Twin Tales, Part 3: Harrison County's Highlanders

The Harrison County Fillies may not always have the most skilled team in the 10th Region so they try to make up for that with discipline. Junior twins Lexie and Lauren Highlander have been a big part of that as Harrison County has won at least 23 years in their three years in high school.   The twins first dressed for the volleyball team as sophomores for head coach Bill Faulkner, who started the program in 2001. Lauren Highlander has been an outside hitter as a sophomore and junior and Lexie Highlander took the setter spot this past season after splitting it as a sophomore.   Harrison County finished 23-15 this past season. The Fillies had some big wins, but saw their streak of 11 straight 38th District crowns ended in a championship loss to Pendleton County. The Fillies then lost to Montgomery County in the 10th Region quarterfinals.   The Fillies will graduate eight players from that team so the twins will have bigger roles. The good news is 6-2 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='532789' first='Audree' last='Whitaker'] returns to give the Fillies size in the middle and junior Shyanne Ross also returns after seeing action in 33 games last year.   While Harrison County consistently wins games, the Fillies have struggled getting over the hump in the 10th Region, especially against Campbell County and Scott. The Fillies have made it to the region championship just one time in 2018, losing to Campbell County.   The twins also play softball for the Fillies. Harrison County won the 10th Region when the Highlander twins were freshmen and sophomores and made it back to the region championship last year. The Fillies drove to the state quarterfinals in 2022.   Growing up with Twin   Lexie: One of the biggest joys growing up playing sports with my twin Lauren is having a built-in best friend to celebrate the wins with and pushing each other to become better.   Lauren: The biggest joy in growing up with and playing sports with my twin Lexie is always having someone by my side. It is always nice sharing the good moments in sports with her.   Harrison County's Disciplined Volleyball   Lexie: Harrison County volleyball has definitely built a reputation for discipline, with a huge thanks to Coach Faulkner's influence since 2001. It's not just about the strict rules but also about creating a sense of commitment, teamwork, and improvement. It's become a core part of the culture, shaping players who are not only skilled but also dedicated.   Lauren: Coach Faulkner's influence on the program since 2001 has been significant in building a strong team and bonds between the players. He has played a crucial role in coaching us throughout the years. He has helped in many ways making our team stronger.   Overcoming graduation losses   Lexie: The key to continuing the winning streak will be strong teamwork and leadership from the returning players like Shyanne Ross and [player_tooltip player_id='532789' first='Audree' last='Whitaker'] - Hopefully seeing Audree's inner beast coming out next season and hopefully seeing Shyanne Ross as one of our hitters come in and take care of business.   Lauren: Some keys ways in continuing the wins is strong communication on the court and practicing our skills will help for the next season. Shyanne is a strong server and that really helps in winning the games. Audree is very good on the net. She's a strong hitter and helps the team out by getting up and getting the blocks.   Lessons from end of season   Lexie: Some of the big lessons I've learned this past season is having a positive attitude is a must on the volleyball court. It is crucial for winning those big games. I also feel like superb teamwork is key to winning. Never take a team for granted because they are there to win just like we are.   Lauren: Some big lessons I've learned from the tough teams we faced is that we as a team have to keep each other up and stay positive. Stay fast and stay with the other team throughout the whole game.   Volleyball, Softball helping skills with both sports   Lexie: Playing both sports has definitely helped me become a better player. Softball helps me with my hand eye coordination, which is super useful for volleyball. The agility and quick reflexes I develop in volleyball can make me a better fielder in softball. The conditioning and endurance from volleyball also keeps me in shape for softball.   Lauren: Softball helps volleyball skills by keeping you in the motion and helps with coordination. It helps with teamwork and communication skills.   Getting Over the Hump in 10th Region   Lexie: Getting over the hump in volleyball will probably take a max of strong team chemistry, consistent, hardworking practice, and solid game strategies. A team where everyone is focused and motivated can make a big difference. Also working on specific skills and identifying areas of improvement can help a lot.   Lauren: Some keys in helping to get over the hump in volleyball is focusing on our fundamentals and picking up new techniques.    Harrison County Softball   Lexie: Softball means a lot to me. It's not just a game. It's about the friendships we've built and the memories we've made together. The hard work and dedication we all put in really brings us closer as a team. We work really hard all season. I hope it comes back to pay off this year.    Lauren: Softball means a lot to me. It has built strong bonds and exciting moments. It means a lot to my teammates considering how hard everyone worked and all the memories we made together.   Improvements as Setter    Lexie: I'm trying to improve my decision making and quick thinking on the court for next year. I'm also going to be working on my communication with my hitters so we're all on the same page. I'm trying to get better at reading the opposing teams defense so I can set up the best plays. I'm also going to be working really hard in the off season.   Improvements as Hitter   Lauren: I am trying to become a better hitting a fill in the role as a hitter by working on being consistent and practicing during off season.   Note from Mom and Dad   It has been the greatest.  Growing up the girls played basketball, soccer, volleyball, and softball.  Out of the 4 sports they chose volleyball and softball.  With them choosing the same two sports it has made it very convenient for us to watch both of them at all of the games.  It is wonderful watching them grow into great teammates, athletes, and wonderful young women. – Mom and Dad (Lori Darby and Richard Highlander)    Highlander (pictured) does a great job quarterbacking the offense. Highlander has an outstanding rhythm with her setting. She can do both short and long sets, adapting to each hitter. This includes back sets. Highlander also makes crisp passes and lands a sound number of aces. Highlander had 739 assists, 96 kills, 365 digs and 57 aces, helping Harrison County make it back to the 10th Region Tournament.     Highlander primarily started the offensive flow with clean first passes last season, but hopes to be more involved offensively this fall with the graduation of eight seniors. Highlander takes good first steps toward the net. She can hit balls off blockers and tap balls to the back corners for kills. Highlander had 130 digs and 77 kills for the Fillies last fall helping them make it back to the 10th Region Tournament.    Note from the Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for one 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. 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The Harrison County Fillies may not always have the most skilled team in the 10th Region so they try to make up for that with discipline. Junior twins Lexie and Lauren Highlander have been a big part of that as Harrison County has won at least 23 years in their three years in high school.