4th Region Preview: Bowling Green loads up for deep run

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bowling Green Purples knew they had a solid team coming back this season hoping to not only make it back to the state tournament, but drive even further. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They've won three of the last four region championships and drove to the state quarterfinals last year. Bowling Green started off slow and could not recover in a 3-0 loss to eventual state runner-up Mercy, finishing the season 34-7.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They showed off their size, athleticism and net defense in the Bluegrass Games driving to the Championship Flight final 16 before losing in three to Lexington Catholic. The senior 6-4 middle blocker and Louisville commit [player_tooltip player_id='212192' first='Amirra' last='Bailey'] is a once in a generation talent the Purples hope to take full advantage of one last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One key for Bowling Green is to take attention off Bailey and the Purples have a number of hitters to do that. Sophomore 6-0 [player_tooltip player_id='577773' first='Chayse' last='Gilliland'] is back from an injury and looking really sharp. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='276175' first='Morgan' last='Rockrohr'] and [player_tooltip player_id='850535' first='Madison' last='Taylor'] will also take big swings from the outside. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='827008' first='Layah' last='Britt'] will also garner a lot of attention in the middle, but Carver said they need to step up defensively. The 6-1 freshman outside/opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='774363' first='Hadley' last='Beard'] gives the Purples size</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Things still start with sound first touches. Senior Olivia Arauz has stepped into the libero role and junior [player_tooltip player_id='741315' first='JoEllen' last='Marshall'] returns as the setter. Defensive specialists Katie Yarbrough and AbbyKate Garcia will play big roles in the back row. The sophomore setting tandem of McCracken County transfer [player_tooltip player_id='850607' first='Reese' last='Romine'] and Emory Duvall could step in to solidify Bowling Green's 6-2 offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carver said he's enjoyed watching the Purples become a team. He noted competition in strong when the compete in practice, but they are learning how to become a team at the same time by making each other better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bowling Green starts the season at Mercy on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>13th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Logan County (20-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Life after Aubrey Sears begins for the Cougars with Steve Lyons returning to the sidelines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lyons said it's vital to involve everyone, especially since teams don't replace talents like Sears. Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='830931' first='Caroline' last='Ham'], junior right side [player_tooltip player_id='603822' first='Ashley' last='McIntosh'] and junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='603824' first='Emily' last='McIntosh'] are players the Cougars will build around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Logan County hosts Bowling Green on Aug. 21 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Todd County Central (18-17)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rebels could be the district favorites with the return of all but three seniors. Senior all-around [player_tooltip player_id='212351' first='Allyssa' last='Wofford'] and junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='829846' first='Aubri' last='Penick'] lead the way. Senior setter Shelby Holderman also returns along with a key defensive specialist in junior [player_tooltip player_id='801424' first='Chloe' last='Collins'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Todd County Central travels to Muhlenberg County on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Franklin-Simpson (17-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats welcome in a new head coach in Jaime Pennington, but return a sound core. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='829635' first='Annsleigh' last='Bonner'] returns at middle blocker along with senior [player_tooltip player_id='486905' first='Caydence' last='Johnson'] on the outside and at defensive specialist. Senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='212272' first='Julia' last='Warren'] and senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='512076' first='Aubrey' last='Sams'] are back along with a promising defensive specialist in [player_tooltip player_id='800250' first='Addi' last='Jo Lanham'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats host Metcalfe County on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Russellville (0-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers currently find themselves trying to find wins period. They are on a 39-game losing streak dating back to Sept. 22, 2022 in a 2-0 home win over Caverna. Key returning players are seniors Ava Farmer, [player_tooltip player_id='802556' first='Leah' last='Buffa'] and Mya Rangel.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Russellville hosts Warren Central on Aug. 25 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>14th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>South Warren (21-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spartans showed they can make some noise in the region with a nice run to the Championship Flight semifinals in the Bluegrass Tournament last weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Erika Wenger said team chemistry will be a huge factor and it showed in that run. Wenger said keeping energy high, communication and defense will also play big roles like they did at Bluegrass Games. The Spartans beat Collins and Mercy in the Championship Flight before losing to Elizabethtown in the semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='397714' first='McKenzie' last='Garrison'] along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='851363' first='Arayah' last='Fuller'], sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='791822' first='Ashlyn' last='Carroll'], freshmen [player_tooltip player_id='782682' first='Alivia' last='Grubb'] and [player_tooltip player_id='774159' first='Piper' last='Gregory'] gave the Spartans and senior setter Daniella Newman sound first touches. Fuller could also set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top three hitters from last year in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='450941' first='Zoie' last='Elrod'] and [player_tooltip player_id='771037' first='Allie' last='Chestnut'] on the outside along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='771806' first='Hannah' last='Lambert'] in the middle give the Spartans sound offense. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='749756' first='Olivia' last='Wells'] and freshman Jalyn Page add to that attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Warren hosts Greenwood on Aug. 21 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Greenwood (20-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gators have the most region crowns since 2003, but have to find a way out of a loaded district. They graduated just three seniors from last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='484438' first='Lila' last='Whittinghill'] returns along with three sound hitters in senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='533351' first='Caroline' last='Stinnett'], junior Camera Harrison and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='612182' first='Farrah' last='White']. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='792418' first='Blair' last='Alexander'] gives the Gators a sound presence at libero with senior [player_tooltip player_id='809053' first='Mia' last='Aikins'] and junior Lauren Smith helping to form a sound back row. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Nicole Whitson listed team chemistry as a key to success this season. She said it has been good so far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gators open the season at home against White House (Tennessee) on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Warren Central (9-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dragons find themselves in a tough situation in a tough district. Two key returning players are seniors Hau Hoih and Melina Hot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warren Central opens the season Aug. 19 at home against Warren East.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":860352,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/user-uploads/Mary-Grace-Jackson-crop-1124x739-1754663186.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-860352" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>15th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Warren East (21-11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raiders moved over to the 15th District in 2022 and have won three straight district championships. They are favored for a fourth with the graduation of just two seniors. Head coach Shea Moore has a veteran team with six seniors and seven juniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warren East returns junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='785432' first='Mary' last='Grace Jackson'] (above) along with junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='774211' first='Caylie' last='Hoffman']. Two sound hitters in senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='594484' first='Kaytlin' last='Miller'] and senior middle blocker Catherine Montgomery also return. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='774187' first='Mikaela' last='Kaczynski'] returns on defense and sophomore middle [player_tooltip player_id='774170' first='Maddie' last='Hoffman'] hopes to give the Raiders a presence at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore listed leadership and defense as huge keys to success this year. Moore said she'd like to get over the hump in close games with the improved defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warren East travels to Warren Central on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Allen County-Scottsville (20-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Patriots made the region tournament last year and returns a senior-laden team with nine total including setter [player_tooltip player_id='212170' first='Georgie' last='Tabor'] and outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='833556' first='Kaitlyn' last='Duncan']. Another key returning player is junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='809747' first='Lily' last='Cook'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Allen County-Scottsville opens the season on Aug. 18 against Clinton County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Barren County (15-17)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robin McMurtrey likes the size she has coming in this year with three players listed at six-feet plus. Two are senior middle blockers [player_tooltip player_id='533358' first='Ann' last='Ashley Atkinson'] and Hannah Bragg along with junior Reagan Griffiths. Senior Riley Wilson gives Barren County a strong outside presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior setter Savanah Murrell is versatile. McMurtrey said Murrell could be the team's libero, but has great hands and court sense. Senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='849202' first='Josey' last='Moore'] hopes to make an impact on first touches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barren County travels to Caverna on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Glasgow (10-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Glasgow had just one senior last year. The Scotties welcome back junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='805810' first='Jamesanna' last='Soto'] along with sophomore setter [player_tooltip player_id='778295' first='Aubree' last='Norris'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Glasgow starts the season Aug. 18 at Hart County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Russell County (25-10)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lakers have a new head coach, but it's a familiar name. Former basketball and volleyball standout Kailey Coffey, who played college basketball at Northern Kentucky University, takes over the program hoping to take them back to region tournament after missing out last year in a 3-2 district semifinal loss to Clinton County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Russell County graduated eight seniors. However, the Lakers do return senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='594610' first='Ella' last='Pierce'] and junior setter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='778285' first='Madelyn' last='Roy'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coffey said keys to success this season will be maintaining high energy, doing the fundamentals and working together this year. They showed good signs of that in the Bluegrass Games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Russell County hosts Somerset on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cumberland County (22-9)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers had a historic breakthrough season last year led by the dynamic Madilyn Hawley, who graduated and took her talents to nearby Campbellsville University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cumberland County won the first district championship in program history and won a region tournament game in the first-ever appearance in the region tournament before Bowling Green knocked them out in the semifinals. The Panthers welcome everyone else back starting with sophomore setter [player_tooltip player_id='759669' first='Marleigh' last='Mollo'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On defense, juniors Lillian Shrock along with sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='827099' first='Lily' last='Pruitt'] and Kaylee Vibbert come back. The leading returning hitters are seniors [player_tooltip player_id='818347' first='Sadie' last='Arterburn'], [player_tooltip player_id='840317' first='Erica' last='Branham'] along with sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='826840' first='Kennedy' last='England'] and [player_tooltip player_id='843326' first='Kynslee' last='Perdue'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cumberland County travels to Clay County (Tennesse) on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monroe County (18-9)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons put together a nice season, but could not get past the Panthers in a tight 3-2 loss in the district semifinals. They graduated seven seniors off that team. Senior outside hitter Ainsley Turner and two setters in senior [player_tooltip player_id='802553' first='Layni' last='England'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='603826' first='Sarah' last='Thompson'] return.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Monroe County travels to Barren County on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clinton County (14-19)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs upset top-seeded Russell County in the district semifinals to make it to the region tournament. Head coach Josh Moons saw three players graduate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The leading returning hitter moved away, but the Bulldogs welcome back freshman Abby Davis and senior [player_tooltip player_id='533353' first='Chloe' last='Longwell']. Sophomore setter Adalyn Duvall returns along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='535199' first='Lauren' last='Winningham'] on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clinton County travels to Allen County-Scottsville on Aug. 18 in the season-opener.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metcalfe County (12-21)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hornets are ready to turn a new chapter with Ethan Bardwell taking over the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='778592' first='Amelia' last='Slinker'] returns to anchor the defense with junior setters [player_tooltip player_id='760764' first='Harper' last='Hurt'] and Ellie Landrum also returning. The top three hitters also come back in juniors [player_tooltip player_id='535198' first='Mollie' last='Devore'], Lily Horton and senior Addison Parrish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metcalfe County travels to Franklin-Simpson to start the season Aug. 18.</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":["850607"],"_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-68960e20ba72c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Romine (pictured) gives the Purples depth on the outside and setter. Romine does a variety of sets trying to help the Purples take advantage of their power hitters. Romine transitions from defense to offense quickly. Romine is turning into a sound all-around player. She makes clean passes, takes sound swings and lands aces with her powerful jump serve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["851363"],"_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-68960e20ba799"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fuller hopes to give the Spartans depth at defensive specialist this year. Fuller steps into balls and delivers them to setters with precision. Fuller only dives when necessary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["533351"],"_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-68960e20ba7e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stinnett brings a sound net presence for the Gators. She pounds balls from the middle and pins using a sound vertical jump. Stinnett is also turning into a nice blocker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774187"],"_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-68961d7946336"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kaczynski does a good job for the Raiders on first touches. She has good reflexes and squares up her body to balls to make those important passes. Her energy on the court is contagious.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["760764"],"_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-68961d79463c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hurt has been through her fair share of adversity, but it only makes her stronger. She lands a lot of aces with her strong serving. She uses her solid skills on first touches and strong swings. She is a sound 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;23-22</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most Region Crowns since 2003:&nbsp;</strong>Greenwood with 12.</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 -->