Class of 2026 Big Additions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A number of new faces came into the picture after big junior seasons. Here are some big ones.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["451098"],"_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-6777654b8868c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Demler is as versatile player as there is in the 9th Region, giving the Crusaders options. Demler could set one play, then take a big swing on the next play with a talented young setter on the court at the same time. Demler also played solid defense for St. Henry. Demler finished the season with 295 kills, 465 assists, 257 digs and 37 aces, helping the Crusaders go 33-6 with another All "A" State championship and runner-up finish in the 9th Region Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["507601"],"_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-6777654b886e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Notre Dame likes to have three setting options on each play and Portwood (pictured) more than gives the Pandas a solid option. She's a smart hitter at the net, constantly finding different ways to put balls down. Portwood can also make smooth first passes from all six spots on the court. She anticipates balls well. Portwood finished the season with 227 kills and 149 digs, helping the Pandas go 34-4, win a third straight 9th Region title and drive to the state semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["696289"],"_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-6777654b8872e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McDowell picked up her play even more this season. She makes great adjustments on balls, putting them down from many different parts of the net. She makes quick adjustments on the court. McDowell even mixes in nice cutter shots and shoves to the middle to keep defenders guessing. McDowell is also a sound blocker, defender and server for the Hawks. McDowell had 466 kills, 39 solo blocks, 32 assisted blocks, 235 digs and 57 aces, helping LaRue County go 25-13 and win the 18th District for the first time since 2017.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["261118"],"_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-6777654b8876e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sells may not have played high school ball this past season, but she's shown why she made the Junior Volleyball Association Watch List in previous club seasons. She has great range going hard after balls a number of different ways. She anticipates them well and will use one arm if needed to keep balls off the ground. She hopes to have a big spring for MAVA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["706522"],"_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-6777654b8877a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sensenbrenner does a solid job in the middle using her size to overpower opponents. Sensenbrenner has a great follow-through on balls and instinctive timeliness on her blocking. She also does a great job keeping team out of rhythm with her serves. Sensenbrenner had 238 kills, 34 solo blocks, 25 assisted blocks and 41 aces, helping North Oldham go 28-10, win another 29th District crown and win back the 8th Region title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->