13th Region Preview: Transfers making things interesting

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the summer, the region received some big news when reigning region player of the year [player_tooltip player_id='603744' first='Reagan' last='Isaac'] transferred from North Laurel to Whitley County for her junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6-0 outside gives the three-time defending region champion <strong>Colonels</strong> (29-11) solid athleticism with her ability to hit from all six spots on the court. Isaac's stock grew tremendously during club season playing on the highly-decorated Kentucky Indiana Volleyball Academy's top 16 Red team with players from Assumption. Whitley County head coach David Halcomb also said she's a high character individual.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Colonels not only got Isaac, but three other transfers in junior opposite/defensive specialist Jordan Smith and junior outside hitter Jada Smith in addition to junior middle/opposite Presley Spicer transferring over from Williamsburg. Those four join returning junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='603768' first='Jonna' last='Rice'], junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='603765' first='Khylea' last='Ray Collier'] and the talented senior middle blocker/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='831031' first='Chandra' last='Price']. Senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='793229' first='Courtney' last='Claxton'] and senior outside/opposite hitter Abby Lawson join the nine-player rotation giving the Colonels solid depth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"The chemistry this team has developed so quickly is really amazing," Halcomb said. "I do think getting things in sync offensively will take some time, but we have seen glimpses of that happening and we can be very good. A lot of that comes down to the girls learning one another's tendencies and developing trust on the floor, which comes from playing more matches together."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whitley County travels to Harlan County on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 50th District rival <strong>Corbin Redhounds</strong> (28-8) have battled it out with the Colonels in the region championship the previous five seasons. They beat Whitley County for the region crown in 2020 and 2021.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Corbin also landed a big transfer in the offseason when junior 6-3 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='811207' first='Aubree' last='Clemens'] transferred over from Whitley County after recording 276 kills, 14 solo and 39 assisted blocks. She joins a young, but experienced team led by the return of the dynamic freshman outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='877421' first='Shelbi' last='Carroll'] along with junior outside [player_tooltip player_id='535272' first='Laura' last='Newcomb'], senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='479307' first='Brook' last='Mills'] and freshman middle blocker Annabelle Griffin. Head coach Krystal Jones also said to watch out for junior right side hitter Presley Griffin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Redhounds graduated just two seniors in Caroline Combs and setter Ava Maguet and two key players could not return this year. After Carroll, the top returner in digs last year is senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='850687' first='Aden' last='Nipper']. Freshman Tatum Strain is the libero and eighth grader Harper Newcomb takes over the setter role. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones said the team is fortunate to have players that comprehend the expectations and culture of Corbin, and continuing those traits will be keys to success this season. Jones said that culture is made of resilience, toughness with an ability to stay calm under duress, put mistakes behind fast, and compete hard in tough moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Corbin travels to Boyle County on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>52nd District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Harlan County (26-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Black Bears have risen to the top of the region. Finding a way to knock off the two teams that have dominated it is the next step. Harlan County has not beaten Whitley County since 2011 and Corbin since 2009.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Black Bears return a lot of experience seeing only one player graduate, led by senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='212276' first='Kalista' last='Dunn'] and senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='533349' first='Kylee' last='Hoiska']. Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='533350' first='Savannah' last='Hill'] is also back along with sophomore libero [player_tooltip player_id='612091' first='Ashlynn' last='Williamson']. Other key players are senior right side [player_tooltip player_id='841005' first='Sophie' last='Day'], senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='795269' first='Karli' last='Shoupe'], junior middle blocker Maddi Nolan along with junior defensive specialist Abigail Blackburn and Ally Sherman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Assistant coach Gregory York said mental toughness and teamwork will be keys for Harlan County to take next steps. He emphasized mental toughness and consistently supporting one another then leveraging each individual's unique ability to do something big together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harlan County hosts Whitley County on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bell County (28-11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cats made it to the region semifinals and graduated just two players off that team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Shawn Fultz said defense will be the big key to the team's success. The Cats need to keep balls in play and create opportunities offensively. Fultz said if that is done, he has faith in the offense to put points on the board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior Navaeh Allen and junior Reece Jaskick moves into the setter roles. Sophomore outside hitter Emma Winkler is a key returning hitter and junior right side hitter Adyson Scott is back after a nice season passing the ball. Junior right side Laiken Hammontree is a starter along with two freshmen in libero Hailee Daniels and middle blocker Bristal Jordan. Senior 6-3 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='608199' first='Kairi' last='Lamb'] is back after a strong junior season along with junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='484290' first='Alexis' last='Brown'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell County travels to Jellico (Tennessee) on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Harlan (8-17)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dragons had their struggles last year. Key returning players are junior setter Gracie Hensley and sophomore defensive specialist Peyshaunce Frimpong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harlan hosts June Buchanan on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middlesboro (4-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashley Russell takes over a Jackets program that endured a rough season last year. One key returning player is junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='603672' first='Maleah' last='Crenshaw'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middlesboro travels to Pineville on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":877451,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/user-uploads/JayceeCaldwell-e1736829337699-crop-643x423-1755488301.jpg?w=642" alt="" class="wp-image-877451" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Danny Vaugh</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>51st District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pineville (25-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions have won the district championship the last two years for the only ones in the program's short history.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Sam North said defense and scrap will be keys for the Lions this year. Pineville is not as tall as last year, so North said the team will have to more versatile with the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions return three sound defensive specialists in senior [player_tooltip player_id='276174' first='Brooke' last='Harris'], sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='608900' first='Jaycee' last='Caldwell'] (pictured) and [player_tooltip player_id='752963' first='Brynlee' last='Sizemore']. Senior outside hitter McKenna Turner is also back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions host Clay County on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knox Central (7-19)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers missed out on the region tournament for the first time since 2014.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two key returning players are junior middle blocker/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535274' first='Kennadi' last='Jones'] and sophomore setter [player_tooltip player_id='612187' first='Blakely' last='Castle']. The Panthers also return versatile senior Emma McDonald and junior defensive specialist Amelia Ledford.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers host North Laurel on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Barbourville (7-17)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers survived an intense five-set battle against Knox Central to make it to the region tournament and graduated four seniors from that team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore setter [player_tooltip player_id='612256' first='Addison' last='Evans'] and senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='741060' first='Taylan' last='Patterson'] hope to lead Barbourville back to the region tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barbourville travels to Lynn Camp on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lynn Camp (1-18)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Back in 2020, the Wildcats won the district championship. But lately, things have been tough with just two wins in the last three years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lynn Camp had just three seniors on the team last year. Junior Izabella Hart is a key returning player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lynn Camp hosts Barbourville on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>50th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Williamsburg (17-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Jackets do not need to be told about the challenges in this district.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They graduated three seniors from last year and some key players transferred out, but they do return senior setter Kylee Nantz and senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='802262' first='Karina' last='Nantz']. Head coach Dirk Berta also said to watch out for junior outside/right side hitter Braylee Evans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berta said keys to success this season will include players knowing the jobs on the court, trusting their abilities and each other. He said communication should be a strength this year and focuses have been on defense and serve reception trying to make those areas strengths. Berta also said while filling in various roles can be viewed as an unknown, it can also be a strength because it gives others the opportunity to step forward. Berta added the staff has told the players they need to earn their spots in the rotation. Berta stated the team is "attacking each day and opportunity with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Willamsburg hosts McCreary Central on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>South Laurel (11-21)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals have previously been at the top of the region, but have not been to the region tournament since 2019.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Shelley Nunley said building consistency and composure are keys toward building back toward that. Junior middle blockers Skeeter Mabe, [player_tooltip player_id='727148' first='Morgan' last='Jackson'], senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='798354' first='Samantha' last='Gay'] along with senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='594455' first='Nora' last='Clark'] are the top returning players. The Cardinals also got a key transfer from Clinton County in 5-8 outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='397715' first='Aubrie' last='Messer']. Nunley said Messer can also play middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals host the Cumberland (Corbin) home school team on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>49th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Laurel (11-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lauren Culver takes over a program that has won three straight district championships, but must try to win a fourth without Isaac. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Culver identified sophomore Lucy Jo Linville, freshman Makayla Clark and eighth grader Emma Evans as players to lead the way there. Culver said a lot of the older girls have shown major growth and the Jaguars have a number of younger girls with great work ethics and the commitment to excellence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Laurel travels to Knox Central on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jackson County (15-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Sandy Creech said this season has seen a lot of role changes. Thus, the keys to success are embracing those changes and communication.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='535261' first='Kenzie' last='Hobbs'] and Amber Smith are key middle hitters with junior Kylee Moore setting or playing libero. Sophomores Hadassah Newman on the outside, right side hitter Clara Tincher and setter Kara Harris</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The General host Perry County Central on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oneida Baptist Institute (8-8) </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mountaineers found their way to .500 on the season behind junior Bailey Bristow and Jackaylah Lewis. Senior Mercy Bayes and junior [player_tooltip player_id='603797' first='Payton' last='Hargis'] return as setters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mountaineers host Harlan on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clay County (2-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both wins for Clay County last year came against Red Bird.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers host Pineville on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Red Bird (2-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals recorded both their wins last year against Lynn Camp. Sophomore Skyleigh Davidson is a key returning player for Red Bird.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals travel to Oneida Baptist Institute on Thursday.</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":["603765"],"_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-68a28d6aa087f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Collier (pictured) had a spectacular sophomore season for the Colonels and only hopes to have another one knowing the team has a good chance to four-point as region champs. She sets up her feet and follows through for good two to three-point passes. She digs blocked balls quick and puts up sound sets if the team is out of system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["877421"],"_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-68a28d6aa0934"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carroll gives the Redhounds the chance to win on a nightly bases with her sound all-around play. Corbin head coach Krystal Jones said Carroll is ultra competitive both offensively and defensively and rises up in big moments. Carroll has quick arm swing, putting balls to different parts of the court. She can hit off blockers for big points. Carroll takes big swings on go routes, even when the Redhounds are out of system. Carroll is especially tough on crosses. Carroll transitions from defense to offense quickly. Carroll can handle tough cross-court hits on defense. Carroll had 223 kills, 233 digs and 60 aces for the Redhounds last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["612091"],"_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-68a2a03fb8e7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williamson brings invaluable experience to the Black Bears at the libero spot. She does what she can to beat balls to their destinations on the floor and keep plays alive. She only dives when necessary to make controlled passes. Williamson even sends free balls hard across the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["612187"],"_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-68a2a3c3cc91a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Castle is a nice six-rotation player for the Panthers. She moves her feet well then plants them to make nice sets. Her court awareness and anticipation lead to a number of sound digs. Castle also has a good serve that she's worked on controlling better in the off-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["603797"],"_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-68a2a9383b5db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hargis has great range and puts a lot of sets on target. She makes the right reads at the net and moves quick to dig up balls and consistently block. Hargis also smacks balls from the back row.</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 -->