5th Region Preview: Elizabethtown enters season as favorites

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ever since 2014, this region has belonged to the 42701 and 42724 zip codes for Cecilia and Elizabethtown as the 17th District rivals Central Hardin Bruins and Elizabethtown Panthers have battled it out for region championships. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since 2003, Central Hardin has won 12 crowns including the last two years with Elizabethtown claiming four. The. only other team to win a region championship since the split from eight to 16 regions is Green County with that last two coming in consecutive years in 2013 and 2014.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elizabethtown</strong> (29-11 last year) comes into the year favored to win the region graduating only three seniors from last year's team. The state's top-ranked senior in 6-6 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='212253' first='Jessica' last='Smallwood'] suits up for the Panthers and senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='533345' first='Addison' last='Janes'] knows her well. Smallwood played for the KIVA 17 Red team in the spring and Janes played for the Union UA 16 team so they are used to fast-paced attacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smallwood will put down a lot of balls with her height, but balance was the key to the Panthers taking runner-up out of 130 teams in the Bluegrass Games. Freshman outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='748731' first='Maci' last='Singleton'] takes a lot of powerful swings from the middle and outside with senior [player_tooltip player_id='831611' first='Ella' last='Brown'] taking big swings from the outside and senior Makenna Brown doing the same. Junior middle blocker Haylee McAlister also showed a lot of promise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One can't forget the experienced Panthers responsible for first touches. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='761937' first='Lexi' last='Davis'] goes hard after balls and makes the simple first passes to let Janes set up the attack. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='800143' first='Grace' last='Godfrey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='594451' first='Ava' last='Holley'], a transfer from North Hardin Classical, combine with others in the back row to give the Panthers a sound defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elizabethtown head coach Bart Catlett commended the Panthers for beating Dominant Five school Sacred Heart in the quarterfinals of the Championship Flight in the Bluegrass Games. He is a firm believer in taking things one point and one set at a time. He said they were aggressive the whole tournament and played with a lot of energy, noting that need to continue in the regular season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers start the season at North Hardin on Aug. 21.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Central Hardin</strong> (35-6) graduated four players from last year's region championship team, but all four were starters. The electrifying Kati Vest took her talents to Campbellsville University and libero Sam Nelson is at Murray State. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior 6-feet-even outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='212390' first='Klaire' last='Warrell'] and senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='212389' first='Graci' last='Blair'] bring back the most varsity experience. Junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='806039' first='Kate' last='Disselkamp'] and senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='833321' first='Jordan' last='Fortner']. Disselkamp will move into the right side slot where Sadie Atcher, who graduated, started last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The other setter will be junior Ramsey Nickell and junior [player_tooltip player_id='484295' first='Katelynn' last='Camenzind'] has taken over the libero spot. Freshman middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='755657' first='Audrey' last='Stearman'] gives the Bruins some size at 6-0 and junior [player_tooltip player_id='769025' first='Audrey' last='Bennett'] hopes to contribute in the middle or right side with senior [player_tooltip player_id='840058' first='Anna' last='Jaggers'] stepping in to play some right side. The back row is fairly new with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='800115' first='Addison' last='Sego'] and Rylie Conley two candidates to solidify things back there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Veteran Central Hardin head coach Bill Rineker said a lot of players need time to develop on the varsity level. However, he said the team has potential and hopes the Bruins are a tough team at the end of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central Hardin hosts LaRue County on Aug. 26.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Hardin (17-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trojans have a senior-laden squad led by setter Ashlynn "JoJo" Adkins, outside hitter/defensive specialist Alorah "Ali" Adkins, libero Landree Howard and middle blocker Scarlett Stevens. Freshman Sernity Wimberly is a promising outside hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Jess Mattingly-Wagner said the coaching staff emphasizes being control of three things - energy, hustle and attitude. She said some teams may have better skill, but those three things are always in a team's control and can give the Trojans an advantage over more skillful teams. Mattingly said North Hardin is also working on increasing the offensive tempo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Hardin travels to Marion County on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>John Hardin (15-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs took some lumps last year. They graduated six seniors including both setters, but do have some talent returning and coming up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='533344' first='Abby' last='Moore'] is one of the top hitters in the region and sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='807996' first='Kiley' last='Wells'] returns after pounding out 162 kills last year. McKinley Leasor is a key returning defensive specialist. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='749345' first='Kaylynn' last='Curry'] looks to take over the setter spot with junior [player_tooltip player_id='752887' first='Danielle' last='Ingram'] playing middle or right side and [player_tooltip player_id='753526' first='Dalaejah' last='Smith'] taking swings on the outside. Freshman Khloe Lynn Smith looks to step in on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Walter Hampton said improving the serve receiving and defense will be keys to success for the Bulldogs. He wants to see the Bulldogs get blocks or touches on hits to create additional offensive opportunities and be scrappy to not let balls hit the floor on their side. Hampton also said it is important to stay in the moment by letting the last play good or bad go and move on to the next play in addition to playing with energy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>John Hardinn travels to North Bullitt on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fort Knox (14-10)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles put together a winning season and had one senior on the roster. They feature the versatile setter/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='808200' first='Beatrice' last='Shirley'] in addition to seniors Nia Aldana at outside hitter/defensive specialist and Keila Carman at setter/outside hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fort Knox starts the season at Brown on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>18th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Green County (20-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James Johnson takes over the program hoping to guide the Dragons back to the top of the district after they did not win it last year for the first time since 2017.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green County has six seniors and a number of sophomores so Johnson and staff are focused on trying to integrate the young with the old. He'd like to see the team become a snappy one that doesn't let balls hit the ground. He noted a solid foundation is there. It's just a matter of taking it to the next level to compete with the region powers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The powerful senior right side 6-3 hitter [player_tooltip player_id='276179' first='Emma' last='Emmons'] is back along with sophomore 5-10 outside/middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='612104' first='Caroline' last='Goff']. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='794584' first='MacKenzie' last='Johnson'] returns and senior Karlee Patterson takes over the setter spot after receiving limited action last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green County hosts Thomas Nelson on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LaRue County (25-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hawks won their first district crown since 2017 and are led by senior middle blocker/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='696289' first='Kinlee' last='McDowell'], who had 466 kills last year which is second overall for kills in a season in program history. Senior Brylee Dobson moves into the libero role with junior Maxie Blakey taking over the setter role after playing outside and defensive specialist last year. Junior Paisley Williams and sophomore Kaylee Warren are also key returning outside hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Melissa Williamson listed three key newcomers. They are sophomores Reese Greenwell at opposite hitter and Isabella Williams at middle blocker. Freshman Ella Bales also hopes to make an impact at defensive specialist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williamson did say the team is struggling with some mental blocks and communication issues, but that's always part of the sport. She said she has no doubt the team will work through them and be successful this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hawks host Adair County on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hart County (7-19)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raiders are young, thus trying to build up valuable varsity experience. Head coach Angela Craddock said the team has worked in the offseason to focus on fundamental skills to succeed this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior setter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='603409' first='Linlee' last='Smith'] is a key returning player along with the team's kills leader in junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='828769' first='Addie' last='Devore']. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='839061' first='Taylor' last='Lasley'] hopes to also make an impact on the outside. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='831971' first='Emma' last='Oldham'] and eighth grader Jaylah Walker lead the Raiders on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raiders open the season against Glasgow at home Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Caverna (2-25)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lexie Bowles takes over hoping to bring continuity to the program. One key returning player is senior outside hitter Jayanah Nuckols.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caverna hosts Barren County on Aug. 18 to begin the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":875725,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/user-uploads/Alexis-Lanz-crop-1081x710-1755056614.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-875725" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>19th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bethlehem (17-11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Banshees made it to the region semifinals last year and are eying bigger things this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They return two solid setters in senior [player_tooltip player_id='752886' first='Allie' last='Thompson'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='756992' first='Matti' last='Deopere']. Junior 5-11 middle blocker Alexis Lantz (pictured above) is back after leading the team in kills last year. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='828655' first='Abby' last='Logsdon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='781050' first='Kate' last='Lancaster'] bring experience and leadership on the outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Assistant coach Ali Sparks said juniors [player_tooltip player_id='517977' first='Julianne' last='Heller'], Annalynn Cambron and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='783453' first='Avery' last='Jennings'] are competing for the libero spot. Other big contributors are senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='829835' first='Aubrey' last='Spalding'], junior opposite [player_tooltip player_id='838380' first='Sloane' last='Smith'] and senior opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='841815' first='Audrey' last='Greenwell']. Newcomers hoping to make a makr this year are sophomore middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='782829' first='Brooklyn' last='Yates'] and two freshmen outside hitters in [player_tooltip player_id='790820' first='Evelyn' last='Ballard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='846913' first='Blair' last='O'Bryan'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sparks said keys to success this year will be relying on the senior leadership. Sparks added the team is focused on performing well as one and team and pushing to reach new heights. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bethlehem travels to Fairdale on Aug. 20 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thomas Nelson (17-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Generals hope this is the year they break through to go to the regional tournament in Cassie Sizemore's second season as head coach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They return experience at every position with twin sisters [player_tooltip player_id='533368' first='Elle' last='Osborne'] at setter and [player_tooltip player_id='839275' first='Tori' last='Osborne'] at outside hitter. Junior middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='828330' first='Morgan' last='Ballard'] and senior right side/middle blocker Sarah Riley also return along with junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='774748' first='Hadley' last='Brooks'], who could take swings on the right side this year. Junior transfer [player_tooltip player_id='722201' first='Ella' last='Bleemel'] hopes to contribute at outside hitter and middle blocker. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='491850' first='Ashton' last='McGuire'] is listed as a right side/middle blocker with both freshmen Emma Claire Ritter and [player_tooltip player_id='721896' first='Kinslee' last='Carter'] listed as outside hitters and defensive specialists. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='788988' first='Claya' last='Downs'] could set or take hits from the outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sizemore said the key to success this year will be mental toughness and focus, along with continuing to build off the strong team chemistry. The Generals last made the region tournament in 2020.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Generals travel to Green County on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bardstown (14-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New head coach Jasmine Boggs said the team has progressed with the team chemistry since it became a huge focus in May. She said that while there is still room to grow, the growth is evident in the way the team has been playing including the Bluegrass Games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I've never seen these girls play with more energy and excitement," Boggs said. "They were actually having fun playing together and competing in high intensity moments. I'm hopeful it will only continue, if not increase, as we progress throughout the season."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='504705' first='Kylee' last='Best'], junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='484296' first='Molly' last='Kisegy'] and junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='603870' first='Addie' last='Devers'] bring good experience to the Tigers. Junior middle blocker/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='804174' first='Rachel' last='Nicole Smith'] and freshman setter/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='850312' first='Destiny' last='Ingram'] also hope to make impacts along with junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='793129' first='Claire' last='Buzick'], senior middle hitter Zarionha Railey, senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='800030' first='Zya' last='Sisson'], sophomore opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='841791' first='Aubree' last='Calbert'] and junior opposite J'Zarah Hazelwood.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bardstown hosts Campbellsville on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nelson County (12-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The graduation of Remmi Cooke and Madison Edelen has hurt the Cardinals in terms of strong finishers. New head coach Kayata Harman said teaching the proper hitting techniques has been a focus in the preseason so they can develop finishers, especially since the tallest player is 5-9.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='741092' first='Cameron' last='Buster'] at defensive specialist/outside hitter is back after a strong club season and senior Shyanne Ashbaugh is back after splitting time at setter last year. Middle blocker Abby Binkley is also a returning starter. Harman also hopes to see players like senior right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='830176' first='Bailey' last='Adams'], junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='835837' first='Marli' last='Filiatreau'], junior opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='848823' first='Madison' last='Brown'] and sophomore Audrey Grace at middle blocker/outside hitter develop into sound hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nelson County hosts Washington County on Aug. 20.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Washington County (4-18)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Darren Morris took over the program trying to turn around the culture and he said the girls are responding well to what the coaches are asking them to do. He said they are learning every day and hoping to continue to improve throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore setter [player_tooltip player_id='612253' first='Kate' last='Smith'] is back to lead the offense. Morris listed Smith, freshman outside hitter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='763669' first='Rylee' last='Hunt'] and junior outside hitter/middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='826537' first='Jenna' last='Settles'] as the team's big three.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Commanderettes host Campbellsville to start the season on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>20th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Taylor County (25-11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals were hit hard with the graduation of six seniors, but often find ways to reload.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484299' first='Madelynn' last='Yates'] and junior right side/middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='827424' first='Miya' last='Downs'] return with the most experience. Yates, a Western Kentucky commit, who measured between 48 and 49 miles per hour and topped out at 52 on a swing speed test, and Downs are currently injured so the Cardinals are adjusting to life without them. The hope is to see them return at some point this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior [player_tooltip player_id='793171' first='Claire' last='Melton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='797391' first='Nell' last='Coyle'] have stepped into defensive specialist roles and junior [player_tooltip player_id='607229' first='Eden' last='Bland'] hopes to take big swings at middle blocker and outside hitter. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='818983' first='Sky' last='Houk'] is listed as a setter with junior right side hitter Sophie Hayes and senior Aleecia Knezevic being counted on to fill in big roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Without Yates and Downs in the Bluegrass Games, head coach Stephen Zink said the Cardinals competed at a high level against several teams in the Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Top 25 Preseason poll. Zink said the team is an athletic group that lays it all on the floor daily.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals start the season Aug. 18 at Presentation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marion County (21-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Veteran head coach Dave Hibbard said the Knights are working on consistency and fitting all the new players together. He said once the team gels, they should be solid and have a chance to make some noise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='397728' first='McKenna' last='Thomas'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='807916' first='Ella' last='Marrett'] give the Knights solid hitting from the outside. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='722644' first='Addison' last='Garrett'] is a key returning defensive specialist and junior [player_tooltip player_id='721897' first='Lexi' last='Hall'] hopes to make an impact at setter this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marion County hosts North Hardin on Aug. 18 to begin the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Adair County (22-10)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indians once again broke the school record for most wins in a season and hope this is the breakthrough year to make the region tournament, having only graduated two seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seniors Anslie Spoon at setter and libero [player_tooltip player_id='793716' first='Kinzlee' last='Akin'] return to lead. Two dynamic hitters in junior middle/outside [player_tooltip player_id='828340' first='Olivia' last='Mantooth'] and sophomore 6-0 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='809690' first='Josie' last='Blair'] give the Indians solid swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Michelle Neat said the players are trying new things to try to push themselves out of comfort zones and have seen some benefits of the hard work in the preseason. Neat added the girls know what the potential can be and have a sincere drive to achieve that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adair County hosts LaRue County on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Campbellsville (6-21)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers struggled in Amber Johnson's return to the sideline as head coach dropping their first 11 games against a tough schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles do return their leaders in kills from last year in sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='833719' first='Karsyn' last='Smith'] in addition to senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='397727' first='Kennedy' last='Griffiths']. Senior middle blocker/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='607232' first='Callie' last='Durham'] is also back after showing some promise last year. Senior defensive specialist Breona Bridgewater is also back after finishing second on the team in digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson also said to look out for two seniors in outside hitter Alyssa Knezevic and Brooklyn Hill. Johnson listed consistency on offense and a strong defense as keys to success for the Eagles this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Campbellsville travels to Washington County on Aug. 18 for the season opener.</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":["533345"],"_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-689c08a327a5b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Janes (pictured) has played in so many fast-paced club games over the years and has used it to her advantage for the Panthers. She tries to set hitters at high contact points so they can do a number of hard and soft hits over and around blockers. Janes adds in nice jumps on her sets for extra strength. Janes is also deceptive sending setovers to the 10-foot line if she sees the opening. Opponents can not tell where balls are going because Janes does not lean while setting balls.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212390"],"_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-689c08a327b15"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Warrell is a sound pin hitter and will use her experience to guide the younger Bruins this year. She has a good wrist snap on balls and sends balls to different parts of the court. Her versatility goes a long way for Central Hardin. She's also a sound blocker, passer and serves aggressively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["612104"],"_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-689c08a327b87"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goff turned into a sound option for the Dragons last season. She makes things happen at the pins and the middle. She takes good out of system swings and often finds ways to pound balls off blockers. Goff also helps control the net with a nice vertical and form on her blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record in State Tournament Since 2003 when state tournament split from eight to 16 regions:</strong>&nbsp;17-22</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most Region Crowns since 2003:&nbsp;</strong>North Oldham with 11.</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 -->