5th Region preview: Central Hardin, E-town still teams to beat

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before the 2012 season, Bill Rineker took over the Central Hardin Bruins volleyball and Bart Catlett took over for the rival Elizabethtown Panthers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 17th District rivals have not only battled for district, but region titles every year dating back to 2016. The last time neither team won the region came in 2014 when Green County won it. As far as district championships go, you have to go all the way back to 2002 when Central Hardin beat Meade County for the old 7th District title as the last time it was not between those two for a district championship and 2001 when neither were in a district championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That could be the case again this year, but others in the region are inching closer to them. The Bruins (36-5 last year) graduated two seniors from last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Things start with two dynamic seniors in setter [player_tooltip player_id='477116' first='Kati' last='Vest'] and libero [player_tooltip player_id='159346' first='Samantha' last='Nelson']. Vest recorded 989 assists, 174 kills, 47 assisted blocks, 16 solo blocks, 255 digs and 46 aces with Nelson digging up 497 balls to go with 78 aces and 145 assists. The two did a great job leading as the Bruins finished runner-up at the Bluegrass Games in July.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='212389' first='Graci' last='Blair'] and Harper Jones will also look to give the Bruins solid play on defense. They are loaded at hitter with seniors Sadie Atcher, [player_tooltip player_id='579201' first='Larkin' last='Taylor'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='212390' first='Klaire' last='Warrell'] returning with varsity experience. Atcher had 327 kills last year. Junior Megan Higdon at middle blocker and sophomore Kate Disselkamp on the right side also give the Bruins options.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rineker said the players need to buy into the 'team first' mentality and indications are they have at the Bluegrass Games. He said the girls do not care about individual stats because they just want to win. He said good team chemistry is everything in volleyball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central Hardin opens the season Aug. 23 against Ohio County at 6 p.m. CST in the Apollo Summer Slam Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elizabethtown (23-14) may have graduated five key players from last year's region runner-up squad, but he has one of the more dominant players in the state returning in 6-6 junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='212253' first='Jessica' last='Smallwood'], a University of Florida commit, back. She led the state with 695 kills, 211 solo and 221 total blocks last year. She also had 400 digs and 68 aces against the top teams in Kentucky on her way to winning the 5th Region Player of the Year award.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Catlett said first contacts will be the key to success for the Panthers this year, especially on serve reception. Catlett also said he wants to see the Panthers serve aggressively. Junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='761937' first='Lexi' last='Davis'] looks and junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='533346' first='Grace' last='Godfrey'] look to start things there. Juniors Ella Brown and [player_tooltip player_id='533345' first='Addison' last='Janes'] could play setter or opposite hitter with senior [player_tooltip player_id='588567' first='Alyssa' last='Philpot'] giving the Panthers an option at middle blocker or opposite hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elizabethtown travels to Bethlehem on Aug. 19 to open the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is how the rest of the region could shake out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>John Hardin (17-17)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walter Hampton has guided the program since 2015 and the Bulldogs recorded their highest win total since winning 20 in 2018 last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>John Hardin saw six seniors graduate from that squad. Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='477114' first='Hailey' last='Russell'], senior middle blocker/libero Navaeh Ladson and junior right side/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='594490' first='Abby' last='Moore'] lead this squad. Hampton said Moore is a phenomenal six-position player and Russell had 455 assists going over 1,000 for her career last year. Hampton said Russell could break the school record of 1,553 for career assists this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hampton said defense will be a big key to the team this year hoping to frustrate teams with taller and hard hitters hoping they make mistakes, then capitalize by putting the ball away. Hampton said he has a very good and strong group of players ready for that challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>John Hardin opens the season Aug. 20 at North Hardin Classical.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Hardin (9-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trojans hope to bounce back after a sub-.500 season last year entering Jessica Mattingly-Wagner's third season guiding the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trojans graduated five seniors from last year, but Wagner said the key for success for North Hardin this year will be developing strong offensive play. She noted the Trojans have always been strong defensively, but they have the upperclassmen and transfers ready to take charge at the net to give the team some firepower at the net. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wagner said senior returning right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='734335' first='Paloma' last='Martinez'] then two senior transfers in outside hitters Maya Jackson and Kaelyn Page will lead the offense. They join junior twin sisters JoJo and Ali Adkins at setter and outside hitter respectively. Returning senior libero Reese Thompson and returning junior defensive specialist Landree Howard will lead the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Hardin travels to Elizabethtown on Aug. 20 to open the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Hardin Classical (15-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cassie Holley takes over the program after Ken Helton had to step down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons may have their challenges after graduating three players and seven players transferring to district rivals. This includes [player_tooltip player_id='591652' first='Jordan' last='Fortner'] to Central Hardin after she smashed 267 kills last year. Holley said the team plans to focus on what can be controlled in their effort, attitude and encouragement. She said the keys to success are strong defense and running smart plays offensively. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='594451' first='Ava' last='Holley'], sophomore Sofia Romero-Padilla and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='612201' first='Adelyn' last='Holley'] lead that charge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Hardin Classical hosts Meade County on Aug. 19 to begin the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fort Knox (6-24)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles had their struggles, but won five of six matches after an 0-11 start.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles graduated three seniors off that team. Sophomore setter/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='751934' first='Beatrice' last='Shirley'] is one of the key returning players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fort Knox hosts Hart County on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":591674,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/EmmaEmmons.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-591674" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='276179' first='Emma' last='Emmons'], Green County</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>18th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Green County (25-10)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dragons own six consecutive district championships, but winning in the region quarterfinals has been obstacle lately because it has not happened since 2015.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The good news is head coach Randa Bohorquez said this the biggest team she's had in the front lines led by the 6-3 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='276179' first='Emma' last='Emmons'] making back row play vital to set the tone for the front row. Emmons had 288 kills, 52 solo and 36 assisted blocks last year. Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='159400' first='Kaylee' last='Judd'] and freshman middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='788967' first='Carly' last='Goff'] will also help comprise that front line with senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='477095' first='McKenna' last='Pyles'] also after recording 755 assists last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green County opens the season Aug. 20 at Thomas Nelson at 7:30 p.m. EST.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LaRue County (14-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hawks have made the region tournament in each of Melissa Williamson's two seasons leading the program. The next step is finding ways to win their first district championship since 2017 and first 5th Region Tournament game since 2013.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LaRue County graduated five seniors from last year's team including two that combined for 662 kills, but senior setter/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='557445' first='Belle' last='Hayes'] returns after recording 789 assists, 269 digs and 55 aces last year. Williamson is also excited about junior [player_tooltip player_id='696289' first='Kinlee' last='McDowell'] and sophomore Maxie Blakey. Blakey had 182 digs last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LaRue County travels to Adair County on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hart County (16-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Angela Craddock admits the Raiders will be really young this year after graduating 10 seniors in the last two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Craddock will be relying on some sophomores to move into starting roles this year. Sophomore Linee Smith enters her third season as a starter that will play multiple positions. She had 196 digs, 131 assists and 43 aces last year. Craddock is looking to junior Olivia Reynolds and sophomore Addison Devore to contribute more as outside hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hart County travels to Fort Knox on Aug. 19 to start the season at 7:30 p.m. EST.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Caverna (3-25)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Colonels begin a new era with James Shimp taking over the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caverna has just one senior, but the junior class is big with six. That includes Jayanah Nuckols and April Pomeroy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caverna opens with Foundation Christian Academy on Aug. 19 at home.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>19th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nelson County (27-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Second-year head coach Anna Palmer said the key to success for the Cardinals will depend on the team's energy, communication and teamwork. They graduated three seniors from last year's second straight district championship and region semifinalist team, leaving some voids to fill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, Palmer said the seniors and juniors have shown they are up to the task so far. She said they've taken the underclassmen under their wings, shown them the ropes and continued to improve daily. Palmer added the program is special and has a lot of players with hear, dedication and personality in it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their two dynamic senior hitters in 6-1 [player_tooltip player_id='477135' first='Remmi' last='Cooke'], an Austin Peay commit, and 5-10 [player_tooltip player_id='477109' first='Madison' last='Edelen'] are back. Cooke had 624 kills, 274 digs and 78 aces last year and Edelen had 532 kills, 222 digs and 69 aces. Senior defensive specialist Ragen Sympson is expected to lead defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Palmer listed three juniors that have shown great promise in the preseason hoping to give the Cardinals more options at the net. They are middle blocker Shyanne Ashbaugh, outside hitter Cameron Buster and middle blocker/outside hitter Abigail Binkley.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nelson County travels to Louisville Eastern on Aug. 19 to open the season at 7:30 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bardstown (26-8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers had a huge turnaround making it back to the region tournament for the first time since 2018 and are hoping to take things a step further searching for their first district championship since 2017 and first region tournament win since playing for the region championship in 2016.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Darren Morris returns for his second season as head coach. Morris said the key to success for the Tigers is energy and commitment from the players each and every day. He likes the team's overall athleticism. It is about every player doing her part to make the team successful.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers graduated six seniors, but the future is bright with just one this year in opposite/outside hitter Carlie King. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='504705' first='Kylee' last='Best'] looks to take over at setter and junior Zarionha Railley hopes to give the Tigers power at middle blocker/opposite hitter. Sophomore libero [player_tooltip player_id='484296' first='Molly' last='Kisegy'] is the leading returning defender with 283 digs last year. Morris also said sophomores Claire Buzick at right side and outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='603870' first='Addison' last='Devers'] could make huge impacts this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bardstown hosts Taylor County on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thomas Nelson (12-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The school promoted assistant and former player Cassie Sizemore to head coach in the offseason and she's hoping to help the Generals back to the region tournament for the first time since 2020. Thomas Nelson has one district championship in 2019 and three region tournament appearances since the school opened in 2012.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sizemore said learning to finish sets and not getting ahead of themselves are keys to success this year. In the first game of the Bluegrass Games against Newport Central Catholic, the Generals built a lead in the second game only to see NewCath come back to win 21-19 and take the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Generals graduated just two seniors and have three this season in libero Savannah Settles, middle/outside hitter Emma Downing and defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='734322' first='Calista' last='Miller']. Junior twins Tori and [player_tooltip player_id='533368' first='Elle' last='Osborne'] at outside hitter/defensive specialist and setter/right side hitter expect to have more impacts along with two sophomores in middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='603447' first='Morgan' last='Ballard'] and libero Kinley Unseld. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas Nelson hosts Green County on Aug. 20 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bethlehem (6-19)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Banshees turned some heads in the Bluegrass Games beating district rivals Thomas Nelson and Bardstown to claim their flight on the final day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bethlehem is only two years removed from a 26-9 region semifinal run. The Banshees graduated seven seniors, but do return another strong senior class with five. Senior Addy Greenwell, junior [player_tooltip player_id='752886' first='Allie' last='Thompson'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='603333' first='Alexis' last='Lanz'] are among the returning stat leaders from last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bethlehem hosts Elizabethtown on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Washington County (10-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Commanderettes did win 9-of-11 after dropping the first six games last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Denita Simms saw four seniors graduate, but welcomes back five. Senior Olivia Mattingly is back after recording 147 kills, 305 digs and 31 aces last year along with senior Addison Osbourne after she dug up 242 balls to go with 37 aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washington County hosts Bullitt Central on Aug. 20 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":591673,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/HarperJohnson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-591673" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='521229' first='Harper' last='Johnson'], Taylor County</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>20th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Taylor County (25-12) </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals have won two straight district championships and head coach Stephen Zink said the team has the talent, deep bench with all 12 varsity players capable of making a difference at any given moment. Thus, the key to success will be team chemistry.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='159348' first='Emily' last='Melton'] leads the way after a second team all-state season last year with 1,036 assists. She'll have a good number of hitters to set led by senior [player_tooltip player_id='521229' first='Harper' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='484299' first='Madelynn' last='Yates'], who had 266 and 210 kills last year. Senior libero Claire Coyle returns after recording 634 digs last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor County travels to Bardstown on Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marion County (23-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Knights graduated six seniors from last year's team that lost to Nelson County in the region quarterfinals, but they do return junior 5-11 middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='397728' first='McKenna' last='Thomas'] after she recorded 169 kills and 90 solo blocks last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Dave Hibbard said Marion County's key to success will depend on how the players handle serve receive. He said the young group needs experience against good serving teams. Hibbard added if the team handles serve receive, the offense will be outstanding.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marion County hosts Campbellsville on Aug. 19 to open the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Campbellsville (20-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amber Johnson takes over the program again after leading it from 2013 to 2015 for three seasons, then stepping down for family reasons. The previous head coach from the last four seasons in LeeAnn Durham is still on the volunteer coaching staff.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson said a big key to success for the Eagles is getting out of their comfort zones. Only two seniors graduated and Johnson welcomes back three this season in defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='588531' first='Riley' last='Underwood'], Lilyan Murphy and Miley Hash to go with a strong junior class in 5-10 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='607232' first='Callie' last='Durham'], Breona Bridgewater, defensive specialist Brooklyn Hill, setter [player_tooltip player_id='397727' first='Kennedy' last='Griffiths'], Natalie Contreras, outside hitter Alyssa Knezevic and junior Aleecia Knezevic. Two sophomores in [player_tooltip player_id='607229' first='Eden' last='Bland'] and Ava Ellis along with three freshmen in outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='612021' first='Karsyn' last='Smith'], Nadia Taylor and Keiava Thompson round out the roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Campbellsville opens the season at Marion County on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Adair County (14-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indians broke the school record for wins in a season since the program started in 2001 and they are hoping for more this season in Michelle Neat's third year guiding the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Similar to a district rival, Neat said the coaches are pushing the players out of their comfort zone trying to help them overcome the tough history. They are doing in practice, playing tougher competition during the season and implementing more advanced skills and plays. Neat said the Indians have the talent to do great things, but have to strive to be better daily.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indians return all their starters from last season. Sophomore middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535275' first='Olivia' last='Mantooth'] and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='666959' first='Josie' last='Blair'] return after leading Adair County with 200 and 161 kills, respectively last year. Blair and Mantooth added 36 and 27 blocks, respectively to go with 65 and 62 aces, respectively</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Neat said junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='793716' first='Kinzlee' last='Akin'] is in her third season on varsity after a team-high 248 digs last year. Senior Lilly Adams and junior Addison Spoon return as outside hitters and Neat said the team is glad to ahve senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='210630' first='Jazlyn' last='Kemp'] back after battling injuries the last two seasons. Kemp and junior setter Anslie Spoon are responsible for setting the tone for the team running an efficient and effective offense. Anslie Spoon had 457 assists last year. Another senior in Riley Yarberry comes back as a defensive specialist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adair County hosts LaRue County on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["477116"],"_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-66b992354faa8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vest (pictured) is enthusiastic on and off the court and it spreads to her teammates, making her a great leader. She controls the net in unique ways. She does the jump set adding more accuracy to her passes. Teams have to respect it so much she surprises them hitting the ball the opposite direction while in the air for setter dumps. Vest also does a great job making things happen serving and passing the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["159346"],"_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-66b992354fb11"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nelson is what coaches desire for a leader. She gets excited after the Bruins score points and encourages teammates after plays do not go their way. Nelson consistently hustles after balls reading opposing hitters well and makes solid passes helping the Bruins run an efficient offense. She can make good sets when needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212253"],"_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-66b992354fb54"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smallwood uses her size well at the net. She reads setters efficiently and does a great job pairing up with outside and opposite hitters to land solid blocks. Her athletic swings are so tough that solid liberos have a hard time digging them up. Smallwood can tip balls to the sides of blocks and can hit to the line from both the front and back rows. Her serves are also tough to handle because they are solid line drives. It's tough to judge whether they are in or out because she can paint the lines. She also does a great job hustling after balls on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["477135"],"_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-66b992354fb97"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cooke ranked among the state's leaders with 624 kills last year as the result of her solid form, knowing where to guide balls and hit them off blockers. Cooke does an outstanding job reading hitters and making adjustments in the air. Cooke also hustles after balls in different directions and has strong serves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["276179"],"_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-66b992354fbf1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emmons uses her height well to control the net. Her swings to the opposite line are tough for defenders to dig up. She can take some force off swings to make sure they hit the target. If she does not block balls, she gets hands on them allowing her teammates to make plays on them. Emmons is also trying to become a solid defender and server.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["159348"],"_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-66b99b11bddf6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Melton does a great job moving her feet well trying to make precise passes and allow hitters to smack balls down. Melton has a number of sets including back sets. She is not afraid to dive after balls defensively. She controls the net and has a scorching jump serve to the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->