7th Region preview: Assumption, SHA still at top

The 7th Region has long gone through two of the state's Dominant Five programs in the Assumption Rockets and Sacred Heart Valkyries.   They may still be on top. However, in recent years, there have been signs of other teams gaining grounds. The first Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association poll had those two at the top, but also had three other teams in the Top 25. They listed Ballard ninth, DuPont Manual at 11th and the Christian Academy-Louisville at 16th.   The Rockets graduated eight seniors from last year's team that won a state record 23rd state championship finishing 36-5 overall. However, they do return five starters starting defensively with senior libero and the returning KVCA Defensive Player of the Year [player_tooltip player_id='172945' first='Kristen' last='Simon']. Veteran head coach Ron Kordes said Simon, a University of Wisconsin commit, is currently injured, but they have a solid backup in junior Auburn University commit Emily Kieran. Simon recorded 497 digs and Kieran had 280 last year.   Those first passes will go to one of the top returning setters in senior [player_tooltip player_id='172952' first='Emilee' last='Fuller'], who just committed to Seton Hall after tallying 1,290 assists last year. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='212400' first='Jillian' last='Bohannon'] will be Fuller's backup.   The two returning starting hitters are seniors [player_tooltip player_id='172951' first='Bailey' last='Blair'], an Ohio University commit, and Emmna Barnett, a Marshall University commit. The 6-0 Blair is moving from the middle to the right side this year after recording 352 kills last year and Barnett is moving from the outside/right side hitter to the left side after tallying 300 kills last year. The staff is putting senior 6-2 [player_tooltip player_id='477120' first='Janie' last='Eichberger'] at middle blocker and will have junior [player_tooltip player_id='212398' first='Ella' last='Askin'] start opposite of Barnett.   Kordes said two freshmen could also come in and contribute on the outside. They are [player_tooltip player_id='611724' first='Brooke' last='Codey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='611743' first='Taylor' last='McKenzie-Price'], who transferred after playing varsity at Bryan Station in Lexington as an eighth grader. McKenzie-Price can also play defense.   Kordes said he likes the work ethic of the team so far. He noted the players know teams will be aiming for them this year.   Assumption travels to Male on Tuesday to start the season.   Sacred Heart (28-11 last year) last won the region championship in 2021 and last won state in 2016. Brett Version welcomes back a team loaded with solid hitters. Senior Setter [player_tooltip player_id='477212' first='Sarah' last='Kempf'], a Butler commit, is back after recording 624 assists last year. She'll set up three powerful hitters in 6-1 middle blocker and Denver University commit [player_tooltip player_id='159350' first='Elise' last='Hart'], 6-1 outside hitter and Georgia Southern commit [player_tooltip player_id='159351' first='Anna' last='Powell'] and 6-0 outside hitter and Harvard University commit [player_tooltip player_id='172949' first='Bridget' last='Egan']. Powell, Egan and Hart had 353, 331 and 229 kills, respectively last year. Junior Gracie Eybel also gives the Valkyries an option in the middle or outside.   Several players are looking to make an impact at libero or defensive specialist. They are seniors Lydia Smith, Charlotte Moyer, Autiana Wilson and junior [player_tooltip player_id='253869' first='Hilary' last='Pehlke']. Head coach Brett Versen said serving and serve reception will play a big role in how far the team goes this season. He said if they do those things well, they'll be able to put pressure on opponents.   Sacred Heart opens the season Monday at Atherton.   Here is how things might pan out in the rest of the region   28th District   Christian Academy-Louisville (22-7)   The Centurions have won the district all three seasons then made it to the region semifinals with Sherry Ashley guiding the program.   Sherry said defense will be the key for the Centurions this year. Junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='479282' first='Katrina' last='Oswald'] returns after recording 261 digs last year and sophomore defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='484282' first='Mia' last='Boyd'] will also help lead there.   The Centurions have some firepower if they consistently get in system. Freshman outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='601632' first='Kayleigh' last='Rogers'] returns after posting a solid eighth grade season as a six-rotation player. Rogers had 341 kills, 252 digs and 32 aces for the Centurions last year.   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='159345' first='Caroline' last='Bates'] may change from opposite to outside hitter because Sherry said the Centurions need a strong arm there. They'll also have 5-10 sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='771856' first='Kyla' last='Roy'] at middle blocker. Bates had 221 kills last year.   The Centurions open the season Monday at home against the Christian Academy of Indiana.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Ava-Liening1.jpg?w=644" alt="" class="wp-image-496292" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='443382' first='Ava' last='Liening'], Ballard</figcaption></figure>   Ballard (26-10)   The Bruins have an abundance of size with four players listed at 6-0 and above and plan to take advantage of it. The tallest two are junior middle blockers in 6-6 [player_tooltip player_id='212348' first='Ella' last='Grivna'] and 6-4 [player_tooltip player_id='443382' first='Ava' last='Liening']. Grivna just committed to the University of South Carolina. Liening had 240 kills to go with 122 blocks including 53 solo last year and Grivna had 197 kills to go with 114 blocks including 41 solo.   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='395957' first='Piper' last='Blain'] gives the Bruins more size on the outside at 6-1. She had 236 kills last year. Other key hitters are junior 5-10 opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='629192' first='Marleigh' last='Tripp'] and senior 5-11 middle/opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='538292' first='Nia' last='Smith'].   Doug Coan takes over the head coaching duties this year and Andrew Mullins moved into the associate head coach role. Coan said serve reception and defense will be keys to helping the Bruins take advantage of their size because out of system, the Bruins have two strong outside hitters, but not that size. Junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='750447' first='Megan' last='Helander'] and junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='479283' first='Ahtziry' last='Medina'] will be responsible for the first touches and [player_tooltip player_id='477200' first='Natalie' last='Sanders'] returns at setter after tallying 589 assists last year.   Ballard travels to North Oldham on Tuesday for a 7:30 p.m.   Kentucky Country Day (15-10)   The Bearcats have a solid player in senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='477118' first='Ryelle' last='Rondo'], a University of Alabama commit after she had 222 kills, 213 digs and 35 blocks including 20 solo last year.   Head coach Sarah Bell also said to look out for junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='479290' first='Ashlynn' last='Smith'] and sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535207' first='Isla' last='Ford']. Smith led the Bearcats with 300 digs last year.   Bell said the key to success for the Bearcats this season will be taking things game by game, leadership from the upperclassmen and everyone being on the same page in the main goal, which is to win. Bell also said it is to represent themselves and KCD well.   The Bearcats host Bullitt East to start the season Aug. 20.   Eastern (13-16)   Paul Harvey takes over a program hoping to lead the Eagles back to the region tournament for the first time since 2021.   Harvey said it will take every player doing her part to do things around. He wants the players to win the serving and serve-reception games with aggressive techniques and defend the home court.   The Eagles have some talented young players. Sophomore right side hitter/defensive specialist Meghan Kemplin and freshman hitter [player_tooltip player_id='456722' first='Hadley' last='Fertig'] have varsity experience and Harvey also said to look out for sophomore Avery Corbitt and freshman Lua Gutterman.   Eastern hosts Nelson County on Monday to start the season.   Walden (6-15)   The school promoted Jade Burke to head coach in the offseason.   The Wolverines had four seniors graduate from last year's team. They have just one senior this year with three eighth graders and one seventh grader listed on the roster.   Walden plays Brown to start the season Monday.   27th District   Seneca (19-17)   The Redhawks have been to the region seven years in a row, but have struggled to make it past the first round of region.   Adam Carter takes over hoping to help Seneca get over that hump this year. He'll look to junior setter/outside hitters [player_tooltip player_id='479295' first='Jordyn' last='Kiser'] and [player_tooltip player_id='582259' first='Izzy' last='Probus'] to run a 6-2 formation. Kiser had 115 assists last year to go with 316 digs and 62 aces, but Probus has never set before.   Carter said the biggest key to success will be based on the setter and outside hitter play. He said they will be a strong team if they stay in system and get consistent play from those positions. Carter noted the team is smaller in general so blocks in the middle need to be effective and the team will need aggressive serving to keep opponents out of system.   Seneca hosts Waggener to start the season Monday.   Atherton (13-12)   Timothy Kleitz returns for a sixth season leading the Ravens that last made the region tournament in 2017.   The Ravens had six seniors last year. The key returning players are senior setter Addison Doyle after she had more than 300 assists last year.   Atherton hosts Sacred Heart on Monday to start the season.   Highlands Latin (15-15)   Jennifer Stosberg is back for her third season leading the Highlanders.   Highlands Latin had 10 seniors last year. Sophomore defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='535213' first='Sophia' last='Arruda'] is back after recording 146 digs last year.   Highlands Latin opens the season in the Kentucky Christian Athletic Conference Tournament on Aug. 24 at Whitefield Academy.   Waggener (16-11)   Morgan Reynolds takes over a Wildcats program that graduated four seniors last year. They have another solid senior class with five this year.   Waggner travels to Seneca on Monday to start the season.   26th District   Male (6-24)   The Bulldogs are just three years removed from taking Sacred Heart to the brink in the region championship game in 2021, but have been rebuilding since then.   They had their struggles last year, but still found a way back into the region tournament. The 26th District has been a three-team district since 2012 and the Bulldogs have been runner-up all 12 years.   Third-year head coach Michelle Daugherty said to watch out for senior hitters [player_tooltip player_id='395952' first='Sarah' last='Morley'] and Kacy Hillerich in addition to junior [player_tooltip player_id='753681' first='Maddie' last='Wright'].   Male hosts Assumption on Tuesday to start the season.   Brown (11-13)   Last year was huge step up for the Bears after winning just two games in Kathleen Mattingly's first three seasons as head coach.   Brown had just one senior last year. Junior Joelle Sherley is a key returning player for the Bears.   Brown travels to Western to open the season Tuesday.   25th District   DuPont Manual (25-12)   Richard Weaver took over the program in 2019 and has led the Crimsons to district championships and at least the region semifinals all but one season in 2021. The Crimsons drove all the way to the region championship in 2022 before losing to Assumption.   Manual did graduate seven seniors from last year's team, but does return three starters. Senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='642357' first='Kennedy' last='Dawson'] and senior setter/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='477202' first='Aubrey' last='Montgomery'] are back for their third seasons starting on varsity. Dawson had 184 digs and 46 aces last year and Montgomery had 145 kills, 450 assists, 131 digs and 43 aces. The third returning starter is senior setter/outside hitter Abby Genter after she posted 472 assists, 129 digs and 76 aces last year.   Senior outside [player_tooltip player_id='588564' first='Brooke' last='Ciresi'] is back after tallying 212 kills last year. Junior outside hitters [player_tooltip player_id='768464' first='Avery' last='Schrenger'] and Avery Easley return with varsity experience and senior defensive specialist Riley Osbourne returns after recording 161 digs last year. Weaver also said to look out for sophomore 5-10 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='484427' first='Piper' last='Fulton'] offensively.   Weaver said consistency will be the key to success this season for the Crimsons with their talent and depth at each position. He said the program has been built on defensive tenacity, precise serving and relentless effort. While they are still staples, Weaver said the team is looking to add offensive firepower taking advantage of the team's versatility and will implement a system with multiple moving parts as the season progresses.   Manual travels to Shawnee on Monday to start the season.   Presentation (19-13)   Jessica West takes over a Toppers program that has been to the region tournament every year since the current region format came about in 2012 and finished All "A" State runner-up last year.   Presentation will also look different on the court as well with the graduation of 11 seniors. Senior Lauren Schreck is the only returning player with significant varsity experience. Schreck had 112 digs and 30 aces last year.   Presentation hosts Portland Christian on Monday to start the season.   Portland Christian (16-18)   Melissa King is back for her second season guiding the Eagles.   They had just one senior last year. Key returning players are sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='535220' first='Kaylee' last='Hammond'] and Madelyn Syme. Syme had 159 kills and Hammond had 500 assists last year.   Portland Christian hosts Presentation on Monday to begin the season.   Central (16-12)   The Yellowjackets recorded their first winning season last year since Ashley Fabrizi took over the program.   Central graduated seven seniors from last year's team, but does return some talented hitters. Junior outside hitter Sydney Bradley had 103 kills last year and Fabrizi also listed senior right side hitter Salina Moore as a player to watch.   Central travels to Francis Parker to start the season Monday.   Shawnee (6-15)   Norman Ellis returns for a third season guiding the Golden Eagles, who graduated six seniors from last year's team.   Shawnee hosts Manual on Monday to begin the season.   Francis Parker (3-16)   The Wyverns graduated three seniors from last year's team.   Francis Parker opens the season Monday at Central.   Here are some key players in the region    Blair has the genes and the drive you expect being the daughter of a coach. She brings versatility to the front row reacting quickly to things. She produces from a number of positions. Blair has excellent timing on her blocks consistently moving quickly one way then back the other.     Hart dominates the front row for the Valkyries. She has a solid approach to the net, smacking balls down hart to different parts of the court benefitting from the fast-paced Valkyrie offense. Hart adjusts in mid-air to tip balls over blockers when needed. She also has outstanding timing on her blocks.     Rogers made a huge splash on varsity as an eighth grader last fall for the Centurions. She hits from all six positions on the court to many different spots. Rogers excels in making adjustments on sets, sees the floor and tries to put balls in the holes. Rogers continuously finds ways to hit balls off blockers. She is also a solid server and passer.     Liening came around in a big way for the Bruins last year as a force for the net and has had an outstanding preseason so far. She helped the Bruins go 7-1 reaching the quarterfinals in the final bracket of the championship flight at the Bluegrass Games in July. She has an outstanding slide step placing balls a number of places and has great timing on her blocks. She hits from the middle and the pins and is not afraid to tip balls to make sure they go through and off blockers. Liening also has a serve that can paint the back line.     Rondo has natural athleticism and Kentucky Country Day is trying to use that to its advantage. Rondo smacks balls down hard to a number of places forcing teams to defend the entire court. The repertoire includes soft taps from a pin to the opposite line. She is a sound six-rotation player that can take swings from the back row. She is a sound passer and delivers good sets when needed.

The 7th Region has long gone through two of the state's Dominant Five programs in the Assumption Rockets and Sacred Heart Valkyries.