16th Region Preview: Ashland adds size, but will be challenged

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Everyone gets knocked down in life. People say it's how you bounce back up that defines your character.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashland head coach Jason Clark does not need to be told the Kittens will face that a good bit this season as the defending region champions. The good news is they've added size to contend with this year with senior 5-11 [player_tooltip player_id='782415' first='Miley' last='Murphy'] transferring in from Cabell Midland (West Virginia) and sophomore 6-0 [player_tooltip player_id='781585' first='Elise' last='Marcum'] back after another club season at Own It. Teammates said they're excited about them getting hands on balls to save the defensive specialists from wearing down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kittens did graduate five seniors from last year's 33-7 season, including setter Grace Clark and hitter Sadie Chaffins. Grace Clark took her talents to the University of Pikeville and Chaffins is down the road at Kentucky Christian. Senior lefty [player_tooltip player_id='782955' first='Sydney' last='Mertz'] played some setter last year and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='786656' first='Caroline' last='Lowman'] is also expected to share those responsibilities. Coach Clark said Lowman had a phenomenal camp when the team ventured north to the University of Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kittens (33-7 last year) are looking for balance offensively. Senior outside hitters [player_tooltip player_id='741511' first='Olivia' last='Wiley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='741516' first='Mena' last='Pittman'] give them that presence there. The defense will be loaded with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='782951' first='Anniston' last='Mertz'], [player_tooltip player_id='766336' first='Karley' last='Jade Sperry'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='794222' first='Greer' last='Layman'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Clark said the team figured out ways to correct and improve the serve reception and ways to run better out of system balls at the Michigan camp. Coach Clark also said the team grew closer as a team through a lot of team bonding, noting players grow in the tough times and that's what camp is about.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashland opens the season Aug. 18 at home against Prestonsburg.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The challengers come in the form of the usual suspects in 64th District rival Boyd County, Greenup County, Raceland, Russell and Rowan County. The <strong>Boyd County Lions</strong> had won the region the previous three years driving to the state quarterfinals each time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boyd County had a young team last year finishing 18-19, losing in the first round of region. The Lions had a fairly inexperienced team last year. Head coach Jamie Clark said he hopes to see a lot of the unforced errors the team made last year cleaned up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense will be led by senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='479269' first='Baylee' last='Moore'], who just committed to the University of Pikeville. Clark said with the sophomore 6-0 [player_tooltip player_id='611964' first='Adria' last='Queen'] and senior [player_tooltip player_id='754840' first='Hallie' last='Barnett'] in the middle, the Lions hope to be solid defensively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='754844' first='Josi' last='Crank'] is another sound defensive specialist with senior [player_tooltip player_id='754843' first='Laura' last='Grace Chaffin'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='754849' first='Casie' last='Porter'] being options at setter. The team is loaded at outside hitter with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='754838' first='Lilah' last='Thornbury'], [player_tooltip player_id='754834' first='Payton' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='754842' first='Sophia' last='Clark']. Coach Clark said the team needs to focus on the team's success, not on individual stats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions open the season at Cabell Midland on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 63rd District could be as tough per usual with the <strong>Greenup County Musketeers</strong> (20-11) potentially the early favorite under new head coach Rodney Powell, even though the team has not been to the region tournament since 2020. The Musketeers possess the size on the front line with the 6-0 junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='484428' first='Lucy' last='Roy'], junior 5-11 middle blocker/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484432' first='Hailey' last='Dillow'], junior 5-11 outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484287' first='Kaylee' last='Braden'] and senior 5-10 outside/middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='479278' first='Peyton' last='Powell']. It is a matter of making sure senior setter Addy Gordon receives the clean passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Musketeers also return a good amount of experience at defensive specialist starting with senior libero Amanda Hatfield in addition to senior Maria Moresea. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='612180' first='Emma' last='Sargent'] could also step into a defensive specialist role if not set some. Coach Powell added some underclassmen have stepped forward to play at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Powell said the team needs to keep serving errors down to enjoy success. He also said the Musketeers need to focus on making good defensive plays to set up the sound offense and play together as one unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Greenup County takes on Somerset Christian at 5 p.m. then Elizabethtown at 6 p.m. in the Bluegrass Games at Tates Creek on Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Katee Neltner-Arthur and staff tend to get the most out of their teams and last year was no exception. The <strong>Raceland Rams</strong> (24-13) wound up winning the 63rd District title and drove to the 16th Region title game. The hope is to take a next step this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Raceland needs to break in a new setter, but returns three dynamic hitters in the 5-11 junior [player_tooltip player_id='848098' first='Allayson' last='Rigsby'], senior [player_tooltip player_id='479275' first='Peyton' last='Mackie'] and junior Annie Bradshaw. [player_tooltip player_id='479265' first='Bentley' last='Rogers'] decided not to return for her senior year, but the Rams do see senior Bryna Wellman return on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Raceland also plays at Tates Creek to open the Bluegrass Games on Friday. The Rams take on Ballard Memorial at 8 p.m. then Holy Cross (Louisville) at 9 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Russell Devils</strong> (16-17) return some dynamic players led by the 6-0 junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='535185' first='Jaycee' last='Hall'] and setter/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='761943' first='Sydney' last='Sizemore']. How their teammates develop around them could be a key to success for the Devils this year. Head coach Kacie Mullins said it's about playing together and doing individual jobs. Mullins hopes to see Hall have a breakout year, the seniors play to their full potential and the underclassmen continue to work hard and perform well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Russell does return some experience on defense. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='801295' first='Brooklyn' last='Holley'] led Russell with 324 digs last year and senior [player_tooltip player_id='815257' first='Kennedy' last='Darnell'] had 160.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team plays in the Ashland Invitational on Aug. 30.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Rowan County Valkyries</strong> (21-10) return perhaps the region's most dynamic setter in junior [player_tooltip player_id='253881' first='Mallory' last='Jones'] in addition to two powerful hitters in junior [player_tooltip player_id='535235' first='Belle' last='Mains'] and [player_tooltip player_id='697081' first='Ella' last='Breeze']. Second-year head coach Taylor Dixon and staff are hoping to find hitters to step forward and take the defensive focus off those two in addition to improving the team's overall blocking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rowan County also returns experience on defense with sophomore libero [player_tooltip player_id='781412' first='Eliza' last='McGillicuddy'] and sophomore defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='611809' first='Kelsey' last='May'] leading the way. Senior Dakota Ginter also looks to make big plays in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rowan County opens the season Aug. 19 against Breathitt County in Morehead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rest of the Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>64th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fairview (8-21 last year)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles may be young, but bring back a lot of experience. They graduated two seniors, but return the dynamic outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535277' first='Madison' last='Loving'], freshman setter [player_tooltip player_id='781278' first='Karly' last='Jane Caldwell'] and freshman outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='612176' first='Sabrina' last='Grant'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Rick Lambert also said to watch out for freshman defensive specialist Paige VanBibber and senior outside hitter/middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='839678' first='Zoe' last='Grant']. In addition, Lambers said eighth grade outside hitter/setter Kylie Parks, Olivia Meade, senior setter/defensive specialist Madison Caskey and freshman outside hitter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='797072' first='Mia' last='Fraley'] will be keys to success for Fairview. Lambert said the keys to success for the team this year are belief in the abilities, attacking balls, serving well and team communication.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I have huge expectations for our team," Lambert said. "I have watched our team work extremely hard throughout summer, and since we have started practice to make themselves better."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fairview travels to Hannan (West Virginia) to start the season Aug. 20.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rose Hill Christian (3-22)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Royals listed two seniors on the roster last year along with one junior to go with six freshmen or younger players. Sophomore Stevie Dyer leads the way there after recording 154 assists and 114 digs last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rose Hill Christian travels down US 23 to Lawrence County on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>63rd District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lewis County (6-26)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions had their struggles last year in the rugged district and are still hoping for an upward turn despite graduating five seniors - most of whom contributed last year. Eighth grader Mya Clark is one of the leading returning players after recording 215 digs last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions host West Carter on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":849437,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/AaliyahPatton-crop-1154x758-1753901124.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-849437" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>62nd District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Carter (12-14) </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Christie Tackett said the team is a strong serving team and she's hopeful that goes a long way for the Comets this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team does return experience at all three positions on the court with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='212353' first='Aalayah' last='Patton'] (above) at libero, [player_tooltip player_id='533382' first='Mallory' last='Hicks'] at middle blocker and Reanna Brown at setter. Tackett also said to look out for junior outside hitter Gracie Nolen and freshman outside hitter Piper Rayburn. Sophomore setter [player_tooltip player_id='611683' first='Camryn' last='Hall'] could also make an impact somewhere.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tackett said keys to success will be having a strong connection on and off the court, in addition to improved defensive back row passing. West Carter last won the 62nd District crown in 2019.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Carter opens the season Aug. 19 at Lewis County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Carter (14-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raiders have won the last five 62nd District crowns mainly because they've controlled the county rivalry, having won 10 of the last 11 meetings. West Carter won one of the regular season games last fall, ending a nine-game losing streak in the series, but East Carter came back to win the district crown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raiders will look different this fall with the graduation of five seniors. East Carter has junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='781382' first='Alexis' last='Bond'] and senior Brianna Burchett to build around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raiders open the season Aug. 19 at home against Menifee County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Morgan County (4-19)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars had their struggles last year, but do return junior Chloe Dye, who had 117 digs last year. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='782496' first='Brooklyn' last='Burton'] could be a player to watch for Morgan County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morgan County hosts Estill County on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>61st District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fleming County (10-22)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers hoped to repeat as district champions last year, but Rowan County swept the way back to the top in three sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fleming County does return two experienced setters in senior Katie Marshall and junior [player_tooltip player_id='776906' first='Bobbi' last='Applegate']. Senior Trinity Flora is a key returning player on defense with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='816945' first='Megan' last='Edmond'] and Layla Feldhaus returning after reaching triple figures in kills last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fleming County travels to Harrison County on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bath County (5-21)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cats have a nice all-around player in senior Lilly Dickerson. However, she needs more help. Sophomore Alexis Osborne is a key returning player on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bath County travels to Powell County on Aug. 21 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Menifee County (1-24)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Menifee County's lone win came at Bath County on Oct. 7 last year. Senior setter Kiah Goodwin leads the returning players after recording 290 assists, 154 digs and 42 aces last year. Senior Addison Henry is a key returning player on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cats travel to East Carter on Aug. 19 in the season opener.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region Fast Facts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record in State Tournament Since 2003 when state tournament split from eight to 16 regions:</strong>&nbsp;7-22</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most Region Crowns since 2003:&nbsp;</strong>Russell with seven.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["741511"],"_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-688a4c2e7bf07"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wiley (pictured) is one of many reasons the Kittens will be tough this season, giving the team great balance. Wiley hits balls hard from outside to different parts of the court. It will be a matter of consistently find ways to hit around blocks, that could be a lot of one-on-ones with Ashland's size in the middle. She also disrupts things at the net with timely blocking and throws opponents out of system with her serves. Wiley has been working on her first touches trying to get the Kittens in rhythm consistently.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754844"],"_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-688a53b9cc0b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Crank reacts quickly to make sound bump and overhand passes. Crank reads hitters well and reacts quickly trying to beat balls to their spots. Crank only dives when needed. Crank had 139 digs for the Lions last fall, helping them go back to the region tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["612180"],"_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-688a60b9b28bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sargent displays great instincts defensively for Greenup County. She does a good job digging up most everything near her, squaring her arms up to make consistent two to three-point passes. Sargent also sets her teammates up well to put balls down. Her versatility could come in handy for Greenup County this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["761943"],"_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-688a60b9b290e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sizemore brings versatility to the Devils, which could be a key to keep opponents from focusing on teammate [player_tooltip player_id='535185' first='Jaycee' last='Hall']. Sizemore switches from defense to offense quickly and puts her teammates in position to put balls down. Sizemore takes good swings on balls, which had been a focus during club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["776906"],"_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-688a4c2e7bf93"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Applegate does what she can trying to get the Panthers into a good offensive rhythm. She goes hard after balls and makes sound sets. Applegate had 147 assists last fall, helping the Panthers go back to the 16th Region Tournament.</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 a half 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 or even have feedback on the Kentucky rankings, 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 -->