<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>These teams may fly under the radar in northern Kentucky a bit. However, make no mistake. They are talented teams that can compete on a daily basis because they are well-coached.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>National</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>This team has a good combination of six to go with an experienced varsity setter in Newport Central Catholic freshman [player_tooltip player_id='512719' first='Charlotte' last='Stevie']. Stevie sets up two talented Cooper freshmen middle blockers in 6-0 [player_tooltip player_id='771296' first='Jayden' last='Fletcher'] and 5-11 [player_tooltip player_id='771300' first='Gisele' last='Slayback']. Beechwood freshman [player_tooltip player_id='771298' first='Lynden' last='Davis'] primarily plays libero but has moved to right side hitter some as the result of injuries.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Beechwood freshman Delilah Henkel plays outside hitter and Calvary Christian freshman [player_tooltip player_id='779514' first='Megan' last='Arthur'] plays there and defensive specialist. Notre Dame sophomore Caroline Reid rounds out the roster along with Sophia Iannarelli, Kindra Jones, and [player_tooltip player_id='782751' first='Alexis' last='Kampsen']. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The team is 26-19 overall having finished runner-up in two tournaments and third in the AAU Mid-South Challenge 15 Girls Division. Jessica Carnes is the team's head coach. The next tournament is the Team Indiana Classic on May 3 and 4 in Indianapolis.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Elite</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Beechwood freshman Annalynn Kohlhepp plays right side and middle hitter for this team. New Richmond's Myanna Minning and Dixie Heights' Kaylin Wegford are also on this team. Also on this team are Mackenzee Counts, Camryn Shattuck, Marley Schooley, Bella White, Heidi Grelle and Abrey Ashcraft.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Paige Bailey is the team's head coach. The team ventures to the Showdown in the Smokies over the weekend at the Knoxville Convention Center.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Regional</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Things start with first touches from two defensive specialists in St. Henry eighth grader Ruby Arlinghaus and Beechwood freshman Emma Nienaber. Gallatin County middle blocker Adelyn Kluemper gives the team an option.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Simon Kenton's Haley Combs is also on the roster. The other players are Ava Welch, Lenni Smith, Adelaide Iseral, Olivia Bell and Cambri Parker.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Abby Davis is the team's head coach. The team also ventures to the Showdown in the Smokies over the weekend at the Knoxville Convention Center.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Notable Players</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["512719"],"_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-680af2d515330"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Stevie (pictured) showed a lot of promise as a freshman and has moved into a captain role with the 15 National team. Club head coach Jessica Carnes credited Stevie for encouraging her teammates and staying positive on and off the court. Stevie does a great job mixing up plays and getting many hitters involved. Stevie is currently nursing a high arches foot injury, but could return soon. Stevie finished with 160 assists for the Thoroughbreds this past season.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["771298"],"_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-680af60144acd"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Carnes said Davis has been a great utility player to the team, having adjusted well to the new position on the right side mid-season. Carnes added Davis has done a good job improving her hitting and staying strong defensively.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["771296"],"_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-680af60144b28"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Fletcher brings size to the team and her positive energy is a big asset to the team. Carnes said she's a consistent hitter, noting Fletcher has grown in seeing the floor and finding holes at crucial moments in games. Carnes also said Fletcher is a sound, consistent server. Fletcher had some big blocks in 31 games for the Jaguars in the fall, recording 32 solo ones on the season.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["771300"],"_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-680af60144b70"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Slayback has the potential to dominate the middle with her size. Carnes said Slayback's swing has gotten stronger as the season progressed. Carnes added she's learned new plays and executed them successfully. Carnes said Slayback has a great block to seal the net and aid the defense. </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 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. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
These teams may fly under the radar in northern Kentucky a bit. However, make no mistake. They are talented teams that can compete on a daily basis because they are well-coached.
HEIGHT
5'9"
POS
S/RS
CLASS
2028
State:
Kentucky
School:
Newport Central Catholic
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
HEIGHT
5'6"
POS
DS/L/RS
CLASS
2028
State:
Kentucky
School:
Beechwood
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
HEIGHT
6'0"
POS
MB
CLASS
2028
State:
Kentucky
School:
Beechwood
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
HEIGHT
5'11"
POS
MB
CLASS
2028
State:
Kentucky
School:
Cooper
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading
Already a subscriber?
Log in