Lyon County High School graduate Sydney Melton has been named one of the 10 winners of the Johnny Bench Award presented by MSA Sport.
The award honors the top college and high school baseball and softball catchers from Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia.
Melton’s senior season saw her named All-District, All-Region, and Class A All-State in addition to being named to the All A Classic State Tournament Team.
Melton, who has signed to play softball at Southeast Missouri State University, batted .440 with a school-record 18 home runs. She knocked in 51 runs and saw 26 of her 48 hits go for extra bases.
She is also widely characterized as one of the best defensive catchers in the state.
Trinity High School’s Matt Klein is the male recipient of the Johnny Bench Award for Kentucky. In addition, Kayla Kowalik of the University of Kentucky was named the top NCAA softball catcher.
The 10 winners will be honored on Tuesday, July 20 at the Johnny Bench Awards Luncheon at Great American Ball Park and recognized that evening during pregame ceremonies before the Reds vs. New York Mets game.
“Congratulations to the 2021 class of the Johnny Bench Awards,” said Hall of Famer Johnny Bench. “This special group of athletes persevered through the challenge of a canceled 2020 season and other adversities, continuing to work on their craft and succeed at a high level. We look forward to their future success wherever their career may take them next.”
Congratulations 2021 Johnny Bench Awards
Top high school catchers from Kentucky
Softball – Sydney Melton, Lyon County
Baseball – Matt Klein, Trinity— Johnny Bench (@JohnnyBench_5) July 1, 2021
