11th Region Preview: Region potentially wide open

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lexington Catholic Knights won their first region championship in program history and do come into the season favored to repeat with the graduation of just three seniors including powerful outside hitter Addie Lowe. [player_tooltip player_id='486906' first='Ella' last='Rose Gentry'] and [player_tooltip player_id='603862' first='Shay' last='Pope'] also decided not to return this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Knights did make it to the quarterfinals of the Championship Flight in the Bluegrass Games, losing to Ballard. Those games showed what areas need work. However, head coach Jeff Kaufmann said the returning players understand the target is on them, adding he likes their approach in the preseason with high-intensity practices.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LexCath (26-7 last year) returns a solid setter in junior [player_tooltip player_id='603863' first='Charlotte' last='Hall']. Hall has plenty of sound hitters to send balls such as 6-1 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='535172' first='Miller' last='Duncan'] and junior opposite hitters [player_tooltip player_id='212387' first='Ella' last='Blackburn'] and [player_tooltip player_id='212388' first='Payton' last='Avilez']. Last year's starting libero in senior [player_tooltip player_id='741875' first='Maddy' last='Warner'] is also back along with senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='874997' first='Finley' last='Quinn'] (pictured). Duncan said the Knights need to keep energy up the whole time instead of just the first set if they make it back to state when asked what the team learned in the first round loss at Notre Dame at state last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Several sophomores could also come in and contribute in defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='768422' first='Elise' last='Millard'], opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='768460' first='Madeline' last='Sisk'], middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='778170' first='Bella' last='Tipton'] and right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='778175' first='Stella' last='Clements']. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='851603' first='Anna' last='Wethington'] could also make contributions at outside hitter and defensive specialist. Two seniors in setter Emma Stanley, middle blocker Gigi Gerwin along with junior Lilly McHale round out the roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lexington Catholic hosts Frederick Douglass on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lexington Catholic became just the second team outside of Henry Clay and Paul Laurence Dunbar to win the region since 2006. The other one came in 2021 when Great Crossing won it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dunbar has been a region contender for years with Jenni Morgan as head coach. Morgan said the Bulldogs (27-9) will be young this year and look different without the dynamic Isabella Haggard, who graduated along with six other players, and took her talents to Marquette.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dunbar does return four starters in senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='276177' first='Sadie' last='Stuart'], junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535210' first='Mia' last='Pendley'], senior defensive specialist Mia Claire Barnes and junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='484320' first='Peyton' last='Beatty']. Morgan said the team is different from where things started in the offseason to now. Morgan added the team has a lot of potential and is a fun team to coach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dunbar travels to Ryle on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>41st District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Great Crossing (24-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The talented setter Kate Rush may have taken her talents to Western Kentucky University, but the Warhawks return a lot of talent around her. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='479272' first='Emily' last='Erwin'] did some setting and led the team in kills last year. Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='343939' first='Erin' last='Thomas'] comes back after a sound season along with junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='774977' first='Jenna' last='Browning'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A number of talented hitters may step forward to add depth to the balanced attack. Junior lefthanded right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535187' first='Gabrielle' last='Bray'] and sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='612084' first='Kinsley' last='VanGuilder'] had great club seasons. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='511012' first='Alexis' last='Ingle'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='850641' first='Anniston' last='Morris'] hope to help out on defense and freshman setter [player_tooltip player_id='662587' first='Clarke' last='McDonald'] could also play a big role this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great Crossing head coach Adam Ivetic said a key to success is getting everyone on the same page, noting the players come from different clubs and are different ages. He does not want to see them play hero ball. Ivetic also said the Warhawks need to be able to withstand runs on defense and take solid hits when out of system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great Crossing hosts Lexington Christian on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Franklin County (27-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Flyers saw just one senior graduate, but it was a big one in setter/outside hitter Sophie Dufour. They also had some players transfer or not come back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franklin County returns two sound defensive specialists in senior [player_tooltip player_id='212394' first='Lauren' last='Parker'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='793385' first='Drew' last='Bevington'], who have both started since they were freshmen. Head coach Dale Adkins said Division I colleges are already looking at freshman outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='875027' first='Addie' last='Couch']. Adkins said everyone will have to do her job with the team not having a standout player for the success the team has enjoyed to continue.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franklin County hosts Anderson County on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Western Hills (17-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelcie Turner takes over a Wolverines program that had its first winning season since going 16-9 in 2020. Western Hills graduated four seniors including outside hitter Rylan Lambert.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior setter/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='459361' first='Mallory' last='Fint'] returns after recording 526 assists last year. The Wolverines also return three nice defensive specialists in sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='799978' first='Zoe' last='Williams'], [player_tooltip player_id='828664' first='Abby' last='Noble'] and senior [player_tooltip player_id='812129' first='Cami' last='Senter']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='840413' first='Isyss' last='Best-Allison'] hopes to give the Wolverines power in the middle and outside. Sophomores Daviss Johnson at outside/right side hitter/defensive specialist, middle/right side [player_tooltip player_id='611662' first='Nora' last='Elliott'], defensive specialist Lillibea Gould and Ellie Harrell at setter/right side/outside hitter round out the roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Western Hills travels to Spencer County to start the season on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Frankfort (21-9)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers graduated three seniors including a solid hitter in Kendall Cook. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='802628' first='Lily' last='Ballantyne'] is a key returning player. Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='533379' first='Abigail' last='Luking'] hopes to fill in a hitting role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers open the season Aug. 19 against a home school from Danville. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Frankfort Christian (3-17)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Royals have struggled since becoming members of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. They won three games after going winless in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frankfort Christian takes on Kentucky School for the Deaf on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>42nd District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Frederick Douglass (27-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tori Hanson takes over a team that graduated size in the top five kills leaders. However, the Broncos do return senior setter Olivia Orr along with two sound defensive specialists in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='663275' first='Lilly' last='Cowing'] and [player_tooltip player_id='486904' first='Ava' last='Simonsen']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='779983' first='Lyla' last='McMillen'] hopes to step in and produce in the middle with junior [player_tooltip player_id='776638' first='Shelby' last='Mays'] hoping to contribute on defense along with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='611969' first='Jordan' last='McCrary'], who could also set. Hanson also said to watch out for junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='535191' first='Urijah' last='Holman-Allen'], who came over from Bryan Station and junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='804730' first='Ava' last='Henderson'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hanson's goal is to build a strong team culture. She said it's important to come in with the right mentality every match, adding the Broncos need to be strong and smart both physically and mentally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frederick Douglass starts the season Aug. 19 at Lexington Catholic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Scott County (13-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals return all but two seniors from last year's team that made the region tournament for new head coach Rachel Murphy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior [player_tooltip player_id='800876' first='Allison' last='May'] is back after leading Scott County in digs. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='755070' first='Neala' last='Shook'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='775250' first='Scarlett' last='Merkins'] also returns on defense. Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='768426' first='Anna' last='Peters'] is back to guide the offense that also returns last year's kills leaders in senior outside [player_tooltip player_id='765671' first='Allie' last='McClanahan'] and junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='768390' first='Zariah' last='Gent']. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='611961' first='Ava' last='Kragel'] could also set some.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior [player_tooltip player_id='826346' first='Hannah' last='Rumer'] gives the Cardinals an option in the middle and senior [player_tooltip player_id='827997' first='Willow' last='Morgan'] does the same on the right side. Murphy also said to watch out for upcoming freshman outside hitter Katie Shuffett. Murphy said the key to success this season will come through leadership from the core returners and versatility. Murphy added that although it is a new season in a new era, the end goals remain the same.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scott County hosts Woodford County on Aug. 19 to begin the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Henry Clay (11-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since going to the state semifinals in 2020, the Blue Devils have struggled with four straight losing seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, veteran head coach Dale Grupe said the team has grown through the past seasons and the seven seniors combined with eight underclassmen make a fun, talented, cohesive team. Therefore, the Blue Devils hope to make a run in the tough district and region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='397716' first='Emma' last='Jane Hurley'] is back to guide the offense setting talented hitters such as junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='753685' first='Kelsie' last='Lawson'], seniors [player_tooltip player_id='812356' first='Charlotte' last='Young'] on the right side and [player_tooltip player_id='832728' first='Heidi' last='Fay'] in the middle. Senior defensive specialists [player_tooltip player_id='754079' first='Riley' last='Slattery'] and [player_tooltip player_id='796354' first='Lola' last='Gleason'] are back after sound seasons starting up the attack. Grupe also said freshman [player_tooltip player_id='879599' first='Annie' last='Millar'] might make an impact by the end of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Henry Clay travels to Sayre on Aug. 20.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sayre (28-8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spartans put together a nice season, but could not make it past the semifinals in the district tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sayre returns a nice all-around player in junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='535188' first='Brooke' last='Barntsen']. She will set up a nice outside hitter in senior [player_tooltip player_id='533377' first='Eli' last='Powell']. Sophomore middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='774762' first='Margot' last='Kinkead'] also showed promise during the regular season. Senior Phoebe Barlow also returns after a nice season last year on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sayre takes on a home school from Louisville to start the season on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bryan Station (15-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jonnalyn Shimko welcomes back one of the top hitters in the state in senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='212249' first='Cameron' last='Owens'], who played club for the loaded KIVA 17 Red this past spring. She's tough when she's on target with her swings. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='768308' first='Nyalie' last='Locke'] is back to set her and senior outside/middle [player_tooltip player_id='212250' first='Micah' last='Robinson']. Two seniors in Abbi Brown in the middle and [player_tooltip player_id='811132' first='Ashley' last='Deters'] in the middle and on the right side hope to give the Defenders balance. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='888196' first='Lily' last='Howard'] is also back on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shimko said she wants to see the team make each other feel confident. She added if the team keeps serves in and serve receives well, they'll be in good shape.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bryan Station hosts Lexington Christian on Aug. 20.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":875049,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/user-uploads/EliseTrimble-crop-643x422-1754881587.jpg?w=642" alt="" class="wp-image-875049" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Mike Vescio Vescio's Sports Shots</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>43rd District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lafayette (20-11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Generals hope to make it to the region tournament for the first time since 2011 despite the graduation of nine seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='397717' first='Elise' last='Trimble'] (above) is back after doing a good job guiding the offense last season. She'll set a solid outside hitter in junior [player_tooltip player_id='484422' first='Audrey' last='Gossett']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='523334' first='Lexi' last='Hensley'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='741500' first='Lily' last='Grant'] hope to give the Generals balance in the middle and sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='711994' first='Carli' last='Dotson'] had a good club season for [program_tooltip program_id='510734' first='Lexington' last='United'] 15 Elite in the spring. Entering her second season as head coach, Taylor La Mantia also said to watch out for senior Payton Watts and Xiomara Ramos.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>La Mantia said the team may be young, but the players are doing a good job. It is a matter of coming together and improving on a daily basis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lafayette travels to West Jessamine on Aug. 21.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tates Creek (13-19)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Commodores hope the experience from recent years turns into good things this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They return the prolific junior 6-0 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='519636' first='LeeAnn' last='Knapp'] along with senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='544046' first='Stella' last='Myers']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='778616' first='Hayden' last='Wolff'] is also back after a nice season on defense. The versatile junior [player_tooltip player_id='742197' first='Harper' last='Lipsett'] makes plays hitting the ball and on defense for Tates Creek. Senior middle blocker/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='823506' first='Desiree' last='Kinnon'], junior middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='845263' first='Brenna' last='Smith'] and junior outside/defensive specialist Piper Simmons also bring back valuable experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Morgan Contino said consistency and enthusiasm will go a long way toward the success for the Commodores. Contino hopes to see the players outwork other teams and work through adversity and long rallies and matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tates Creek travels to East Jessamine on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lexington Christian (15-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lexington Christian returns a lot of nice defenders in senior [player_tooltip player_id='778442' first='Sarah' last='Biliter'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='612081' first='Sophia' last='Gorshak']. Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='778438' first='Madeline' last='Eubank'] is also back after a good season for the Eagles last year and senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='810811' first='Amanda' last='Ragland'] put up a lot of blocks last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Christin O'Nan said senior [player_tooltip player_id='834325' first='Kitty' last='Meade'] at opposite hitter/setter is turning into a strong six-rotation player and junior [player_tooltip player_id='813718' first='Hailey' last='Jude'] hopes to provide some pop at outside hitter. Freshman Ava Hundley also gives Lexington Christian an option in the middle and sophomore transfer opposite/setter Rachel Rice is also finding a lot of success on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>O'Nan said developing confident out of system game, smart setting choices, back row attacks and tons of reps on broken plays along with embracing the grind and winning scrappy points will be keys to success. She also wants to see the Eagles have strong communication and trust from the start of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lexington Christian travels to Great Crossing on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>44th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Madison Central (21-17)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indians already dealt with some adversity before the Bluegrass Games when Janet Thacker stepped down as head coach. Alyssa Evans has been named interim head coach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indians have been young in recent years and they hope the lumps turn into a lot of good things this year as they search for their fifth straight district championship and hope to be mentally tougher in the region tournament against the top teams. Junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535190' first='Bella' last='Morrett'] and junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='603592' first='Josee' last='Campbell'] lead the way there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='226852' first='Aubrey' last='Donald'] is back after a solid season and senior [player_tooltip player_id='831886' first='Emily' last='Steele'] gives the Indians a sound all-around presence. The Indians plan to run a 5-1 with hitters such as junior right side/middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='776212' first='Teegan' last='Sulfridge'] and junior outside [player_tooltip player_id='816000' first='Addie' last='Neal']. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='769212' first='Jaelyn' last='Hall'] could set or hit from the outside with junior [player_tooltip player_id='769208' first='Maddie' last='Berardi'] hoping to help solidify the Madison Central defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madison Central hosts Bourbon County on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Madison Southern (13-9)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Third-year head coach Kacie Warrington said she wants to see the players be as consistent and offensive as possible. She added she wants them to have fun and play with confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='612195' first='Lillian' last='Kirk'] is back after leading the team in digs last year and senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='533381' first='Brylee' last='Ball'] also returns along with two nice hitters in senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='594612' first='Mya' last='Duncan'] and junior right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='603860' first='Anna' last='Collier']. Warrington also said to watch out for Kinzley Baker, Becca Northern, Kate Ann Foley, Olivia Corbin, Leiah Crabtree and Avery Simmons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madison Southern hosts North Laurel on Aug. 21 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Model (13-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Patriots put together a winning season behind the likes of senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='594615' first='Piper' last='Moore'] and sophomore middle blocker/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='552342' first='Keightley' last='Pearl'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Model starts the season at Berea on Aug. 20.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Berea (6-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pirates listed no seniors on the roster last year. Junior Story Bonta leads the returning players along with senior Cora Reed and junior Taylor McHone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berea hosts Danville on Aug. 18 to start the season.</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":["874997"],"_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-68993b28724fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Quinn gives the Knights a sound defense with nice first touches. She dives only when necessary staying under control when making those touches. Quinn setting up and beating balls to their destinations. Quinn also provides sound net protection. Quinn especially did a good job backing up against blocked balls at the net and protecting the lines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["850641"],"_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-689948bab377d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Morris showed some versatility in the Bluegrass Games. She is displaying nice precision and speed on her swings. Morris sends tough crosses from both pins. She mixes in softer hits to places such as the short corner. Morris has developed consistency on her passing and sound serving. She's also finding ways to close on double blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["523334"],"_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-68996cdd00a9b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hensley has the size and talent to turn into a solid player for the Generals. Hensley has developed a good rhythm, especially with crosses on go routes. Hensley does a good job disrupting things at the net. On defense, she makes the simple passes. Hensley said the team will be good once they get in the gym more and get their rhythm back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["544046"],"_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-68996cdd00af2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Myers is a sound all-around player for the Commodores. She involved a number of hitters on short and long sets to keep opponents guessing. Myers has also shown she can dig up solid hitters, make good first touches and disrupt the net with sound blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["769214"],"_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-68996cdd00b34"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Scott hopes to make an impact for the Indians using her 21-inch vertical jump to take hard swings and make big blocks. Scott is a versatile player. Scott is also a good communicator on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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;29-22</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most Region Crowns since 2003:&nbsp;</strong>Henry Clay with 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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 -->