Inaugural 2027 Rankings: Five more outside hitters to watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A number of solid hitters are sprinkled throughout the state. These five could also be big additions in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535230"],"_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-677e03d90ef2e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Riddle has turned into one of the top hitters not only in the 15th Region, but the state, finishing 12th averaging 5.2 kills per set. Riddle is a sound all-around player. She gives the Kats a variety of options with her versatility. Riddle pounds the ball all over the place and sets up her teammates for success with good first passes and sound sets. Riddle is also a valuable server. About the only statistical category that needs improvement is her blocking. Riddle had 556 kills, 345 assists, 308 digs and 65 aces, helping Shelby Valley go 27-12, win the 59th District and drive to the 15th Region semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535222"],"_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-677e03d90efdd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lafferty (pictured) is trying to turn into a sound all-around player for the Blackcats and her club team. Lafferty patrols the back row on defense constantly making two to three-point passes, even diving on the floor to make pancake digs. Lafferty has shown the ability to smack balls from all six positions on the court. She can pound one to the back line from the back row. Lafferty had 138 kills and 295 digs for Prestonsburg this past fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["603819"],"_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-677e03d90f05e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Eldridge has a big follow-through that sends balls screaming to the floor. She can land balls on sound defensive specialists and even angle balls off blockers and out of bounds. She's a good option when her teams are out of system. She lands overpassed balls. Eldridge has also shown she can handle opposing hitters in one-on-one blocking situations. Eldridge is also a sound passer. Eldridge had 219 kills, 179 digs and 56 aces, helping the Cougars go 21-16 and make it to the 14th Region semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["483608"],"_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-677e03d90f0d9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jarrell became one of the top hitters in the state finishing second averaging 6.75 kills per set. She's extremely versatile allowing the coaching staff to put her all over the court. She rises high above the net and adjusts to sets from different angles to power balls down. Jarrell finished the season with 628 kills to go with 122 digs and 63 aces, helping the Cats go 17-9 on the season and make the 15th Region Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535198"],"_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-677e03d90f14f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Devore turned into a bright spot in what was a tough season for the Hornets in a tough district. Devore is productive at all six positions on the court. Devore pounds balls to different parts of the court in the front row, then patrols the back row well. She squares her body up to consistently make sound passes to the setter. Devore had 171 kills, 227 digs and 49 aces for the young Hornets this past fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from the Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for nearly a year and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage, please email Mike at pnmikeg@yahoo.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->