Stat It Up- The Series: #26-30 Kill Leaders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I can't believe we already made it past the top 25! We are going to start back up with our kill leaders, ranked #26-30 on the list, and these girls are some special players! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#26, [player_tooltip player_id='158349' first='Marissa' last='Taylor']</strong> <em>(Harrison County)</em>- The star junior captain for Harrison County, [player_tooltip player_id='158349' first='Marissa' last='Taylor'] put on a show this year with 448 kills, averaging 4.31 kills per set. Not only was she a strong outside hitter, but Taylor helped the team in every category with 10 blocks, 329 digs, and 50 service aces! Taylor was named 10th Region Volleyball Player of the Year, and it came to no one's surprise because of her strong arm, huge heart, and fervent leadership. Never straying from a challenge, [player_tooltip player_id='158349' first='Marissa' last='Taylor'] was the girl to set in every situation and would take care of the ball from the outside. Taylor is truly one of the best players in the state and will return next year for her final year! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#27, Jai Maria Piazza</strong> <em>(Mercer County)</em>- Leaving the program as a 12th region all-tournament team selection, Jai Maria Piazaa had such a successful season with Mercer County as their star senior outside hitter. With 464 kills in 108 sets, Piazaa knew how to terminate from the front and back row whether it was roll shotting, tooling the block, or hammering it as hard as she could. Playing six rotations, she gathered 20 blocks, 320 digs, and 46 service aces and took it upon herself to be the best in every category. Piazaa was hungry for more every game, and she went out with a bang against Southwestern where she put up a double-double (13 kills, 11 digs). Jai Maria Piazza left a legacy! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#28, [player_tooltip player_id='157487' first='Josie' last='Newcom'] </strong><em>(Daviess County)</em>- I had the opportunity to coach this kid at WKU Elite Camp, and I can't say enough great things about her. Senior outside hitter, [player_tooltip player_id='157487' first='Josie' last='Newcom'], is such a special athlete, and it's not just because she scored a hot 400 kills on the year, but it's her heart. It's her yearning to learn more every day. It's the way she gives it her all in practice and every tournament. Newcom holds herself to a higher standard on and off the court, and that's why she's so successful. Any collegiate program would be extremely lucky to have [player_tooltip player_id='157487' first='Josie' last='Newcom'] on their team because of her talent but also because she's just a genuinely great person. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":296338,"width":212,"height":273,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/01/Screen-Shot-2023-01-18-at-4.55.18-PM.png?w=510" alt="" class="wp-image-296338" width="212" height="273" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: [player_tooltip player_id='448070' first='Maddy' last='Pate']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#29, [player_tooltip player_id='107423' first='Alivia' last='Skidmore'] </strong><em>(St. Henry District)</em>- Tallying the team high of 394 kills in 92 sets, [player_tooltip player_id='107423' first='Alivia' last='Skidmore'] was a great outside hitter for St. Henry this year. Facing a lot of tough competition, Skidmore rose up as an attacker every single time where she scored from the outside and the middle position. Skidmore really focuses on drawing her arm back to gather as much power as she can behind every swing, and it definitely works because she has the ability to bang a ball sharp cross or hit hands to tool the block effectively. Watching her play is just so much fun. St. Henry ended up winning their district this year but lost to the eventual state champions in the region finals 34-36 fourth set where Skidmore posted a huge double-double with 16 kills and 15 digs. She'll be back next year for revenge, and I can't wait to see it! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#30, [player_tooltip player_id='448070' first='Maddy' last='Pate']</strong> <em>(Muhlenberg County)</em>- Finishing her junior year with 385 kills, [player_tooltip player_id='448070' first='Maddy' last='Pate'] performed at a high level this past year for Muhlenberg County. Standing at 5'11, Pate used her height to her advantage and really got off the ground every single swing. My favorite swing in her toolbox is when she ran a 32, an inside set, and stayed open to crush it cross or bang down the line. Pate's passion is volleyball, and it was very clear on the court how much she loves the sport. Pate will be a go-to for the Lady Mustangs next year! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->