about baseball.
He's excited to compete at a higher level, but even more than that, he's excited to continue building memories with the teammates who welcomed him to Valley Sports.

He even gave a special shoutout to Hudson, saying he was one of the very first kids he met after moving back to the South End and immediately made him feel comfortable.

Before heading to Iowa, T had one message for his teammates:
"Thank y'all for letting me be a part of y'all's circle. I promise to give it everything I've got and have your back like y'all have had mine. Good luck... and let's win this!"

Help us wish Tiernan the best of luck as Team Kentucky heads to Iowa! Leave him a message in the comments - we know he'll appreciate the encouragement!

The countdown is on...

Team Kentucky opens the Little League Intermediate (50/70) Central Region Tournament on July 19 at 6:30 PM in Ankeny, Iowa.

Follow along as we continue introducing the 12 young men representing Team Kentucky before first pitch. Stay tuned for our next player spotlight!

Meet #42 for Team Kentucky: Brayden "BC" Clark
Some players make an impact with a glove in their hand.
Others make an impact simply by being the teammate everyone needs.

For Team Kentucky, that's BC.

Whether his name is called to make a play or to lift up a teammate, BC has always answered. He's the kind of player who never complains, never makes excuses, and never stops putting the team first. His toughness, selflessness, and unwavering commitment have earned the respect of everyone around him.

Coach Jerry describes BC as "tough as nails." Through every challenge and every obstacle, he's continued to battle without letting adversity define him. His message to BC is simple: keep that mindset and never stop.

Coach Josh describes BC with one word: Tough. His grit, courage, and willingness to put the team before himself make him someone every coach wants in the dugout and every teammate wants beside them.

Coach Dan summed it up with one sentence that says everything:
"Played three weeks with a broken elbow and never said a word."
That wasn't about trying to prove something.
It was simply who BC is.

When asked what baseball has taught him, his answer was simple:
"To be tough."

If you've ever watched BC compete, you know those aren't just words - they're the way he approaches every challenge.

One answer on his questionnaire stood out more than any other.
When asked about his dream vacation, BC didn't choose a beach or a theme park.
He chose California... because that's where the Intermediate Little League World Series is played.
That tells you everything you need to know about how much this game means to him.

Although BC won't be able to take the field in Iowa because of the injury he battled through during Districts and State, anyone who knows him knows he'll still find a way to make an impact. Braydens’ impact on this team goes far beyond what happens between the lines. He'll be right there beside his teammates - encouraging them, keeping them motivated, and doing everything he can to help Team Kentucky succeed.

When asked what he's looking forward to most in Iowa, his answer wasn't about himself.
"To watch my team WIN!"
That answer probably says more about BC than anything else.

Before heading to Iowa, he had one message for his teammates:
"Let's get these Ws! Keep your head high."

Help us wish BC the best of luck as Team Kentucky heads to Iowa! Even though he won't be on the field, he'll still be one of this team's biggest supporters every step of the way. Leave him a message in the comments - we know he'll appreciate the encouragement!

The countdown is on...

Team Kentucky opens the Little League Intermediate (50/70) Central Region Tournament on July 19 at 6:30 PM in Ankeny, Iowa.

Follow along as we continue introducing the 12 young men representing Team Kentucky before first pitch. Stay tuned for our next player spotlight!

📣 Good news, Valley Sports!

With so many additional requests to register, we want to give everyone a little more time to sign up! We're extending Fall Ball registration until Friday, July 17!

Help us spread the word by tagging a friend, sharing this post, or inviting a family that's looking for a place to play this fall.

At Valley Sports, we're about so much more than the game. We're teammates, friendships, families, and a community that cheers for one another on and off the field.

We'd love to welcome even more players to the Valley Sports Family this fall. Come be part of what makes this place so special.

⚾🥎 Register by Friday, July 17!