Bluegrass Games Schedule Released

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The annual Bluegrass Games schedule released a few days ago and some coaches are counting down the days for it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is the first chance for them to see the current versions of their teams up against teams in another color and see strengths and what needs improvement before the start of the regular season. Teams are guaranteed six scrimmage matches starting with pool play on July 26 at 1 p.m. then again on July 27 and 28. Matches will be best of three with the first two going to 21 points, capping at 23 and the third one if necessary going to 15 with a cap at 17 points. The hosts are Paul Laurence Dunbar, Frederick Douglass, Henry Clay, Tates Creek, Lafayette, Bryan Station, Lexington Christian and Lexington Catholic and a total of 106 schools are playing in the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The field features 12 of the 16 defending region champions and two of the state's Dominant Five in Louisville powers Sacred Heart and Mercy. Sacred Heart won the tournament last year and is hoping to win back the 7th Region from defending state champion Assumption. The Valkyries will be led by Harvard commit [player_tooltip player_id='172949' first='Bridget' last='Egan'], Butler University commit [player_tooltip player_id='477212' first='Sarah' last='Kempf'], Georgia Southern commit [player_tooltip player_id='159351' first='Anna' last='Powell'] and University of Denver commit [player_tooltip player_id='159350' first='Elise' last='Hart']. Sacred Heart takes on LaRue County at 1 p.m. then Conner at 3 p.m. Both games are at Dunbar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mercy was young last year with just one senior. Head coach Connie Hulsmeyer will have plenty of versatility to work with this fall led by libero [player_tooltip player_id='172954' first='Madisyn' last='Green'], power hitter Mady Yaden and setter [player_tooltip player_id='245633' first='Maia' last='Marin']. The Jaguars play at Henry Clay taking on Collins at 1 p.m. then Bardstown at 2 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first round includes some intriguing matchups. A big one takes place at Lafayette late Friday when Ryle takes on Boyle County at 7 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending 33rd District champion Raiders graduated five players, but veteran head coach Tasha Lovins' teams tend to reload. [player_tooltip player_id='210710' first='Lucy' last='Trapp'], [player_tooltip player_id='212347' first='Morgan' last='Heater'], [player_tooltip player_id='253871' first='Karsyn' last='Griffin'] and Rebecca Kramer lead the Raiders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boyle County could be the favorite to break through in the 12th Region this season. The Rebels return power hitters [player_tooltip player_id='159397' first='Kendra' last='Christopher'], [player_tooltip player_id='479316' first='Charli' last='Grubbs'] and junior setter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='588586' first='Gracee' last='Teague'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another one takes place at 6 p.m. when the Christian Academy of Louisville battles Bullitt East. The Chargers hope to rebuild around dynamic junior [player_tooltip player_id='479302' first='Brinlee' last='Marshall'] after winning the 24th District then taking district rival Mercy to five games in the 6th Region Tournament before losing. The Centurions return dynamic freshman Kayleigh Rogers along with opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='159345' first='Caroline' last='Bates'] and junior setter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='479282' first='Katrina' last='Oswald'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another intriguing matchup takes place at Bryan Station at 1 p.m. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='515259' first='Callie' last='Ritter'] has grown an inch to 6-2 for Bishop Brossart and the Bishop Brossart Mustangs will be taking on the Holy Cross Cougars from Louisville featuring one of the state's top liberos in University of Kentucky commit [player_tooltip player_id='477226' first='Trinity' last='Ward']. Both teams also face host Bryan Station in pool play led by [player_tooltip player_id='212249' first='Cameron' last='Owens'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perhaps the tallest two players will also on hand in Lexington that weekend in a pair of 6-6 juniors [player_tooltip player_id='212253' first='Jessica' last='Smallwood'] from Elizabethtown and Ballard's [player_tooltip player_id='212348' first='Ella' last='Grivna']. Smallwood just committed to the University of Florida, but will not be able to play because of injuries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some of the players to check out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["477226"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6695eba5151f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ward is one of the premier liberos in the Commonwealth of Kentucky for a reason. She is a leader on the court using her quickness and athleticism to track down balls. Ward makes things happen from all six positions consistently for the Cougars. Ward digs up caroms off nets and has nice, strong serves. Ward </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212249"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6695f21492adc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owens is constantly in control of the net with her consistency on the attacks and working with middle blockers to put up solid double blocks. She adds versatility with her ability to deliver a number of ways. Owens had 436 kills, 202 digs, 48 aces and 26 assisted blocks leading Bryan Station to a 19-16 record last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["159397"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6695f21492b4a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Christopher (pictured) has been a consistent hitter in the 12th Region for the Rebels these past two seasons and looks to have a monster senior season surrounded by some amazing talent. She has outstanding form on her spike attempts. Christopher can smack is all around the court and has a nice jam shot to the lines to keep defenses guessing. She is also a good passer and worked on her all-around play during club season. Christopher led Boyle County with 440 kills, 56 aces and 319 digs to go with 15 assisted blocks, five solo blocks and 46 aces. Christopher helped the Rebels to a 25-14 record, consecutive 45th District championships and consecutive 12th Region semifinal appearances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["159358"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6695f21492ba7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hart uses her entire body to explode balls to the other side of the net. She can hit from both the middle and pins to a number of different places on the court. She will pound balls down fast on overpasses in the middle. The University of Liberty commit led McCracken County to a 27-12 season, another 1st Region crown and a spot in the state quarterfinals with a team-high 480 kills last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["479273"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6695f21492bfb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yaden is one of the most productive players in the state for a reason. She makes a lot of things happen all over the court, smacking balls all over the court. Yaden puts up solid blocks individually and working with teammates, consistently reading opponents well. Yaden had 309 kills, 34 solo blocks and 63 assisted blocks helping the Jaguars to another 6th Region crown and spot in the state semifinals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Friday Varsity Pool Play Schedule Link:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://bgsg.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/BGSG-24-VB-Varsity-Friday-Schedule-3-1.pdf">http://bgsg.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/BGSG-24-VB-Varsity-Friday-Schedule-3-1.pdf</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Friday Pool Play Matrix:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://bgsg.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/BGSG-24-VB-Matrix-for-Friday-3.pdf">https://bgsg.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/BGSG-24-VB-Matrix-for-Friday-3.pdf</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->