Key Factors in Region 9 for 2022

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 9 volleyball has traditionally boasted some of the best Kentucky talent on both individual and team levels. The 2022 season is no different given the depth of talent in the northern part of the state. St. Henry claimed the 2021 state championship behind the leadership and play of three Division I prospects that have since moved on to their new teams at the college level. Here is a look at the Crusaders and other teams and key athletes from the region as there is good potential for another title to be earned from this area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>St. Henry</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Can this team repeat? They definitely have some big shoes to fill but also return a group of athletes that should compete very well. Outside hitter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='107423' first='Alivia' last='Skidmore']</strong>, the high flying bomber, should see a lot of opportunity to score. She has all the tools to contribute six rotations and it will be fun to see how she handles the increased work load. The ball control is led by one of the best in the game in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='107422' first='Elizabeth' last='Tabeling']</strong>. She is dynamic with good range and quickness, which will frustrate teams all season long. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207238' first='Josie' last='Schroder']</strong> is another key offensive piece and improved her game throughout the club season. Look for her to help balance Skidmore's attempts. The setting role may be by committee with <strong>Audrey Leonhard</strong> handling some rotations while transfer addition <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='107418' first='Macy' last='Lentz']</strong> should see time setting as well as swinging in the front row as she is very capable of hitting a heavy ball. There is a much different look to this team but they have a very scrappy quality to their competitiveness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Notre Dame Academy</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NDA is a juggernaut from this area and enters the season with question marks as well has top returning talent. One of the biggest questions is where UNC commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='106678' first='Sydney' last='Nolan']</strong> (*pictured) will play. She shifted to the left side pin and found a lot of success. However, she has the ability to dominate from the middle as she has done for multiple years. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='157453' first='Peyton' last='Mast']</strong> on the right side is a significant threat for opponents and also contributed well on both sides of the ball during club. Offensively, this group needs a third arm and will likely see production from sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='210633' first='Ava' last='Tilden']</strong>. She elevates well and can bring good pace but needs to find some consistency. As the ball control and defense are in good hands with the likes of standouts <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='170952' first='Kamden' last='Schrand']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='157454' first='Kayla' last='Hostetler']</strong>, <strong>Ava Jacobs</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='210634' first='Julia' last='Grace']</strong>, it is the setting and middle play that are of big interest regarding who fills those roles. Sophomore <strong>Rylie McCloskey</strong> has a big arm and is athletic, but also can distribute the ball and could be a likely option to run the offense. This team has a lot of experience in high intensity situations among their veterans and could be on the side of a lot of success late in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Holy Cross</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the elite skills of an attacker like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='107399' first='Julia' last='Hunt']</strong>, one of the nation's most coveted junior prospects, you can bet rhia team will have a good chance to be successful. Hunt has a big arm, elevates extremely well, and can put a ton of pressure on opponents defensively. Limited to three rotations during the club season along with serving opportunity, Hunt will be utilized all over the court and should get a fair amount of opportunity to swing from the back row as well. Sister <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='68147' first='Maya' last='Hunt']</strong> has all the tools to deliver the tempo and location through the full range of the court, which bodes well for all attackers. Finding additional point scoring will be a challenge early in the season but this group got a nice addition in <strong>Rylee Hood</strong>. Although just 5'7, Hood as great athleticism and grew her skills and experience as an offensive threat over the course of the club season. If some of the younger athletes can develop at a good rate they could make a good move late in the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Ryle</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Replacing one of the biggest point scorers from a season ago will be this squad's biggest challenges. Junior <strong>Kiana Dinn</strong> is a great athlete with versatile skills and will be a primary threat all season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='107416' first='Abby' last='Lester']</strong>, <strong>Rebecca Kramer</strong>, and <strong>Merisa Workman</strong> will each get a good share of opportunities to swing while junior libero <strong>Alexis Woolf</strong> will be relied upon to lead the ball control and defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Cooper</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two key pieces for the Jaguars this season will be in the arms of seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='68153' first='Holland' last='Morris']</strong> at the pins and <strong>Rylie Depue</strong> in the middle. Both are capable of terminating at a good rate. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='159399' first='Audrey' last='Schilling']</strong> should make a bigger impact this season as well on the left side and contributes depth to their offense. In the back row, libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='68144' first='Chloe' last='Fortner']</strong> has continued to grow her game in the ways of range and efficiency in her first touch work, adding to the quickness and consistently good effort she already provides in pursuit of the ball. This group as potential to apply good pressure on their opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Conner</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior middle<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='107434' first='Lilly' last='Hamburg']</strong> had a great club season and saw increases in her offensive production and quality of defense at the net that will undoubtedly help her team compete well over the next few months. Her effort and energy are infectious and should provide a big spark in this competitive region. Another middle factor is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='158348' first='Peyton' last='Walker'] </strong>who brings good athleticism in her elevation and lateral blocking coverage. She also increased the efficiency of her arm with some impressive play during the club season. <strong>Carly Nehus</strong> should be a key contributor at the pins. The defense that they have between the pins at the net will be a big factor for this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->