Kentucky Performance Volleyball 16s Teams Overview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 16s group for Kentucky Performance Volleyball has seen a number of players emerge this spring. The growth will only help out in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pink</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McLean County sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='776392' first='Addyson' last='Kirby'] leads the way on the outside and Muhlenberg County sophomore Kennah Willis is sound on the outside. Ohio County sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='776404' first='Morgan' last='Higgins'], Apollo freshman [player_tooltip player_id='534774' first='Lyla' last='Fortener'] and Madisonville-North Hopkins sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='484263' first='Katie' last='Beth Sutton'] came in with a track record on first passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team has two setting options with Owensboro sophomore Madalyn Roberts and Muhlenberg County sophomore Olivia Brassell. Apollo sophomore Aijah Greer provides some nice touch at defensive specialist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That leaves three hitters to round out the roster. Apollo sophomore Kinsley Jackson and Owensboro sophomore Emani Barksdale give the team options in the middle and the outside with Ohio County sophomore Emma Coppage playing outside hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carlee Widmer leads this team. The team travels to Louisville for the Players Championship on May 31 and June 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blue</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team struggled this year, but features some talented players led by Henderson County junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='776415' first='Addison' last='Kirtley'] and Butler County freshman [player_tooltip player_id='611872' first='Isabella-Marie' last='Kelley']. Hancock County sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='603874' first='Macy' last='Roberts'] and Muhlenberg County sophomore Hadlee Milligan are also defensive specialists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three middle hitters give the team options in Ohio County sophomore Maeli Givens and two Butler County sophomores in Emalyn Hawkins and Jenelle Kimmel. Adalynn Harrison, Emma Martin, Lila Hall and Madison Wilson round out the roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>White</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The satellite team put together a respectable 24-15 record. The team finished third in the E'town Invite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Webster County tandem of sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='603848' first='Kamryn' last='Edens'] and junior hitter Chloe Soukup made a difference along with Heritage Christian freshman Grace Conley. Heritage Christian freshman Allison Craft came in with a number of digs on the varsity level. Rounding out the roster are Crittenden County junior middle blocker Braelyn Merrill plus two more Heritage Christian players in sophomore Bralee Fowler and freshman Hadlee Hayes.</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":["776392"],"_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-6827e7746a8d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kirby (pictured) could potentially be a hidden gem out in western Kentucky. Her blocking needs improvement, but outside of that, she's a complete player. Kirby does a good job transitioning from defense to offense after crisp first touches. Kirby does a good job with ball placement. Kirby sets up hitters a good bit for McLean County as well. She can hit off blockers and out of bounds. Kirby had 230 kills, 295 assists, 197 digs and 43 aces for the Cougars in the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["776404"],"_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-6827ee65b5126"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">From the same 10th District, Higgins gives the club and high school teams plenty of good touches. She squares her arms up to balls to start up the offense. Higgins had 258 digs for Ohio County this past fall, helping the Eagles go 20-17 and make it to the 3rd Region Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["776415"],"_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-6827f2aeda1e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kirtley does a great job hitting targets on her sets. She communicates well with teammates forming consistent double teams on blocks. Kirtley is also a sound blocker for the Colonels. Kirtley had 360 assists and 99 digs for Henderson County last year, helping the Colonels make the 2nd Region Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["611872"],"_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-6827f36bc666a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kelley took some nice steps during club season in a number of areas. She has sound ball control trying to get Butler County in rhythm and surprises opponents with sound jump serves. Kelley dug up 341 balls for the Bears this past season.</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 -->