​Kenton Ridge senior Brenna Fyffe received special recognition during the Tuesday, July 7 Cincinnati Reds game at Great American Ball Park, in advance of and throughout the event. Fyffe was among the 10 winners announced as part of the 2026 Johnny Bench Award, which honors the top high school and NCAA Division I baseball and softball catchers from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and West Virginia. A dedicated luncheon honoring the winners took place on Tuesday, followed by a ceremonial appearance on the field in front of the game’s fan base.
The Johnny Bench Award highlights the nation’s premier catching talent across multiple levels, celebrating those who excel both at the plate and behind the plate. Fyffe’s selection places her among an elite group of catchers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and impact on their teams throughout the season.
Fyffe played a pivotal role in guiding Kenton Ridge to its second consecutive OHSAA Division IV State Championship, helping the team secure back-to-back titles in the 2025 and 2026 seasons. During her senior year, she showcased prodigious batting prowess, finishing the season with a remarkable .566 batting average. Her offensive output included 24 home runs and 60 RBIs, underscoring her power, consistency, and run-producing ability. In addition to her long-ball capability, Fyffe swiped 15 bases, scored 66 runs, and tallied 11 doubles and three triples, illustrating a well-rounded offensive game.
Defensively, Fyffe demonstrated outstanding reliability in the catching position. She did not commit an error across her senior campaign and contributed nine assists and 16 putouts that were not recorded as strikeouts, highlighting her defensive instincts, framing, and throwing accuracy. Fyffe, who has committed to Ohio University to continue her collegiate career, completed her high school tenure as a statistical leader in multiple categories. Notably, she finished as the OHSAA leader in both RBI (231) and runs scored (216) over her career, underscoring her sustained impact over four years. Her 24 home runs in the 2026 season rank as the second-most homers in a single season in the record books, marking a historic offensive milestone.
Fyffe’s recognition and achievements reflect her comprehensive skill set as a catcher and hitter, her leadership on and off the field, and her contributions to Kenton Ridge’s championship legacy. Her selection for the Johnny Bench Award class of 2026 marks a high point in a storied high school career and signals continued success as she transitions to collegiate baseball at Ohio University. This honor not only recognizes Fyffe’s personal excellence but also highlights the strength of Ohio’s high school softball and baseball programs, as well as the broader regional talent pool that the Johnny Bench Award celebrates.