3rd Region Preview: 9th District rules region

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since the split from eight regions to 16 in 2003, the winner has come from the 9th District all but three times. Owensboro Catholic and Apollo battled for it between 2003 and 2016.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meade County became the first team outside that district to win it in 2017 and district rival Breckinridge County followed it up with a title in 2018. The Wave also won it in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aside from that, the other two 9th District teams have joined the act. Owensboro beat Owensboro Catholic to win its first crown last year and Daviess County won consecutive crowns in 2020 and 2021.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owensboro Catholic</strong> (25-14 last year) could return to the top this year despite the graduation of seven seniors. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='852164' first='Mayme' last='Powell'] returns for the Aces after splitting the setting duties last fall. Senior outside hitter Addie Oiler is the leading returning hitter after pounding out 197 kills for the Aces last year. Owensboro Catholic assistant coach Blake Hardison also said to look out for senior outside hitter Ava Martin and junior middle hitter Emma Castlen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Aces graduated a number of back row players. However, two sisters in senior [player_tooltip player_id='474729' first='Molly' last='Arnold'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='800181' first='Payton' last='Arnold'] along with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='611889' first='Ryleigh' last='Owen'] are primed to fill in those roles after good spring seasons and [program_tooltip program_id='768556' first='Kentucky' last='Performance Volleyball Club']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hardison said the key to success for the Aces this season is playing as a team in every aspect of the game and playing with energy. Hardison said the team plays more freely when it plays with energy and less in their heads.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Aces open the season with a tough one at Bowling Green on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Apollo (28-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The E-gals had the highest Ratings Percentage Index in the region last year, but could not get to the region after losing a tough 3-1 game to Owensboro in the district semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two kills leaders graduated, but the dynamic junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484301' first='Avery' last='Gray'] returns and head coach Mary Howard also said junior middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='827770' first='Savannah' last='Denson'] is also looking good in the preseason. The setters are senior [player_tooltip player_id='845619' first='Jessica' last='Lee'] and junior Maddi Roberts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore libero [player_tooltip player_id='612255' first='Jessie' last='Pate'] is back after a strong freshman season last year and the team received a boost with sophomore transfer [player_tooltip player_id='534774' first='Lyla' last='Fortener']. Howard listed the team's passing off serve receive as a strength and said another key to success will be versatility on offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team travels to Trinity (Whitesville) on Aug. 19 to open the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owensboro (24-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Devils made history with their first region championship in program history last fall. It will be tough to repeat with the graduation of five seniors. The administration promoted Mitchell Johnson to head coach after Melissa Hibbs stepped down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Versatile junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='484315' first='Anna' last='Travis'] is back along with sound hitter [player_tooltip player_id='739816' first='Ayrish' last='Barksdale']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='808976' first='Macey' last='Kahn'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='612019' first='June' last='Larsen'] lead the Devils on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owensboro travels to Muhlenberg County on Aug. 21.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Daviess County (8-24)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers had a mostly young team last fall with only a combined three juniors and seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior [player_tooltip player_id='813890' first='Haylee' last='Clark'] returns after leading the Panthers in kills last year. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='770779' first='Maya' last='Pollard'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='603253' first='Molly' last='Baughmann'] also return trying to give Daviess County balance. Junior Lexi Jones is also back after leading Daviess County in digs last year. Head coach Tyla Bailey also listed [player_tooltip player_id='815123' first='Keeley' last='Mattingly'], Maddie Chinn, Reese Whiteside, Kyndal Murphy, Stella Roberts, Jazlynn Howard and Zoe Raymond to round out the roster. Bailey said playing with high energy and maintaining a team-first mentality will be keys to success for the Panthers this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Daviess County hosts Meade County on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Muhlenberg County (13-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mules won a tight battle against Ohio County to claim the district championship. Five seniors graduated and Terri Cunningham took over the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Muhlenberg County needs to find a new starting setter, but does return several solid hitters starting with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='771803' first='Kenlee' last='Pate'] and [player_tooltip player_id='756431' first='Mykennah' last='Willis'] on the outside. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='533365' first='Megan' last='McLean'] hits from both the middle and outside. Cunningham also said to watch out for sophomore middle blocker Chelsea Coleman. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='749645' first='Caroline' last='Grace McPherson'] leads the way on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cunningham said communication and teamwork will be keys to success for the Mules this fall. Cunningham said she believes in clear, supportive communication. Cunningham said players need to stay vocal, back each other up and work together as a team on each point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mules host Grayson County on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ohio County (20-17)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles put together a solid season behind the region's player of the year in Kate Hoskins. Hoskins graduated along with six other seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior Haleigh Flener will take over at libero with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='817083' first='Mikiyleigh' last='Hall'] starting at setter. Junior Emma Coppage and freshman Sadie Snodgrass will play outside hitter and will both play six positions. Head coach Zach Hardison said the keys to success will be never being satisfied, thus improving daily. He also said playing with a high volleyball IQ and elite ball control will be more keys to success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ohio County travels to Breckinridge County on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McLean County (7-28)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars could turn the corner this year with more experience. McLean County had just one senior last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Traci Capps returns two dynamic juniors in [player_tooltip player_id='776392' first='Addyson' last='Kirby'] and [player_tooltip player_id='535239' first='Abbigail' last='Shivers']. Junior Alicia Bartolon and Jaycey Hedges also come back after putting up nice digs numbers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McLean County travels to Hopkins County Central to start the season Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":859552,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/user-uploads/LaylaEscue-crop-1200x788-1754612938.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-859552" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Michelle McMillan</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>11th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breckinridge County (20-9)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paige Burch takes over a Tigers team that graduated five seniors from last year's team that won the district crown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The versatile senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='505402' first='Claire' last='Tate'] leads the way. Last year's digs leader in senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='752908' first='Avery' last='Hinton'] is back along with [player_tooltip player_id='752909' first='Elizabeth' last='Ball']. Ball gives Breckinridge County a nice outside presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Breckinridge County hosts Ohio County on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Meade County (16-17)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wave head coach Morgan Benham pointed out the team featured a young roster last year with just two seniors and three juniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior Emily Jewell will play outside hitter and defensive specialist after primarily setting last year. Last year's libero in [player_tooltip player_id='831614' first='Ella' last='Clanton'] returns and sophomore Zoey Gonzales will share the libero role. Junior middle blocker Bri Zdral is new to varsity and Benham expects her to make a huge impact with her blocks. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='618708' first='Makayla' last='Pike'] will start at right back and junior [player_tooltip player_id='603276' first='Allie' last='Glover'] will make an impact at outside hitter and defensive specialist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Benham said the Wave need to focus on consistency with attacking and blocking while also increasing the overall tempo and control. Benham added she's eager to see this group step up and lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meade County travels to Daviess County on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hancock County (5-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Janna Burton is trying to turn the culture around for the Hornets. They had six seniors on the roster last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hornets return two stat leaders from last year in senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='751216' first='Caroline' last='Connor'] and sophomore outside/middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='751221' first='Bella' last='Bryant']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='603874' first='Macy' last='Roberts'] also returns at defensive specialist. Burton said junior libero Addy Harrison is back after not playing school for a couple years, but has been playing club ball. Burton also said to look out for senior middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='815421' first='Klaire' last='Swihart'] and junior middle/outside hitter Maddie Mayoros. Two freshmen setters in Keelie Burk and Ensley Staples played freshman as eighth graders last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burton listed strong teamwork, communication, mental toughness and resilience as keys to success for the Hornets. She noted most of the team is used to losing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"They don't know it feels to win, and losing has always been 'the best they can do," Burton said. "We're learning how to win. Summer camp was a great sneak peak as to what's to come for us."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hancock opens the season at Grayson County on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cloverport (0-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The young Aces won just one set all season. They won just once the previous season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They played a number of eighth graders last year and have one listed on the current roster. The rest are one senior, two juniors and one sophomore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cloverport hosts Breckinridge County on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>12th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trinity (Whitesville) (28-9)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raiders won the district crown and made it to the region semifinals before losing to Owensboro Catholic. However, they graduated six seniors that made big contributions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adam Huff takes over this season. He will build around two seniors with extensive varsity experience in outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='832422' first='Gracie' last='Mills'] and middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='811352' first='Ava' last='Coomes'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grayson County (17-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers suffered some graduation losses after making it to the region semifinals last year, but do return one of the region's top hitters in senior [player_tooltip player_id='854684' first='Layla' last='Escue'] (pictured above). The Tigers also welcome back two nice defensive specialists in senior Taylor Gaskin and junior [player_tooltip player_id='503276' first='Khloe' last='Gaither']. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='789026' first='Emma' last='Roney'] also showed some promise at outside hitter and defensive specialist during club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grayson County travels to Muhlenberg County to open the season on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Edmonson County (13-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kats last had a winning season and made the region tournament in 2022. They showed an eight-win improvement last year and graduated just three seniors off that team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two kills leaders in senior [player_tooltip player_id='594450' first='Josie' last='Lich'] and junior Bailey Ferguson return along with junior setter Reagan Ferguson and junior libero Averie Hill. Senior Allie Faulkner also returns after a strong season on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first game listed on the schedule is at Allen County-Scottsville on Aug. 21.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Butler County (4-30)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kevin Harrod comes over from Franklin-Simpson determined to change the fortunes of a program that's won just 16 games the past three seasons. The Bears last recorded double-digit victories in 2021.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two key returning players are senior [player_tooltip player_id='515746' first='Samantha' last='Johnson'], who led the team in assists last year, and junior [player_tooltip player_id='751189' first='Megan' last='Clark'] at outside hitter and defensive specialist. Harrod also said to watch out for senior [player_tooltip player_id='816298' first='Maddie' last='Jones'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='814346' first='Jenelle' last='Kimmel'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Butler County hosts Hart County on Aug. 19 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":["484301"],"_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-6892cfcf2b05b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gray (pictured) is a versatile hitter producing at all six spots on the court. She takes solid swings and keeps opponents out of rhythm with her strong jump serve. Gray has worked on her serve reception during club and it's showing with smooth first touches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["852164"],"_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-6892cfcf2b0ba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Powell had a solid spring and hopes to continue it on the court this fall for the Aces. She does a variety of sets including the back set to get a number of hitters involved. Powell taps balls to shallow lines on second hits to surprise opponents and is a strong server.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["484315"],"_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-6892cfcf2b105"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Travis sets hitters for success a number of different ways. Travis is a true leader on the court. She makes crisp passes and puts up a solid serve. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["771803"],"_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-6892cfcf2b148"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pate is a solid hitter for the Mules. She smacks balls to the back row and hits balls off blockers for kills. She transitions from defense to offense quickly and makes sound passes. Pate makes tough crosses while on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["854684"],"_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-68941166b5c83"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Escue is a force for the Tigers from both the pins and middle. Escue executes the shallow cross to the one well. She can rise above double blocks and smack balls to open spots using a good vertical. Escue makes quick transitions from defense to offense. Escue also does a great job painting back lines and angles balls off blockers for big kills. Escue is also a sound blocker. Escue had 215 kills, 41 solo blocks and 24 assisted blocks helping Grayson County go 17-14 and make it to the region semifinals last year.</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;11-22</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most Region Crowns since 2003:&nbsp;</strong>Owensboro Catholic 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 -->