1st Region Preview: McCracken's dominance could continue

The McCracken County Mustangs have not lost to a region opponent since opening as a school in 2013 during the regular season or postseason.   That has led to 11 consecutive state tournament appearances for the second-longest current streak in the state, including a trip to the state semifinals in 2017. Only Mercy has more consecutive appearances with 43 in a row.   That Mustangs look to continue that run of dominance led by the return of two powerful senior 6-1 outside hitters [player_tooltip player_id='159358' first='Addison' last='Hart'] and [player_tooltip player_id='531304' first='Elizabeth' last='Gilbert']. Hart had 480 kills, 190 digs, 35 blocks and 71 aces with Gilbert tallying 164 kills, 42 blocks, 141 digs and 49 aces.   Second-year head coach Chancie Coleman said to also watch out for junior libero Penny Kirkham and junior [player_tooltip player_id='757541' first='Taylor' last='Dugan'] will take over as the setter. Coleman said Kirkham started there in the postseason and has only improved in the offseason. Kirkham had 137 digs last year.   Coleman said maturity will be a key to the success for the Mustangs this year. Four out of eight of the starters have never played varsity before so the focus is building the individual skills and figuring out how to make those skills come together as a whole team. Coleman added the speed of the game brings its own kind of pressure, but if the team handles that, it could be another fun season.   McCracken County travels to Graves County on Aug. 20 to start the season.   1st District   Carlisle County (11-24)   Whitney Puckett admitted it will probably be her hardest year as coach because she has a versatile group of girls determined to give everything they have on the court.   The Comets have three seniors in Jazz Smith, MacKenzie Terry and Kamdyn Longman and one junior role player in Sydney Todd. Then she has several seniors with two to three years of varsity experience including setter [player_tooltip player_id='535258' first='Brooklyn' last='Dunn'], middle blocker Macee Hogancamp and hitter Abree Warren. She said the upperclassmen and sophomores play well together, but when they communicate at a high level, they play great together. Puckett said she has three dependable setters she'll probably have on the court at the same time.   Puckett's biggest concern could be their mentality. She noted quickly putting behind mistakes is a big key to the game and she's challenged them to do that this season.   Carlisle County travels to Calloway County on Aug. 19 to start the season.   Hickman County (15-19)   The Falcons have a new head coach in Melissa Sampson trying to defend their district championship.   Hickman County has a big senior class of nine. Some of those key returning seniors are setter [player_tooltip player_id='172957' first='Olivia' last='Deweese'], libero Madeline Gardner and outside hitter Maddie Pittman. Gardner had 660 digs last year with Deweese recording 554 assists and Pittman leading the team with 205 kills.   Hickman County hosts Murray on Aug. 20 to start the season.   Fulton City (8-18)   The Bulldogs had a young team with just one senior last year and one junior. They are still a young team with just one senior in Sienna Aguilar.   Fulton City starts the season Aug. 22 against South Fulton (Tennessee)   Fulton County (3-22)   David Uithol takes over a program with nowhere to go but up.   The Pilots graduated three seniors from last season and have the same number this year. That includes Kylee Harrison.   Fulton County hosts Obion County Central (Tennessee) on Aug. 20 to begin the season.   2nd District   Graves County (25-13)   The Eagles made it all the way to the region championship and took a set from McCracken County, which has not happened often, with a team comprised of just one senior.   Courtney Griffith takes over hoping to help the Eagles get over the hump. They return junior Ella Morton, senior [player_tooltip player_id='395949' first='Audrey' last='Smith'] and sophomore MaryKate Miller, who had 242, 229 and 128 kills last year. Junior defensive specialist Ryleigh Belknap returns after leading the Eagles with 351 digs last year. Griffith said she's also excited about junior Emma Joiner.   Griffith said the big key for the Eagles this season is getting out of their own way. Griffith said she believes the Eagles have players that could become dominant on the court. They just need the right mentality   Graves County hosts Ballard Memorial on Aug. 26 to start the season.   Mayfield (29-8)   The Cardinals made it to the region semifinals after driving to the region championship two years ago.   To keep up that success, head coach Keith Lacewell said the team has been working on team chemistry with the graduation of nine seniors from last year's team. Sophomore setter [player_tooltip player_id='484268' first='Neely' last='Flowers'], senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='734327' first='Olivia' last='Smith'] and junior middle [player_tooltip player_id='594634' first='Sydney' last='Wright'] return with varsity experience. Flowers had 774 assists for the Cardinals last year.   Lacewell said it's a matter of the varsity newcomers learning to play together. So far in the summer, Lacewell said the staff has seen great potential in players such as junior Veronica Vaca and sophomore Alex Berhow.   Mayfield hosts Calloway County on Aug. 24 to begin the season.   Ballard Memorial (23-13)   The Bombers have not made it out of the rugged since 2021 when they won the district and drove to the region championship.   However, they only graduated two seniors from last year's team so they return a lot of experience. Head coach Adam Solomon said team chemistry, especially between the hitters and setters will be crucial.   The Bombers return five starters. Sophomore Aubrey Alexander leads the defense with junior Kylie Shaw. Shaw's twin sister Keira Shaw is the setter. Ballard Memorial's two main hitters are senior middle blocker Myah Smith and junior Hala Ouderkirk. Ouderkirk and Smith had 247 and 210 kills, respectively for Ballard Memorial last year with Kylie Shaw and Alexander tallying 217 and 206 digs, respectively.   Ballard Memorial travels to Marshall County on Aug. 20 to start the season.   3rd District   Community Christian (26-9)   The Warriors put together a solid season making it to the region semifinals with just two seniors.   Community Christian has a nice-sized group of six seniors. Katie Truitt and Natalie Truitt lead the group along with freshman [player_tooltip player_id='850607' first='Reese' last='Romine']. Romine led the Warriors with 163 kills last year with Natalie Truitt recording 127 kills and 357 assists.   Community Christian plays Paducah Tilghman on Aug. 19 at the Otis Dining Gymnasium.   Paducah Tilghman (5-19)   The Blue Tornado had some struggles in Gwen Duncan's first season guiding the team, but five returning starters gives the team optimism this season.   Those returning starters are senior middle blocker Jayda Reed, Maddie Peck, setter Ja'Niya Hart, junior Naarah White and sophomore Ma'Kel Ridgeway. Hart had 215 assists last year with Reed recording 114 kills and 167 blocks. Peck had a team-high 60 aces.   Paducah Tilghman takes on Community Christian on Aug. 19 at Otis Dining Gymnasium to start the season.   St. Mary (5-16)   The Vikings did manage to win the final two games of the season before bowing out in the first round of district to McCracken County. They had a young team with one junior and no seniors. They have one senior this year in Katie O'Neill.   St. Mary travels to Murray on Aug. 19 to begin the season.   4th District   Calloway County (15-10)   The Lakers beat Marshall County in both regular season games in Gracee Murphy's first season as head coach, but could not do it again in the district championship game.   The Laker graduated eight seniors, but do return their top two kills leaders in senior right side hitter Kayden Patrick and outside hitter Cambrey Driscoll, who had 244 and 111, respectively. Driscoll also had 177 digs and Patrick added 87 aces for Calloway County last year.   Murphy said even weeks after tryouts, the teamwork makes it feel like the players have played for years. At the Bluegrass Games, Murphy said they learned they can get it done if they play hard. Murphy said she's looking forward to the leadership from those two and the other senior in middle blocker Addison Harpole and the drive from the younger players. She added 'Never me. Always we' is the team motto this year.   Calloway County hosts Carlisle County to open the season on Aug. 19.   Marshall County (9-15)   The Marshals may have had their struggles during the regular season, but still won their fourth straight district championship under the guidance of former University of Missouri player Paige Perrigo-Fletcher.   Fletcher said her second season guiding the program will be a rebuilding year. Fletcher said she is hoping for juniors Olivia Hawkins at right side, Catherine Shelton at middle hitter/right side hitter and sophomore setter Emma-Leigh Reynolds to step into big roles this season.   Marshall County hosts Crittenden County on Aug. 19 to begin the season.   Christian Fellowship (10-17)   The Eagles had a nice run of three consecutive district championships between 2017 and 2019, but have only been back to the region tournament one time since then.   Christian Fellowship graduated seven seniors from the team. Key returning players are senior Rylee Hudson and sophomore Jenna Neal.   Christian Fellowship travels to Murray on Aug. 22 to start the season.   Murray (8-17)   The Tigers may not have had an easy going historically, but there is hope.   Senior outside hitter Macy Chiles returns after leading Murray with 214 kills last year as does senior setter Allison Vonnahme after recording 369 assists. The Tigers also have two promising sophomores in outside hitter Reilly Bassett and defensive specialist Addy Robbins.   Murray hosts St. Mary on Aug. 19 to begin the season.   Players to Watch    Hart generates a lot of power to explode balls down on the other side of the net. Hart can do it from both the middle and the pins to a number of different spots on the court making her tough to defend. Hart pounds balls down fast on overpasses in the middle.     Gilbert is a very athletic and agile player combining that with her height to give opponents fits. She might look to hit the ball one way, but sends in the other way, throwing off defenders. Gilbert smacks balls down to the ground quickly. Gilbert can take things off to guide balls gently to the back row and hit balls off and around blockers.     Deweese has been an outstanding setter in the 1st Region for three seasons, improving each year and hopes to help with the transition to a new head coach. Deweese reads opposing hitters and reacts quickly displaying the ability to run to every square inch of the court. She is also a great passer and communicator.     Carlisle County has the luxury of putting three setters on the court together this year including Dunn. She has the experience to be a leader even though she is just a sophomore. Head coach Whitney Puckett said Dunn has great hands and makes excellent decisions on the floor. She is a solid passer, reading defenses well trying to put hitters in excellent positions to succeed. She has some deceptive setter dumps and a nice serve to the shallow left side of the floor.     Smith hopes to do her part with what could be a loaded Graves County offense this year. She has great coordination and agility moving quickly into swinging mode from defense with few problems. She can adjust on balls not on target and consistently communicates well on the court. She can hit from the back row when needed.     Flowers put up excellent numbers setting for the Cardinals last year and hopes to duplicate that and more even though Mayfield graduated nine senior from last year's team. Flowers moves all over the court well making solid digs and communicates great with teammates. She can put the ball in the corners on setter dumps and has nice line drives on her serves.     The versatile Driscoll does what she can to keep plays alive. She passes the ball fast then runs into position to hit balls or guard against blocked balls near the net. Driscoll can hit balls through and off blockers and tip balls to keep defenses honest. Her serves have great spin.

The McCracken County Mustangs have not lost to a region opponent since opening as a school in 2013 during the regular season or postseason.

That has led to 11 consecutive state tournament appearances for the second-longest current streak in the state, including a trip to the state semifinals in 2017. Only Mercy has more consecutive appearances with 43 in a row.

That Mustangs look to continue that run of dominance led by the return of two powerful senior 6-1 outside hitters Addison Hart Addison Hart 6'1" | OH McCracken County | 2025 State KY and Elizabeth Gilbert Elizabeth Gilbert 6'1" | RS McCracken County | 2025 State KY . Hart had 480 kills, 190 digs, 35 blocks and 71 aces with Gilbert tallying 164 kills, 42 blocks, 141 digs and 49 aces.

Second-year head coach Chancie Coleman said to also watch out for junior libero Penny Kirkham and junior Taylor Dugan Taylor Dugan 5'5" | S McCracken County | 2026 State KY will take over as the setter. Coleman said Kirkham started there in the postseason and has only improved in the offseason. Kirkham had 137 digs last year.

Coleman said maturity will be a key to the success for the Mustangs this year. Four out of eight of the starters have never played varsity before so the focus is building the individual skills and figuring out how to make those skills come together as a whole team. Coleman added the speed of the game brings its own kind of pressure, but if the team handles that, it could be another fun season.

McCracken County travels to Graves County on Aug. 20 to start the season.

1st District

Carlisle County (11-24)

Whitney Puckett admitted it will probably be her hardest year as coach because she has a versatile group of girls determined to give everything they have on the court.

The Comets have three seniors in Jazz Smith, MacKenzie Terry and Kamdyn Longman and one junior role player in Sydney Todd. Then she has several seniors with two to three years of varsity experience including setter Brooklyn Dunn Brooklyn Dunn 5'7" | DS/L Carlisle County | 2027 State KY , middle blocker Macee Hogancamp and hitter Abree Warren. She said the upperclassmen and sophomores play well together, but when they communicate at a high level, they play great together. Puckett said she has three dependable setters she'll probably have on the court at the same time.

Puckett's biggest concern could be their mentality. She noted quickly putting behind mistakes is a big key to the game and she's challenged them to do that this season.

Carlisle County travels to Calloway County on Aug. 19 to start the season.

Hickman County (15-19)

The Falcons have a new head coach in Melissa Sampson trying to defend their district championship.

Hickman County has a big senior class of nine. Some of those key returning seniors are setter Olivia Deweese Olivia Deweese S Hickman County | 2025 State KY , libero Madeline Gardner and outside hitter Maddie Pittman. Gardner had 660 digs last year with Deweese recording 554 assists and Pittman leading the team with 205 kills.

Hickman County hosts Murray on Aug. 20 to start the season.

Fulton City (8-18)

The Bulldogs had a young team with just one senior last year and one junior. They are still a young team with just one senior in Sienna Aguilar.

Fulton City starts the season Aug. 22 against South Fulton (Tennessee)

Fulton County (3-22)

David Uithol takes over a program with nowhere to go but up.

The Pilots graduated three seniors from last season and have the same number this year. That includes Kylee Harrison.

Fulton County hosts Obion County Central (Tennessee) on Aug. 20 to begin the season.

2nd District

Graves County (25-13)

The Eagles made it all the way to the region championship and took a set from McCracken County, which has not happened often, with a team comprised of just one senior.

Courtney Griffith takes over hoping to help the Eagles get over the hump. They return junior Ella Morton, senior Audrey Smith Audrey Smith 5'8" | OH Graves County | 2025 State KY and sophomore MaryKate Miller, who had 242, 229 and 128 kills last year. Junior defensive specialist Ryleigh Belknap returns after leading the Eagles with 351 digs last year. Griffith said she's also excited about junior Emma Joiner.

Griffith said the big key for the Eagles this season is getting out of their own way. Griffith said she believes the Eagles have players that could become dominant on the court. They just need the right mentality

Graves County hosts Ballard Memorial on Aug. 26 to start the season.

Mayfield (29-8)

The Cardinals made it to the region semifinals after driving to the region championship two years ago.

To keep up that success, head coach Keith Lacewell said the team has been working on team chemistry with the graduation of nine seniors from last year's team. Sophomore setter Neely Flowers Neely Flowers 5'7" | S Mayfield | 2027 State KY , senior outside hitter Olivia Smith Olivia Smith OH Mayfield | 2025 State KY and junior middle Sydney Wright Sydney Wright 5'11" | MB Mayfield | 2026 State KY return with varsity experience. Flowers had 774 assists for the Cardinals last year.

Lacewell said it's a matter of the varsity newcomers learning to play together. So far in the summer, Lacewell said the staff has seen great potential in players such as junior Veronica Vaca and sophomore Alex Berhow.

Mayfield hosts Calloway County on Aug. 24 to begin the season.

Ballard Memorial (23-13)

The Bombers have not made it out of the rugged since 2021 when they won the district and drove to the region championship.

However, they only graduated two seniors from last year's team so they return a lot of experience. Head coach Adam Solomon said team chemistry, especially between the hitters and setters will be crucial.

The Bombers return five starters. Sophomore Aubrey Alexander leads the defense with junior Kylie Shaw. Shaw's twin sister Keira Shaw is the setter. Ballard Memorial's two main hitters are senior middle blocker Myah Smith and junior Hala Ouderkirk. Ouderkirk and Smith had 247 and 210 kills, respectively for Ballard Memorial last year with Kylie Shaw and Alexander tallying 217 and 206 digs, respectively.

Ballard Memorial travels to Marshall County on Aug. 20 to start the season.

3rd District

Community Christian (26-9)

The Warriors put together a solid season making it to the region semifinals with just two seniors.

Community Christian has a nice-sized group of six seniors. Katie Truitt and Natalie Truitt lead the group along with freshman Reese Romine Reese Romine 5'8" | S Bowling Green | 2028 State KY . Romine led the Warriors with 163 kills last year with Natalie Truitt recording 127 kills and 357 assists.

Community Christian plays Paducah Tilghman on Aug. 19 at the Otis Dining Gymnasium.

Paducah Tilghman (5-19)

The Blue Tornado had some struggles in Gwen Duncan's first season guiding the team, but five returning starters gives the team optimism this season.

Those returning starters are senior middle blocker Jayda Reed, Maddie Peck, setter Ja'Niya Hart, junior Naarah White and sophomore Ma'Kel Ridgeway. Hart had 215 assists last year with Reed recording 114 kills and 167 blocks. Peck had a team-high 60 aces.

Paducah Tilghman takes on Community Christian on Aug. 19 at Otis Dining Gymnasium to start the season.

St. Mary (5-16)

The Vikings did manage to win the final two games of the season before bowing out in the first round of district to McCracken County. They had a young team with one junior and no seniors. They have one senior this year in Katie O'Neill.

St. Mary travels to Murray on Aug. 19 to begin the season.

4th District

Calloway County (15-10)

The Lakers beat Marshall County in both regular season games in Gracee Murphy's first season as head coach, but could not do it again in the district championship game.

The Laker graduated eight seniors, but do return their top two kills leaders in senior right side hitter Kayden Patrick and outside hitter Cambrey Driscoll, who had 244 and 111, respectively. Driscoll also had 177 digs and Patrick added 87 aces for Calloway County last year.

Murphy said even weeks after tryouts, the teamwork makes it feel like the players have played for years. At the Bluegrass Games, Murphy said they learned they can get it done if they play hard. Murphy said she's looking forward to the leadership from those two and the other senior in middle blocker Addison Harpole and the drive from the younger players. She added 'Never me. Always we' is the team motto this year.

Calloway County hosts Carlisle County to open the season on Aug. 19.

Marshall County (9-15)

The Marshals may have had their struggles during the regular season, but still won their fourth straight district championship under the guidance of former University of Missouri player Paige Perrigo-Fletcher.

Fletcher said her second season guiding the program will be a rebuilding year. Fletcher said she is hoping for juniors Olivia Hawkins at right side, Catherine Shelton at middle hitter/right side hitter and sophomore setter Emma-Leigh Reynolds to step into big roles this season.

Marshall County hosts Crittenden County on Aug. 19 to begin the season.

Christian Fellowship (10-17)

The Eagles had a nice run of three consecutive district championships between 2017 and 2019, but have only been back to the region tournament one time since then.

Christian Fellowship graduated seven seniors from the team. Key returning players are senior Rylee Hudson and sophomore Jenna Neal.

Christian Fellowship travels to Murray on Aug. 22 to start the season.

Murray (8-17)

The Tigers may not have had an easy going historically, but there is hope.

Senior outside hitter Macy Chiles returns after leading Murray with 214 kills last year as does senior setter Allison Vonnahme after recording 369 assists. The Tigers also have two promising sophomores in outside hitter Reilly Bassett and defensive specialist Addy Robbins.

Murray hosts St. Mary on Aug. 19 to begin the season.

Players to Watch

Addison Hart

HEIGHT 6'1"

POS OH

CLASS 2025

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Addison Hart

State: Kentucky

School: McCracken County

Club: SKEVA 17 Blue

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Highlights

Elizabeth Gilbert

HEIGHT 6'1"

POS RS

CLASS 2025

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Elizabeth Gilbert

State: Kentucky

School: McCracken County

Club: Southern Kentucky Elite Volleyball Academy (SKEVA)

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Olivia Deweese

POS S

CLASS 2025

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Olivia Deweese

State: Kentucky

School: Hickman County

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Brooklyn Dunn

KY #132

DS/L #44

HEIGHT 5'7"

POS DS/L

CLASS 2027

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Brooklyn Dunn

State: Kentucky

School: Carlisle County

Club: Pu5h Volleyball Club

Carlisle County has the luxury of putting three setters on the court together this year including Dunn. She has the experience to be a leader even though she is just a sophomore. Head coach Whitney Puckett said Dunn has great hands and makes excellent decisions on the floor. She is a solid passer, reading defenses well trying to put hitters in excellent positions to succeed. She has some deceptive setter dumps and a nice serve to the shallow left side of the floor.