Top Returning 5th Region setters

Setters only have a matter of seconds to read defenses and figure out the types of sets to run including the slide, bic and go ones.   The 5th Region returns some talented setters. The top two earned Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association Second Team All-State honors in [player_tooltip player_id='477116' first='Kati' last='Vest'] and [player_tooltip player_id='159348' first='Emily' last='Melton'].    Central Hardin head coach Bill Rineker points to Vest (pictured above) as the catalyst to the team success and her stats show it. Vest is the primary setter for the Bruins, but is trying to become a solid all-around player. Vest makes things happen in both the front and back row. She makes quick decisions trying to find holes on the opposite side of the floor. Vest can do all kinds of sets and throws in a sneaky setter dump to catch opponents off-guard. Vest hustles after balls on defense and serves well. Vest is not afraid to jostle with taller players at the net. She is a sound blocker and put balls down when needed. Vest had 989 assists, 255 digs, 174 kills, 16 solo blocks, 47 assisted blocks and 46 aces helping Central Hardin to a 36-5 record, a 17th District and a 5th Region championship.     Melton moves her feet well trying to make precise passes to allow hitters to smack balls down. Melton can set the ball to many different parts of the net including a back set. Melton is a not afraid to get on her knees to dig balls up defensively. Melton can control the net and has a tough jump serve to the back row. Melton had 1,036 assists, 351 digs, 124 kills and 38 aces helping the Cardinals to a 25-12 record, a 20th District championship and spot in the 5th Region semifinals.     Best primarily played a defensive specialist role with the Tigers last year, but could be counted on for more of a setter role this year with the graduation of last year's setter. Best does a good job moving her feet anticipating where balls are going and makes nice passes, even digging up hard hit balls. She is a force at the net, recovering quickly on deflected balls. Best showed she make cross-court sets. Best has a sizzling serve to the back row. Best had 270 digs and 56 aces helping the Tigers to a 26-8 record last year.     Osborne is trying to become a solid all-around player for the Generals. Osborne readies her hands to put the right touches on her sets putting the hitters in outstanding position to put balls down. She hustles after balls and shows great enthusiasm on the court. Osborne has a deceptive serve that dives at different angles confusing opponents. Osborne had 643 assists, 227 digs and 40 aces for the Generals last year.     Griffiths gives new head coach Amber Johnson two years of varsity experience to work with. Her consistency has led to more than 1,000 career assists for the Eagles. Griffiths makes nice fundamental passes to the hitters. She does a great job adjusting to off-target passes allowing hitters to take solid swings. Griffiths hustles after balls squaring up her arms to make nice passes. Griffiths had 545 assists helping Campbellsville to a 20-15 record last year.     Hayes sets the ball a number of ways to the pins and the middle. She has good hand position. Hayes is a hustler on defense and solid server. Hayes does not hesitate to send balls to far corners if they are open. Hayes had 789 assists, 269 digs and 55 aces helping the Hawks to a spot in the 5th Region tournament.     Russell is another setter in the region with more than 1,000 career assists. John Hardin head coach Walter Hampton said she could break the career assist record of 1,553 this year. Russell brings versatility in John Hardin's two-setter system. She makes quick adjustments going from passer to hitter in one sequence. Russell puts balls on target and makes hard swings. Russell had 405 assists, 201 digs, 206 kills and 35 aces for the Bulldogs last year.

Setters only have a matter of seconds to read defenses and figure out the types of sets to run including the slide, bic and go ones.

The 5th Region returns some talented setters. The top two earned Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association Second Team All-State honors in Kati Vest Kati Vest 5'11" | S/DS/L Central Hardin | 2025 State KY and Emily Melton Emily Melton 5'8" | S Taylor County | 2025 State KY .

Kati Vest

KY #21

S/DS/L #4

HEIGHT 5'11"

POS S/DS/L

CLASS 2025

View Player

Kati Vest

State: Kentucky

School: Central Hardin

Club: Southern Kentucky Elite Volleyball Academy (SKEVA)

Central Hardin head coach Bill Rineker points to Vest (pictured above) as the catalyst to the team success and her stats show it. Vest is the primary setter for the Bruins, but is trying to become a solid all-around player. Vest makes things happen in both the front and back row. She makes quick decisions trying to find holes on the opposite side of the floor. Vest can do all kinds of sets and throws in a sneaky setter dump to catch opponents off-guard. Vest hustles after balls on defense and serves well. Vest is not afraid to jostle with taller players at the net. She is a sound blocker and put balls down when needed. Vest had 989 assists, 255 digs, 174 kills, 16 solo blocks, 47 assisted blocks and 46 aces helping Central Hardin to a 36-5 record, a 17th District and a 5th Region championship.