First Region Preview: Smaller McCracken team still team to beat

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is a standard the rest of the 1st Region in the Jackson Purchase part of the state is trying to catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>McCracken County Mustangs</strong> have gone 157-0 against the region dropping just three sets to those teams since Reidland, Heath and Lone combined to form the school in 2013 leading to 12 straight region crowns. Even with a smaller team this year with the graduation of two powerful seniors from last year's 35-6 team, that is expected to continue this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The tallest player on the team is senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='809844' first='Reagan' last='Hill'] at 5-feet-9-inches, thus head coach Chancie Coleman said defensive and blocking alignments have been a big focus in the preseason. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='813127' first='Emily' last='Hatfield'] also returns at middle blocker after setting a school record for blocks in a season with 42 solo and 44 assisted for 86 total. The Mustangs aim to again be balanced with senior Eli Streutker, juniors [player_tooltip player_id='757579' first='Kambell' last='Dunning'], [player_tooltip player_id='834881' first='Lilly' last='Hamilton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='747618' first='Neely' last='Nyberg'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCracken County does return experience at setter senior with senior [player_tooltip player_id='757541' first='Taylor' last='Dugan'], who had 1,057 assists last year. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='533342' first='Penny' last='Kirkham'], who recently committed to Tennessee-Martin, is back at the libero spot with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='477251' first='Caroline' last='Presswood'] and [player_tooltip player_id='747076' first='Mollie' last='Canter'] aiming to give the Mustangs the sound presence on defense that's been sound there for years. A good majority of the players play for Southern Kentucky Elite Volleyball Academy in Bowling Green or Tri-Star Juniors in Martin, Tennessee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs play in the Bluegrass Games in Lexington from Aug. 1-3. McCracken County opens the season against St. Mary in District 2 action on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The consensus out there is that the <strong>Graves County Eagles</strong> and <strong>Marshall County Marshals</strong> will be two teams that ultimately challenge McCracken County's region supremacy. Both have players playing club for Pu5h Volleyball Club in Mayfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles had some struggles early in Courtney Griffith's first season as head coach, but did come together to win a third straight 3rd District crown, finishing 14-14 on the season. The team just had a camp featuring coaches from surrounding clubs and Murray State players and Griffith said they coached the Graves County teams one-on-one, making the camp more effective for not only the varsity, but also the junior varsity and freshman teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"This year, we are focused on not just the success of one team, but the success of our program as a whole," Griffith said. "This type of summer camp has laid down the foundation for our program to begin to grow."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Griffith said it's exciting to have a more experienced varsity team this year, even after graduating five seniors. Griffith said everyone on the roster also has the maturity and mental stamina to have a successful season. The roster consists of six seniors in middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='828211' first='Ella' last='Morton'], Caleigh Robertson, Callie Halsell, libero/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='809433' first='Ryleigh' last='Belknap'], Destiny McKenty and setter/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='738480' first='Emma' last='Joiner']. The other six are juniors in middle blocker/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='774411' first='Chloe' last='Wade'], outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535247' first='MaryKate' last='Miller'], Maddy Woolf, Lauren Schipp, setter/defensive specialist/libero [player_tooltip player_id='551813' first='Zoie' last='Joiner'] and Emerson Elliott.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Griffith said Belknap, Robertson and McKenty make up a solid back row defensively. [player_tooltip player_id='738480' first='Emma' last='Joiner'] returns at setter after recording 250 assists last year. Griffith describes her as a quiet player that makes an impact with her ability to control the offense, providing the team with an unmatched consistency with such control over her hands. Third-year varsity player Miller and Morton are the team's returning kills leaders. Griffith also said to watch out for [player_tooltip player_id='774411' first='Chloe' last='Wade'], who moved up to varsity at the end of last year. Griffith said Wade is making waves with a huge vertical jump, huge arm swing, great personality and an amazing teammate that brings positive vibes to the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Graves County hosts Ballard Memorial on Aug. 19 to open the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marshall County entered last year looking at a rebuild. However, the Marshals put together a sound 16-6 season, winning a fifth straight 4th District crown and driving to the 1st Region semifinals before falling in a tight 3-2 (25-27, 25-23, 22-25, 25-21, 15-12) battle to Paducah Community Christian. The Marshals graduated just two seniors off that team in Shelby Ramage and Kylie Merrick. They hope to build off the successes of last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Paige Perego-Fletcher enters her third season guiding the Marshals welcoming back senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='533367' first='Maleah' last='Terry'] and junior setter and multi-sport athlete [player_tooltip player_id='484426' first='Emma-Leigh' last='Reynolds']. Terry made sound first passes and Reynolds set up the hitters. Senior Olivia Hawkins is also back after leading the Marshals with 195 kills last year, along with promising young sophomore hitter [player_tooltip player_id='755896' first='Laney' last='Yates'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marshall County travels to Crittenden County on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rest of Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1st District </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carlisle County (17-20 last year)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Comets won back the district last year after winning it three straight years between 2020 and 2022 after missing out on it in 2023. Veteran head coach Whitney Puckett welcomes back a team that graduated just two seniors. The hope is that experience will lead to the first 1st Region Tournament game if not the first All "A" 1st Region title in program history.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Comets entered the season needing to find a libero after junior [player_tooltip player_id='798197' first='Rylee' last='Lemons'] decided not to return, opting to focus on softball. They are switching to a 5-1 system this year and putting sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='612113' first='Ella' last='Draper'] at that spot. Puckett said her role as front row setter and back row defensive specialist in the team's 4-2 system last year prepared her well for that role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team returns three other solid players in junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='535258' first='Brooklyn' last='Dunn'], outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='828723' first='Abree' last='Warren'] and outside hitter/middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='701272' first='Macee' last='Hogancamp'] at 5-10. Puckett said she's hoping for a breakout season from junior 5-10 hitter [player_tooltip player_id='816534' first='Madyson' last='Lynn']. Puckett said Lynn has been working on controlling her swing and placing balls where she desires for them to go. She gives the team versatility with the ability to hit from all six spots on the court, which Puckett said will be vital to the team's success this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carlisle County hosts Christian Fellowship to open the season on Aug. 21.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hickman County (13-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Melissa Sampson has a huge challenge entering her second season as head coach. The Falcons graduated nine seniors from last year's team. Two sophomores in [player_tooltip player_id='835239' first='Macy' last='Howell'] and Kylie Meshaw saw action in at least 23 games last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hickman County plays some games in the Comets Classic on Aug. 23 to open the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fulton County (8-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rebecca enters her second season guiding the Pilots trying to bring stability to the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pilots started freshman Brooklyn Owens at setter as an eighth grader last year. The team also welcomes back senior Jaleeha, who had 111 kills last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team travels to Murray to open the season Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fulton City (1-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Michele Stephens is the head coach of the Bulldogs, who are coming off a tough season with the lone win coming against Humboldt (Tennessee). They did win eight games in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs host Huntingdon (Tennessee) on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2nd District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Community Christian (Paducah) (25-9)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors enjoyed a successful season last year that saw a 1st Region All "A" crown and drove to the region title game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, head coach Maggie Prewitt listed this season as a rebuilding one with the graduation of five key seniors to that team. Prewitt said the team is focusing on serve reception a lot in addition to breaking down to the basics and building back up from there. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='798025' first='Riley' last='Arnett'] is the libero and the three seniors are setter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='790989' first='Addie' last='Arnett'], [player_tooltip player_id='845996' first='Millie' last='Midkiff'] and Emma Wring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors play in the Kentucky Christian Athletic Conference Tournament at Whitefield Academy on Aug. 23 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Paducah Tilghman (6-18)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blue Tornado saw a one-game improvement from Gwen Duncan's first season as head coach. She said the rebuilding continues with the graduation of three seniors. In addition, Regan McGuillion and Ma'Kel Ridgeway decided not to return.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tilghman has a nice front line with junior Jaden Faulkner and sophomore Hailyn Hughes as middle blockers in addition to senior [player_tooltip player_id='836433' first='Naarah' last='White'] on the outside. The defensive specialists include senior [player_tooltip player_id='792225' first='Avery' last='Waufle'], juniors [player_tooltip player_id='791636' first='Aniyah' last='Newell'], Amelia Birdsong and freshmen Lily Coomer and Emma Martin. Martin can also play defensive specialist. Duncan also said junior Emma Haus has good hands and can also play on the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Duncan said this is a good opportunity to see returning players along with up and coming players who are passionate about the game step into the spotlight. Duncan said the focuses are, structure, self-accountability, consistency with fundamentals and promoting a team atmosphere. The goal is to build better communication on the court and confident players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The season begins Aug. 18 at home against University Heights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>St. Mary (2-21)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings fielded a young team with just one senior and three juniors last year and struggled.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Mary hosts McCracken County to start the season Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":849373,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/37-Aubrey-Alexander-crop-1677x1101-1753889577.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-849373" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3rd District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mayfield (20-10)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals put together a nice season despite a number of players entering the season without varsity experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior [player_tooltip player_id='484268' first='Neely' last='Flowers'] enters her third season as the starting setter. Flowers grew immensely during club season setting up a number of talented hitters. Flowers also takes a number of swings for the Cardinals, giving the team another dimension.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Flowers will set up two experienced hitters in senior [player_tooltip player_id='809881' first='Sydney' last='Wright'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='829123' first='Alex' last='Berhow']. Flowers and Wright played together on the Tri-Star Juniors volleyball club in the spring. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='799710' first='Veronica' last='Vaca'] also returns after starting at libero last year and recording 318 digs. Head coach Keith Lacewell said Vaca adds a great deal of defense to the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lacewell said keys to success for the Cardinals this year are finding the team chemistry, learning to play roles on the court and staying healthy. Lacewell said the team can be very competitive if they do those things.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals travel to Calloway County on Aug. 18 to open the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ballard Memorial (22-11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a competitive three-team district, one team has to be left out of the region tournament and the Bombers were that team last year after losing 3-0 (25-14, 25-8, 25-23) to Graves County in the first round of the district tournament. The three teams finished 2-2 against each other in district seed play last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, head coach Adam Solomon returns a number of experienced players hoping to propel Ballard Memorial to the region tournament for the first time since 2021. Junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='535251' first='Aubrey' last='Alexander'] (pictured) returns after recording 576 digs last year along with senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='212172' first='Keira' last='Shaw']. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='800462' first='Kylie' last='Shaw'] along with sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='779144' first='Andee' last='Bodell'] and Raegan Cochran give the Bombers a nice defense. Freshman Mallie Owens brings versatility to the Bombers. Owens and junior Liyah Holman are the team's two leading returning hitters. Owens is a three-sport athlete for Ballard Memorial. Solomon also said to watch out for junior [player_tooltip player_id='836890' first='Peyton' last='Phelps'], who saw some action on varsity last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Solomon said team chemistry and mental toughness are keys to success for the Bombers this year. He said he likes the talent coming through the ranks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ballard Memorial travels to Graves County on Aug. 19 to open the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Murray (18-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers had their first winning season since 2014 and made it to the 1st Region Tournament for the first time since 2013 last year, and only graduated three seniors off that team, including setter Allison Vonnahme. The Tigers hope to keep going up from there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Carey Alexander enters his third season guiding the team with no seniors. Junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='504533' first='Reilly' last='Bassett'] is back as a fourth-year starter and a sound server. Junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='504348' first='Addy' last='Robbins'] is also back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alexander said he's looking for big things from junior outside hitter Olivia Smee this fall, who ranked among the state leaders in serving percentage last year. Alexander also said juniors Deniah Takasingura and Jazmyne Jones will add athleticism to the middle hitter positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murray hosts Fulton County on Aug. 18 to open the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Calloway County (8-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lakers had their struggles last year, but they return one of the region's most dynamic hitters in senior lefthanded opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='845720' first='Kayden' last='Patrick'] along with sophomore setter [player_tooltip player_id='779150' first='Taylor' last='Holland']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Those two along with junior outside hitter Jillian Stovall give the Lakers good pieces to build around. Head coach Gracee Murphy said Stovall has a wicked serve that floats like no other.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murphy listed versatility on the court offensively and serve reception will be keys to seeing Calloway County make it back to the region tournament. Murphy said she wants hitters to be able to attack from all six spots on the court and noted teams can control games as much as possible with passers that make good plays and keep balls in tempo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Calloway County hosts Mayfield on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christian Fellowship (9-19)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles were once the toast of the region having won it four years in a row from 2003 to 2006. That included a run to the state semifinals in 2004. They're now trying to make it back to the region tournament for the first time since 2022. Jared Paschall is listed as the head coach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles return a nice hitter in junior [player_tooltip player_id='814371' first='Jenna' last='Neal'] and junior setter Emily Perez. Junior Kyndal Owen is also a key returning player on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christian Fellowship travels to Mayfield on Aug. 19 to open the season.</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> 14-22</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most Region Crowns since 2003: </strong>McCracken County with 12.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535247"],"_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-688a243726da3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Miller could be tough to handle in the 1st Region this year with her size on the outside. Graves County head coach Courtney Griffith said she has an impressive vertical and a huge arm swing. Miller does a good job making in-air adjustments trying to find different ways to put balls down. She can hit from all six spots on the court, consistently taking sound out of system swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["813127"],"_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-688a1b810dbca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hatfield is a strong force at the net for the Mustangs on both offense and defense. Hatfield is a sound blocker. She does a great job reading opposing hitters and going up at the right time to reject balls. Hatfield teams up with teammates well for good double blocks. Hatfield can effectively execute the slide angling balls off blockers and out of bounds in addition to hitting shallow shots to the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["533367"],"_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-688a39e6233f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Terry does a great job setting her feet to make crisp two to three-point passes. She makes a number of controlled one-arm saves when needed. Terry brings a lot of enthusiasm to the court and moves into quick position to provide net backup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["829123"],"_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-688a39e623496"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Berhow gives the Cardinals strength from the middle and outside. Berhow pulls defenders away from teammates with her presence. She'll only grow with Mayfield having an experienced setter returning to the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["504348"],"_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-688a39e623517"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Robbins is a hustler on the court and it helped the Tigers make it to the region tournament for the first time since 2013. She makes crisp passes, only diving when necessary. Robbins does not make it easy on opponents with her free balls.</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 -->