Region Tournament overviews, predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: The predictions are only for fun and not to be taken too seriously. When the games begin, the only thing that will matter is what happens between the white lines.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The postseason is in full swing and 128 teams remain alive battling for one of the 16 spots in the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 13th and 14th Region Tournaments begin Saturday and others such as the 9th begin Sunday so here's a quick rundown of the regions. The district tournaments saw some surprises such as Cumberland County winning the first district championship in school history and more could occur in the region tournaments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1st Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCracken County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs simply do not lose region games. It has not happened since the school formed in 2013. They only played district opponents going 8-0 going on the road a good bit trying to prepare for the competition they expect to see at state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCracken County (31-5) has a dynamic one-two punch in [player_tooltip player_id='159358' first='Addison' last='Hart'] and [player_tooltip player_id='531304' first='Elizabeth' last='Gilbert'] (pictured). Setter [player_tooltip player_id='757541' first='Taylor' last='Dugan'] has done a great job stepping into a solid role. Other players such as [player_tooltip player_id='477251' first='Caroline' last='Presswood'], Elli Streutker, Emily Hatfield, [player_tooltip player_id='533342' first='Penny' last='Kirkham'] and [player_tooltip player_id='533343' first='Reagan' last='Hill'] have given them solid support.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Graves County, Mayfield, Marshall County and even Carlisle County have shown the potential to rise up and ultimately challenge the Mustangs. It is just going to be hard to do that this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The tournament begins Monday. One side of the bracket plays at Ballard Memorial High School and the other side plays at the middle school. The semifinals take place Tuesday and the title game is Wednesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2nd Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crittenden County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rockets (19-4) went 17-1 against the rest of the region only losing to Henderson County on Aug. 26. They have the highest Ratings Percentage Index of any of the 14 teams in the region. The kills leaders are [player_tooltip player_id='269849' first='Carly' last='Porter'] and Brooke Winstead. Setter Lilah Shearer and Mary Rachel Stephens lead the team in assists and digs, respectively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Potential challengers are Heritage Christian and Caldwell County. They are on the other side of the bracket of the tournament that starts Monday at Hopkinsville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3rd Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owensboro Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Aces (23-13) dominated the region going 14-0 and hold the highest RPI of the eight teams in the tournament. Andi Davis leads Owensboro Catholic with 501 digs. Setters Reese Keller and [player_tooltip player_id='852164' first='Mayme' last='Powell'] have 597 and 445 assists, respectively setting up a balanced attack led by [player_tooltip player_id='159355' first='Olivia' last='Castlen']'s 425 kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Several teams in the region have at least 20 wins. Breckinridge County (20-8) has the second-best region record at 16-2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4th Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bowling Green</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Purples have the junior 6-4 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='212192' first='Amirra' last='Bailey']. She alone is a tough matchup at the net for many opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bowling Green (30-6) lost promising freshman [player_tooltip player_id='577773' first='Chayse' last='Gilliland'] for the season with an injury, but others have come together to form a solid team around Bailey and sophomore setter JoEllen Marshall. [player_tooltip player_id='276175' first='Morgan' last='Rockrohr'] and Addie Kincheloe give the Purples solid offensive threats and [player_tooltip player_id='477191' first='Claire' last='Lawless'] leads the defense. The Purples only lost one region game on Aug. 29 at Greenwood in a tight one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defending region champion Logan County (19-14) will not go down easily. The Cougars have University of Houston commit [player_tooltip player_id='269730' first='Aubrey' last='Sears']. She gives the Cougars a chance in every game with 513 kills on the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5th Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central Hardin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elizabethtown (27-10) pulled off the big win over the Bruins in the 17th District title game. It is not a big shocker considering the Panthers have the 6-6 [player_tooltip player_id='212253' first='Jessica' last='Smallwood']. Head coach Bart Catlett said wins like this are possible when the Panthers play a complete game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bruins (32-5) won both regular season meetings against the Panthers. It is hard to see the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='477116' first='Kati' last='Vest'] and [player_tooltip player_id='159346' first='Samantha' last='Nelson'] letting it happen a second time if the two meet for the region championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor County, Nelson County and LaRue County can not be overlooked. [player_tooltip player_id='477135' first='Remmi' last='Cooke'] has been injured for Nelson County, but could return for the region tournament. Taylor County's only region loss is to Central Hardin and the Hawks have posted their best season under Melissa Williamson's guidance as head coach led by [player_tooltip player_id='696289' first='Kinlee' last='McDowell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='557445' first='Isabelle' last='Hayes'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6th Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mercy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Jaguars (22-14) have gone to the state tournament 43 years in a row and that streak is not expected to stop this year. They've played a tough schedule and a number of players have come together around libero [player_tooltip player_id='172954' first='Madisyn' last='Green'] and dynamic hitter [player_tooltip player_id='479273' first='Mady' last='Yaden'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest challengers to the Jaguars appear to be Holy Cross (21-16) and North Bullitt (22-9). The Cougars have shown they can beat teams when others rise up to help out dynamic senior [player_tooltip player_id='477226' first='Trinity' last='Ward'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7th Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Assumption</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rockets (28-8) may be once again favored, but veteran head coach Ron Kordes, who has been there since 1989, will tell be the first to tell you championships are earned and this year is no different. They are on the same side as arch-rival Sacred Heart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Assumption won both regular season meetings against Sacred Heart (32-5) behind the digging of [player_tooltip player_id='172945' first='Kristen' last='Simon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='212396' first='Emily' last='Keiran']. However, the Valkyries could figure things out offensively with dynamic setter [player_tooltip player_id='477212' first='Sarah' last='Kempf']. Hitters [player_tooltip player_id='159351' first='Anna' last='Powell'], [player_tooltip player_id='172949' first='Bridget' last='Egan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='159350' first='Elise' last='Hart'] compliment each other so well they draw a lot of one-on-one opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ballard (28-7) and DuPont Manual (27-10) also have solid teams. [player_tooltip player_id='588564' first='Brooke' last='Ciresi'], [player_tooltip player_id='642357' first='Kennedy' last='Dawson'], [player_tooltip player_id='477202' first='Aubrey' last='Montgomery'], [player_tooltip player_id='253861' first='Abby' last='Gentner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='484427' first='Piper' last='Fulton'] lead the Crimsons. The Bruins have size with two Southeastern Conference commits in juniors [player_tooltip player_id='212348' first='Ella' last='Grivna'] at 6-6 and [player_tooltip player_id='443382' first='Ava' last='Liening'] at 6-4. Ballard is tough when first contacts occur and [player_tooltip player_id='477200' first='Natalie' last='Sanders'] is able to set a number of quicks to Grivna and Liening. [player_tooltip player_id='750447' first='Megan' last='Helander'] leads the Ballard defense and [player_tooltip player_id='579792' first='Jocelyn' last='Marowelli'] gives the Bruins an outside option.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8th Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Oldham</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one is a toss-up between Simon Kenton (28-5), North Oldham (25-9) and Oldham County (24-8). One dark horse is Collins (20-12).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pioneers seek that elusive region championship and took care of business going 4-0 against the 29th District this year including wins over Oldham County and North Oldham in Independence. The question is whether the Pioneers can come to Eminence three days during the week and come away with three wins in that many or four days. [player_tooltip player_id='159349' first='Keira' last='Hans'] and [player_tooltip player_id='212349' first='Jenna' last='Kitchens'] are loads to handle when they get their swings in for the Pioneers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Oldham has experience and size led by sisters [player_tooltip player_id='212386' first='Reagan' last='Baxter'] and Berkeley Baxter. Campbell Floyd anchors the defense and the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='484260' first='Lilah' last='Anthony'] and [player_tooltip player_id='706522' first='Vita' last='Sensenbrenner'] give the Mustangs depth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='172953' first='Shelby' last='Davis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='479281' first='Ava' last='Arterburn'] lead the Colonels. Mya Hunt and Laken Scannell have come together around those two to give Oldham County a solid team. They have lost some tight ones including a five-setter against North Oldham in the 29th District title game and that could come in handy for the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9th Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Notre Dame</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pandas (29-3) came into the season favored to win state and continue to do so with just one loss against a Kentucky team. They have experience at every position starting with [player_tooltip player_id='210634' first='Julia' last='Grace'] at libero. [player_tooltip player_id='210633' first='Ava' last='Tilden'] is tough from the outside and setter [player_tooltip player_id='379687' first='Lizzy' last='Larkins'] has improved tremendously this year. The Pandas have size in the middle with [player_tooltip player_id='312234' first='Audrey' last='Dyas'] and the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='484250' first='Teagan' last='Kondik'], [player_tooltip player_id='231876' first='Ella' last='Goetz'], [player_tooltip player_id='507601' first='Grace' last='Portwood'] and even [player_tooltip player_id='571992' first='Katie' last='Zwick'] make things tough on opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Henry (31-5) can never be counted out. The Crusaders are led by [player_tooltip player_id='451098' first='Madi' last='Demler'], [player_tooltip player_id='159389' first='Elizabeth' last='Casey'], [player_tooltip player_id='594619' first='Emily' last='Helmers'] and [player_tooltip player_id='159378' first='Corrine' last='Blackburn']. Three freshmen [player_tooltip player_id='610406' first='Kenadi' last='Sieg'], Violet Main and [player_tooltip player_id='612108' first='Madelyn' last='Keipert'] play high level club ball and it has shown with their contributions this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10th Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scott</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles (26-11) have been itching to go back to the region championship and bring it home this year. They've gone 10-0 in region play including two wins over district rival Bishop Brossart (24-11), who is 13-2 in region play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='212393' first='Milyn' last='Minor'] and [player_tooltip player_id='477092' first='Brooklyn' last='Helm'] lead the Eagles. [player_tooltip player_id='500587' first='Ryann' last='Grigsby'], [player_tooltip player_id='159379' first='Kate' last='Neltner'], [player_tooltip player_id='586599' first='Morgan' last='Justice'] and [player_tooltip player_id='477094' first='Elise' last='Manhardt'] have done their part to help the Eagles put together another great season. [player_tooltip player_id='604595' first='Payton' last='Grigsby'] has helped shoulder the load offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='159379' first='Kate' last='Neltner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='484451' first='Aubrey' last='Rebholz'] bring back experience from the region crown the Mustangs won two years ago. [player_tooltip player_id='569742' first='Josie' last='Reckner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='603546' first='Chloe' last='Hershey'] are good pin hitters for the Mustangs and [player_tooltip player_id='587827' first='Grace' last='Frommeyer'] has done well at the libero spot. The Mustangs could win the tournament if the 6-2 [player_tooltip player_id='515259' first='Callie' last='Ritter'] gets her swings in. Leah Robinson and Addison Doughman could also be x-factors for the Mustangs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Montgomery County (25-12), Bracken County (25-12) and Bourbon County (19-15) can not be counted out. The Indians are led by [player_tooltip player_id='594516' first='Alexis' last='White'] and [player_tooltip player_id='477089' first='Sara' last='Zink']. The Bears have set a new school record for wins in a season led by Nichole Archibald, [player_tooltip player_id='594471' first='Jordan' last='Ahrens'], [player_tooltip player_id='212193' first='Macy' last='Lucas'] and [player_tooltip player_id='600935' first='Makenzie' last='Rudd']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='586544' first='Rylee' last='Barnes'] leads the Colonels with 456 digs on the season. They are tough when they are on the attack and not consistently in defense mode.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>11th Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paul Laurence Dunbar</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one is also a tough one, but the Bulldogs (25-8) get the node with the dynamic setter Isabella Haggard, who has 309 kills, 556 assists, 355 digs, 59 blocks and 58 aces on the season. [player_tooltip player_id='535210' first='Mia' last='Pendley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='276177' first='Sadie' last='Stuart'] give the Bulldogs a solid team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frederick Douglass (26-6) has size with [player_tooltip player_id='159394' first='Brooke' last='Turner'], [player_tooltip player_id='204996' first='Addison' last='Jarvis'], Marly Seay, [player_tooltip player_id='397415' first='Chloe' last='Jensen'] and Izzy Wallace. Olivia Orr has done well setting up the hitters. Great Crossing, Franklin County and Lexington Catholic could challenge those two.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>12th Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Jessamine</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Colts (21-16) play a tough schedule and head coach Bill Bird hopes it pays off in the postseason. They finished 7-1 in region play only losing to rival East Jessamine. [player_tooltip player_id='588569' first='Sienna' last='Schantz'] and [player_tooltip player_id='477143' first='Callaway' last='Marsh'] lead the Colts with hitters like [player_tooltip player_id='603652' first='Ashlyn' last='Crutcher'] stepping into big roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southwestern (28-9) put together another solid season led by [player_tooltip player_id='269733' first='Halle' last='Norvell'], Adison Black and [player_tooltip player_id='608162' first='Chloe' last='Mabe']. Other players such as Megan Loudermilk and Lexi Wing need to step forward if the Warriors are to get over the hump. Southwestern and West Jessamine are on the same side of the bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pulaski County (24-11) and Boyle County (28-9) are also threats in the region. [player_tooltip player_id='535242' first='Olivia' last='Travis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='477158' first='Ava' last='King'] lead the Maroons with [player_tooltip player_id='159397' first='Kendra' last='Christopher'] and [player_tooltip player_id='479316' first='Charli' last='Grubbs'] leading the Rebels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>13th Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Corbin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Redhounds (25-7) get the nod with the highest RPI in the region and a 14-1 region record. They have balanced with [player_tooltip player_id='159405' first='Caroline' last='Combs'], [player_tooltip player_id='535270' first='Reece' last='Curry'] and [player_tooltip player_id='159357' first='Ava' last='Maguet'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defending region champion Whitley County (26-10) will not go down without a fight. [player_tooltip player_id='603765' first='Khylea' last='Ray Collier'], [player_tooltip player_id='477138' first='Addison' last='Siler'] and [player_tooltip player_id='603768' first='Jonna' last='Rice'] lead the Colonels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>14th Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knott County Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wolfe County (9-18) has won this region the last two years, but has struggled this year. That could open up the door for the Patriots (27-9), who went 21-0 against region opponents. [player_tooltip player_id='172935' first='Faith' last='Pollard'], [player_tooltip player_id='159310' first='Sydney' last='Stidham'], [player_tooltip player_id='159392' first='Ellie' last='Miller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='484291' first='Zoe' last='Miller'] lead the Patriots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>15th Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paintsville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dawn Kinner has built a solid program in eastern Kentucky and the Tigers (22-11) appear to be peeking at the right time. Reining region player of the year [player_tooltip player_id='253875' first='Kylie' last='Kinner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='269735' first='Olivia' last='Maynard'] lead the way with Bailee Porter and Jenna Ousley providing solid support.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pikeville (22-7), Johnson Central (25-6) and Shelby Valley (26-11) have beaten the Tigers at least once this year. No one in the region finished with less than four losses in region play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16th Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Winner:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kittens (30-6) have put together a solid season going 15-1 in region play only losing to Boyd County on Oct. 3. [player_tooltip player_id='159393' first='Grace' last='Clark'] leads the way with Karley Sperry leading the defense. [player_tooltip player_id='741511' first='Olivia' last='Wiley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='741516' first='Mena' last='Pittman'] are the kills leaders and [player_tooltip player_id='477129' first='Sadie' last='Chaffins'] has also given the Kittens solid play.</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":["159355"],"_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-671cd2589bbb0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Castlen is a highly effective hitter in the middle for the Aces. She does a great job seeing the other side of the net and making adjustments to put balls down including angling different ways. Castlen is effective from the middle and outside. Castlen has also contributed blocking, serving and passing for the Aces this season. Castlen has 425 kills, 41 solo blocks, 260 digs and 55 aces for the Aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":710729,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"JoEllen Marshall","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bowling Green","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='430231' first='Bravo' last='Volleyball Club']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671cd2589bc64"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Marshall does a great job delivering balls where needed in the potent Purples offense. Defensively, she flies all over the court trying to put herself in position for good passes. Marshall does not fall back too deep so hitters can land tips on her. Marshall squares her arms up with balls and provides good net coverage. Marshall has 846 assists, 123 digs and 25 aces on the season for the Purples.</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-671ce4dbb614e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nelson is a catalyst for the Panthers. She has played some tough competition during club and high school ball and the experience shows when she takes the floor. Nelson hustles to balls doing what she can to make crisp passes to Central Hardin standout setter [player_tooltip player_id='477116' first='Kati' last='Vest']. Nelson is also a great leader on the court and a potent server for the Bruins. Nelson has 395 digs and 94 aces on the season for Central Hardin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["484254"],"_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-671ce4dbb61ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Riegling has brought balance to the Jaguars offense. She is tough on the outside proving she can land balls on solid defensive specialists. She forms good double blocks to make opponents hit above her then takes things off balls to land them in the shallow opposite side of the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->