15th Region Preview: Continuity breeds success in region

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This region has shown like any region in any sport, teams that have continuity at the head coaching spot have long-term success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lately, that's been the case with the Paintsville Tigers and head coach Dawn Kinner, who has held that spot since 2010. They've won their five region championships in the last eight years, including last year. Not only that, they brought back that elusive first state tournament in program history with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-10, 25-16) win at Whitley County last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It marked just the second state tournament win for the mountain region since the state tournament split from eight to 16 teams in 2003. Prior to 2017, Allen Central under head coach Larry Maynard won seven region crowns in eight years between 2009 and 2016 after Belfry under head coach Rick Mounts won the region six years in a row from 2003 to 2008.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The region could once again go through the 41240 zip code with the Johnson Central Eagles hoping to win it for the second time in three years. The Paintsville Tigers graduated five seniors from last year's state quarterfinalist team, but standout outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='253875' first='Kylie' last='Kinner'] is back. Coach Kinner hopes to have the younger players prepared to make a postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Johnson Central</strong> (27-7 last year) did graduate seven seniors from last year, but returns senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='479280' first='Carrigan' last='Ratliff'] along with another sound freshman defensive specialist in [player_tooltip player_id='781733' first='Leah' last='Hall']. Head coach Tim DeLong also said to look out for freshman Hailey Bullen at defensive specialist. DeLong said sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='781608' first='Payton' last='Duncan'] and freshman Maddie Conn will be the setters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They'll have a number of sound hitters to set up, starting with junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='603814' first='Chloe' last='Reed'] and sophomore 6-1 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='762073' first='Macie' last='Clark']. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='814102' first='Jacee' last='Baker'] also hopes to make an impact at middle blocker with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='837159' first='Reese' last='Day'], [player_tooltip player_id='781727' first='Hannah' last='Lakes'] and Mia Estep taking swings on the outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DeLong noted the team has a lot of young players. He said the hope is to get them into a good rhythm once they're used to each other. DeLong added the team has a good wall at the net with the team's size both offensively and defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson Central travels to Magoffin County on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Paintsville</strong> (26-12) has built an amazing culture and Coach Kinner said that has continued with this group. Coach Kinner said the returning players bring high energy and expectations to practice and have maintained the team first mentality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior Ella Wells takes over at setter with two juniors in Ella Wells and [player_tooltip player_id='742476' first='Annabelle' last='Blankenship'] contributing at middle blocker and outside hitter. Coach Kinner praised the freshman class in the spring. One could make an impact on the outside in [player_tooltip player_id='785507' first='Kate' last='Lauffer'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paintsville hosts Powell County on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>57th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Martin County (8-8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals struggled to a .500 record last year. This year's team lists a huge senior class 10 strong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They open the season at Belfry on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Magoffin County (7-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Katie Kidd takes over a Hornets program that struggled last year. Junior Maddie Salyer returns after leading the team in kills last year and recording 120 digs. Senior Maci Minix and sophomore IIeana Torices are also back after tallying 199 and 186 digs, respectively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Magoffin County hosts Johnson Central on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>58th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Floyd Central (16-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Drew Lafferty took the job in the spring hoping to push the Jaguars back to the top of the region mountain top, where they've been twice since South Floyd and Allen Central merged to form Floyd Central in 2017. The last crown came in 2021.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lafferty moved junior [player_tooltip player_id='535222' first='Caidence' last='Lafferty'] to libero and senior [player_tooltip player_id='781570' first='Chloe' last='Howard'] to outside hitter. Coach Lafferty is excited about senior outside hitter Rylee Daniels. Junior opposite hitter Teagan Stewart is expected to make some noise at the net. Coach Lafferty also said to watch out for eighth grade opposite 5-10 hitter Alyssa Bryant, who could be a five-year starter that could end up with a lot of blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Lafferty listed winning the left side as a goal, but the team will also share the ball with the opposite hitters. Coach Lafferty said defense is the team's top priority at the net and in the back court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Floyd Central travels to Hazard on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Betsy Layne (17-9)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cats showed a lot of potential for good things during the summer leagues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They return one of the region's top hitters in junior [player_tooltip player_id='483608' first='Jayden' last='Jarrell'] in addition to junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='782439' first='Miley' last='Burchett'], junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='781567' first='Jania' last='Isom'] and senior outside/middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='781442' first='Harlyn' last='Slone']. Head coach Kristal Allen also said to watch out for junior middle blocker Aubrey Williams, sophomore middle blocker Kaylee Parsons and junior defensive specialist Kylie Samons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Allen listed strong, consistent offense with big time plays from hitters and consistency on defense as keys to success. She said the team chemistry is high and the team is ready to make waves in the district and region. Allen noted the players hae worked hard and grown both on and off the floor as a team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Betsy Layne hosts East Ridge on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prestonsburg (9-22)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blackcats hope to take more steps forward with the return of two sound hitters in senior middle/outside [player_tooltip player_id='434014' first='Ally' last='Hamilton'] and sophomore middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='784715' first='Katie' last='Slone']. Sophomore Addison Wright returns at a setter role. Head coach Erin Akers also said to watch out for seniors [player_tooltip player_id='795622' first='Kennedy' last='Dixon'], Kaylee Perkins, juniors [player_tooltip player_id='834461' first='Kyra' last='Tackett'], [player_tooltip player_id='802899' first='Marley' last='Allen'], [player_tooltip player_id='810860' first='Amelia' last='Newsome'] and eighth grader Keighley Lewis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Akers said keys to success this year will be having a dependable defense in order to run a smooth offense back across the net as well as having strong team communication on the court to work as a unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prestonsburg opens the season at Ashland on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lawrence County (12-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Autumn Blevins took over the program in 2018 and has guided the Bulldogs to the region tournament twice including a region semifinal appearance in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, Lawrence County finished last season with just seven players. The main one coming back is junior setter Aryn Huffman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lawrence County hosts Rose Hill Christian on Aug. 18 to begin the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":875989,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/MakayaPrice-crop-1138x748-1749362626-crop-788x518-1755139644.jpg?w=787" alt="" class="wp-image-875989" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>59th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shelby Valley (27-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kats could sneak in there and disrupt things in the region, after winning the All "A" region crown last year and driving to the region semifinals. They made it to the All "A" state semifinals last year. They won the first two meetings against Paintsville, but not the region semifinal rematch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The versatile junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='836212' first='Miley' last='Riddle'] is back along with two sound sophomores in setter [player_tooltip player_id='612248' first='Talynn' last='Johnson'] and middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='741700' first='Sahnia' last='Linton']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='740604' first='Makaya' last='Price'] (pictured above) and [player_tooltip player_id='535231' first='Ryleigh' last='Perry'] hope to have big years with first touches with freshman [player_tooltip player_id='740819' first='Audrey' last='McPeek'] trying to make an impact at middle blocker. Head coach Misty Riddle also said to watch out for sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='800657' first='Aaron' last='Elkins'] after a nice year on defense in addition to freshman Bella Gravely.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Riddle said the players have weight trained and been to several skills camps working hard as individuals and as a team. The Kats just attended a camp at Morehead State University getting reps and working together. Coach Riddle commended the team chemistry saying she believes that contributes to the teamwork on the court and the mindset of wanting to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shelby Valley travels to Phelps on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pikeville (23-8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers made it to the region semifinals for the first time in Haley Hamilton's three seasons as head coach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They return a good core. Hamilton said serve receptions and playing together as a team have been general focuses in the preseason. Hamilton said she has high expectations for the varsity returners. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior outside hitter Kyle Lee and senior middle blocker/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='741704' first='Sophie' last='Woods'] are the team's two leading returning hitters and junior [player_tooltip player_id='740330' first='Lindy' last='Gearheart'] is back after a sound season setting up the offense. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='276178' first='Carly' last='May'] also gives the Panthers a sound option in the middle. Hamilton also said to look out for junior outside hitter Catherine Walters and senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='796880' first='Maria' last='Perez'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pikeville opens the season at home against Johnson Central on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Ridge (14-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors return a solid hitter in junior [player_tooltip player_id='535262' first='Savannah' last='Baldridge']. Aside from her, head coach Tatiana Murphy said the team is young. Baldridge is one of seven juniors listed on the roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Ridge opens the season at Betsy Layne on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>60th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Belfry (10-18)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pirates have won the district five years in a row and graduated just three players off last year's team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Belfry features two sound middle blockers in 5-10 senior Makaylin Meade and sophomore 5-11 [player_tooltip player_id='612258' first='Baylor' last='Hall']. Hall is versatile enough to play outside hitter, but head coach Hannah Muncy said she prefers to play Hall in the middle. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='835269' first='Maddie' last='Bevins'] is back and Muncy is also counting on bit things from freshman setter/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='875994' first='Abrielle' last='Swain'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Muncy said the Pirates have the grit and ability to do good things. She said have to work on mental toughness, working through the tough moments on the court and staying 100 percent the whole game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Belfry hosts Martin County on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pike County Central (9-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Courtney Stacy said a focus has been placed on communication and game IQ in order for the Hawks to improve on last season. Stacy welcomes in seven seniors so the staff is trying to get them to become more vocal leaders on the court, recognizing what's happening in real time and adjusting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stacy described it as refining and not rebuilding. Stacy said the staff wants to tighten up serve reception and out of system plays. Stacy added the team also needs to focus on building the trust between the players and the coaches. Stacy listed experience, chemistry and resilience as keys to success this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"This group knows each other well and that connection is powerful," Stacy said. "If we stay focused on the little things - serve aggressively, limit unforced errors and win the hustle plays, we'll put ourselves in a great position."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='594444' first='Claire' last='Stacy'] is back along with senior setter/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='789643' first='Molly' last='Reed']. Sophomore middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='612205' first='Rylee' last='Cote'] showed a lot of good things in the summer leagues and senior outside hitter Layla Johnson is back after strong seasons last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pike County Central hosts Letcher County Central on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Phelps (3-19)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hornets struggled last year only defeating one Kentucky team in district rival Pike County Central once in three meetings. Junior setter Selena Smith is a key returning player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phelps hosts Shelby Valley on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record in State Tournament Since 2003 when state tournament split from eight to 16 regions:</strong>&nbsp;2-22</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most Region Crowns since 2003:&nbsp;</strong>Allen Central (consolidated with South Floyd to form Floyd Central in 2017) with seven.</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":["781727"],"_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-689d4e508cdbb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lakes (pictured) brings versatility to the Eagles. Lakes makes good mid-air adjustments catching defenders leaning one way only to put it another place on the court. Her cross-court shots are tough to handle. Lakes also makes sound first passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["742476"],"_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-689d4e508ce25"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blankenship hopes to use her size to help the Tigers control the net. She has a good follow-through on her swings and nice timing on her blocks. Blankenship can add a dimension to her game when she consistently hits from the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["781567"],"_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-689d4e508ce6f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isom has worked on making the right reads and sets on the floor with a good group of talented hitters. She makes a number of short and long sets. She has had good role models teach her the ropes since dressing on varsity in the seventh grade and is putting those lessons to use on the court. Isom also takes nice hits when needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535231"],"_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-689d4e508ced0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Perry has an important role with first touches this season. She tracks down balls and sticks her arms out quick to line up her body with them and make sound two to three-point passes. Perry has shown she can handle hard-hit balls in addition to soft ones. She moves her feet well then plants them quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["875994"],"_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-689d561808e04"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Swain is turning into a big asset for the Pirates. She's adjusting to the strengths of the hitters. Things will really get going offensively once they are all on the same page. Swain will also take swings from the right side when needed.</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 -->