As baseball has kicked off in recent weeks, few have started out as hot as Fayette County's Niko Goodrum. The junior shortstop continued his push for a college scholarship and a region championship by spending the majority of the off season preparing.

"I continue to practice on my hitting," he said. "I did a lot [in the offseason]. I played a lot, I continued to hit and work on my ground balls about three times per week. I just stayed in real good shape."

The goal has been the same all along for Fayette County's top player.

"That's what I would like to do," he said, "I would really love to go to college if not the pros. College is my main focus right now."

As for this year, he has high hopes for himself and his team as they work toward a 5-AAAA title.

"I just want to do the best I can," he said. "I want to stay over .500 with my average. That's my main focus right now: just get base hits. The home runs will come but I just have to keep my average high."

The future may be brightest for Goodrum but what got him to this point is what he most appreciates.

"My dad has been there through about it all," he said. "He comes to everything and taught me how to play."