8th Region Preview: North Oldham maintains region's standard

Talking to representatives all over the 8th Region, they agree this region goes through the North Oldham Mustangs. They have won it 11 times starting in 2008 and have driven to the state semifinals three times since then.   North Oldham drove back to the top of the region last year after losing in the semifinals the previous year. The Mustangs took the second game of the state first round game against Mercy, but could not come away with the win finishing 28-10 on the season. They graduated six seniors from that team including defensive specialist Campbell Floyd, setter Lucy Proud and outside hitter Josie Scales.   However, a lot of size returns starting in the middle with the 6-foot-3-inch Morehead State commit [player_tooltip player_id='212386' first='Reagan' last='Baxter'] and 6-0 [player_tooltip player_id='706522' first='Vita' last='Sensenbrenner'], who both played for the Union UA 17 Black team together in the spring. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='724992' first='Berkeley' last='Baxter'] returns at setter to feed her sister and take swings from the right side. She played for the Union UA 16 Black team in the spring.   Two other returning starters are junior 6-0 right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484260' first='Lilah' last='Anthony'] and senior defensive specialist Madison Conrad. Anthony played on the KIVA 16 Red team in the spring. Two juniors in lefty right side hitter Addison Martin and middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='774992' first='Annalise' last='Austin'] along with sophomore right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='752339' first='Kayla' last='Dickhaut'] freshman [player_tooltip player_id='780301' first='Alex' last='Cannon'] give the Mustangs depth. Junior Chloe Clark will be the team's other setter. Cannon played on the KIVA 14 Red team in the fall.   North Oldham also has depth at defensive specialist. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='547082' first='Ashlyn' last='Thompson'], Marley Edwards, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='752630' first='Raleigh' last='Becker'] and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='848764' first='Mally' last='Whittemore'] expect to give the Mustangs solid first touches.   Especially when in system, North Oldham head coach Brian Jones said the offense can be 'scary good.' He did note that even in the college level, the teams that separate themselves have hitters that can attack from the back row. Jones said the team is developing three people to do that with Anthony already doing it.   North Oldham travels to Ballard on Aug. 19 to start the season.   29th District   Oldham County (24-9)   The Colonels won the region two years ago, but drew Simon Kenton in the first round of region last year and lost. They graduated eight seniors including the versatile outside hitter/defensive specialist Shelby Davis.   Senior outside/opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='479281' first='Ava' last='Arterburn'] is the leading returning kills leader. Senior setter Ella Regenhold is also back along with junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='728929' first='Bella' last='Warner']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='780296' first='Ella' last='Knight'] hopes to give the Colonels a presence in the middle and senior outside/middle hitter Sydney Baker also hopes to step into a big role.   Veteran head coach Ryan Warner said she's excited to see the returning varsity players lead like usual. Coach Warner said the preseason focus has been perfecting fundamentals, especially serving, serve reception, passing, footwork and timing.   "We want to push the pace of the game and play with high energy," Coach Warner said. "A strong mentality, crisp mechanics and relentless effort every point will hopefully set us apart."   The Colonels play at Jeffersonville (Indiana) on Aug. 19 to start the season.   South Oldham (13-15)   The Dragons had their struggles under first-year head coach Tiffany Blair. They will be led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='804343' first='Ainsley' last='Hargrove'] at outside hitter and Anna Grace Campbell. Blair said the team is also expecting big contributions from freshman Jayda Jones and juniors Madison Barke at setter and Sophie Salmon on the right side.   Blair listed mental strength, aggressive serving and intentionality as keys to taking steps forward. South Oldham last made the region tournament in 2022.   The Dragons travel to Collins on Aug. 19 to start the season.   30th District   Collins (21-13)   The Titans won a district championship for the first time since 2018 and made it to the region semifinals.   The Titans return the versatile junior setter/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='603802' first='Lily' last='Gutermuth'] and senior outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='484546' first='Sofia' last='Aspillaga']. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='800175' first='Mia' last='Stoner'] also returns on defense. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='727116' first='Ava' last='Sellars'] gives the team an option in the middle with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='727140' first='Mackenzie' last='Wilson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='774766' first='London' last='Bayless'] hoping to give the Titans consistency on the outside. Head coach Bri Lionetti also said to watch out for senior setter/defensive specialist Kaleigh Dugle.   Lionetti said a key to success this year is to run an extremely heavy middle first offense. Lionetti said the Titans have the talent to do that and she's excited to see it come to fruition.   Collins hosts South Oldham on Aug. 19.   Woodford County (19-9)   For the first time since entering the district in 2019, the Yellow Jackets did not make it to the region tournament and missed out on the region tournament.   Woodford County returns one of the region's top outside hitters in senior [player_tooltip player_id='212357' first='Kamya' last='Mahorn'], who played club ball for the KIVA 17 red team in the spring. Mahorn recorded 446 kills, 228 digs and 50 aces for the Yellow Jackets in the fall.   The Yellow Jackets also return a nice senior outside hitter in [player_tooltip player_id='777665' first='Hannah' last='Simeonov'] along with senior middle blocker Maddie Rabinowitz. Simeonov had 136 kills and Rabinowitz 96 for the Yellow Jackets last year. Senior Emorey Metzger is back at setter. Head coach Meghan Bottom listed mental tougness, hustle and scrapiness as keys to taking steps forward.   Woodford County travels to Scott County on Aug. 19 to start the season.   Shelby County (9-11)   Shelby County finished last season strong and made it to the region tournament for the first time since 2017.   The Rockets graduated three seniors off that team. However, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='812233' first='Carrie' last='Dreher'] had a big club season and looks ready to pound balls in the middle and pins. Sophomore setter Elly Courtney also returns after guiding the offense last year.   The Rockets travel to Bullitt East on Aug. 19 to begin the season.   Spencer County (11-18)   Erin Weinberg takes over as head coach hoping to bring continuity to the Bears, who had one senior last year.   The Bears return a solid hitter and blocker in [player_tooltip player_id='827345' first='Mckenna' last='Kays']. Other key returning hitters are seniors [player_tooltip player_id='831877' first='Emily' last='Penrod'] and [player_tooltip player_id='841940' first='Bayleigh' last='Downs']. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='798980' first='Sophia' last='Hogue'] is also back after leading the team in digs last year along with the two setters in junior Christen Parsons and sophomore Claire Groves.   Spencer County hosts Western Hills on Aug. 19 to start the season.   Anderson County (6-22)   Wins have not come easy for the Bearcats, who graduated their leading hitter.   Bethany Hardin welcomes back senior setter Aryonna Clark and several digs leaders in senior Kennedy Sea and junior Amelia Bryant. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='612254' first='Katherine' last='Beward'] is a promising outside hitter/setter.   Anderson County travels to Franklin County on Aug. 19 to begin the season.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/BryceBerry-crop-1212x796-1754623441.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-859735" /></figure>   31st District   Eminence (25-7)   The Warriors have the size to make a nice run in the postseason. They just need to find a setter with the graduation of Shannon Tucker.   Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='750417' first='Rylee' last='Shupert'] is used to playing at a high level having played on the same team as Baxter and Sensenbrenner this spring. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='826996' first='Lauren' last='Thomas'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='811965' first='Brooklyn' last='Smith'] give the Warriors a presence in the middle with the dynamic junior [player_tooltip player_id='484434' first='Bryce' last='Berry'] (pictured above) and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='780582' first='Bailey' last='Hegg'] making plays on the outside. Hegg played for the KIVA 14 Red team in the spring and Berry played on the KIVA 16 Black team. Smith played on the MAVA 16 Select team and Thomas played for the MAVA 17 Elite squad.   Another key returning player for Eminence is junior [player_tooltip player_id='801369' first='Caroline' last='Kirschman']. The Warriors play a home school team CCAA Cougars out of Frankfort on Aug. 18 to start the season.   Henry County (15-15)   The Cats have eight seniors on the roster so veteran head coach Shelley Sims said leadership, accountability and camaraderie are looking good. She added many of the seniors have been playing together since middle school.   Sims wants to ramp up passing and defense and noted the team continually pushes tough serving. The big returning hitters are seniors outside hitter/middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='594447' first='Karma' last='Price'] and senior middle hitter/setter Riley Denny, a Georgetown College commit. Sophomore right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='612111' first='Ava' last='Morgan'] also looked improved during club season. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='751426' first='Abigail' last='Adams'] is back on defense. Senior setter Josie Peyton is also back after leading the team in assists and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='806790' first='Miley' last='Monroe'] also hopes to contribute at setter and outside hitter.   The Cats start the season at home against Cornerstone Christian on Aug. 19.   Trimble County (14-15)   The Raiders just missed .500 on the season last year and graduated seven seniors off that team. The key returning players is senior Anna Brierly, who had 138 kills, 301 digs and 60 aces last year.   Trimble County hosts Evangel Christian on Aug. 21.   Gallatin County (6-21)   The Wildcats won consecutive games just once last season. Sierra Miller hopes to build around the likes of junior outside hitter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='780216' first='Annie' last='Epperson'] along with junior setter Emma Craig to try to turn things around. Key digs leaders returning are junior Anna Bailey and senior Kayleigh Rose.   Gallatin County plays twice in the Ludlow Classic on Aug. 19.   Carroll County (7-20)   The Panthers did put together four straight wins early in the season. Six seniors graduated, but three seniors and five juniors bring back varsity experience as Kelly Tuttle enters her second season guiding the Panthers. One senior to watch is [player_tooltip player_id='814526' first='Josie' last='Dale'].   Carroll County hosts Williamstown on Aug. 18 to start the season.   Owen County (3-23)   The struggles for the Rebels continued last season and do not get any easier with the graduation of five seniors.   The Rebels do feature senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='834665' first='Leah' last='Fitzgerald'] and junior setter Chevelle Miller. Sophomore Hannah Mason also showed a lot of promise on net defense.   Owen County also plays twice in the Ludlow Classic on Aug. 19.   32nd District   Simon Kenton (30-6)   The Pioneers have made it to the region championship four times in the last five seasons, but have not been able to overcome the final obstacle to the first region title in program history. It will be tougher to go back to that point with the graduation of seven seniors.   The one returning starter is senior versatile outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='212349' first='Jenna' last='Kitchens']. She will be joined by senior [player_tooltip player_id='838011' first='Scarlett' last='Cochran'], who is a six-rotation player. Head coach Amy Marx said the senior transfer has brought a good amount of energy, enthusiasm and leadership to the team. Senior Anna Mullis will contribute as a utility player for the Pioneers this fall. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='844742' first='Taylor' last='Jones'], [player_tooltip player_id='806651' first='Maria' last='Mullis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='805834' first='Jayden' last='Turner'] return with varsity experience.   Marx also listed one up and coming junior in defensive specialist Jayden Jones. Then she listed several up and coming sophomores in Faith Lockhart, Allie Ross and Sophia Deaton. Ross will step in as the libero with Lockhart taking one of the setter spots in the 6-2 attack. Deaton is a lefty. Three juniors will dress for varsity but play junior varsity to develop their skills in Lillie Laughlin, Kamdyn Brogan and Ryan Haynes.   Simon Kenton travels to Cooper on Aug. 21.   Grant County (19-14)   The Braves have gone to the region semifinals two years in a row, which are the deepest two tournament runs in program history.   They graduated four seniors, but return one of the most versatile hitters in the region in senior [player_tooltip player_id='479311' first='Izzy' last='Russell'] along with senior Mallie Bates. Junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='535203' first='Olivia' last='Ginn'] gave the Braves production in most every statistical category last fall, splitting time at setter and outside hitter last year. Junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='697458' first='Rylee' last='Akers'] returns after leading the team with 51 aces last year. Head coach Stephanie Russell said to also watch out for sophomore opposite hitter Jaelyn Hammons' progression throughout the season.   Coach Russell said the team needs to be solid on defense and be able to move the ball around to have success. She said spreading the floor will open things up and keep opponents from focusing on one person.   The Braves play twice in the Ludlow Classic on Aug. 19 to start the season.   Walton-Verona (15-15)   The Bearcats struggled with serve reception last year. They did take the first set against Grant County in last year's district semifinals before the Braves keyed on that weakness and won the next three.   The Bearcats do return junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='468553' first='Chloe' last='McIntosh']. McIntosh and junior defensive specialist/libero Annie Allen have been on varsity since the eighth grade. Head coach Katelyn Sallee said Allen is a strong defensive presence and has the versatility to contribute pretty much anywhere on the court. Sallee also said to watch out for junior outside hitter Lindsey Goodman in her first season starting on varsity. Sallee said Goodman is a big jumper that is a strong leader and a great team player.   Walton-Verona plays twice in the Ludlow Classic on Aug. 19 to start the season.   Williamstown (15-15)   The Demons finished .500 thanks in part to senior leadership. They need players to fill those holes with the graduation of six seniors including Abby Knarr.   One player head coach Maddie Morgan-Lambert said to watch out for is junior defensive specialist McKayla Lamson, who Lambert said is one of the hardest working and driven players she's ever coached. Lambert said Lamson is always looking to improve, mentally tough and has made strides in her passing and serving performances.   Williamstown travels to Carroll County on Aug. 18 to start the season.   Players to Watch    Dickhaut (pictured) may start at other places, but gives North Oldham depth on the right side. She focused on her arm swing during club season to make it tough for defenses to pick up the lefty's tough angles. Dickhaut sends tough cutters to the lines and adds in tips to keep defenders guessing.     Knight hopes to have a big season blocking in the middle with the size of opponents the Colonels will face this fall. Knight pounds balls to different parts of the court and has good timing on her blocks. She can angle balls off tall players for big points.     Wilson is primed to give the Titans a presence at both the pins and the middle. She paints the lines well and can hit over and around blockers. Wilson pounds balls hard to different zones on the court and swing blocks effectively. Wilson also showed she can make precise first touches.     Simeonov gives the Yellow Jackets a sound presence from the outside. She takes sound hits to the back row. She has a good rhythm on the attack and finishes strong. Simeonov does a great job finding ways to hit through and around double blocks. Simeonov should help take attention away from her teammates.     Shupert gained some big club experience over the spring playing for the UA 17 Black squad. Shupert gave the team depth on the outside drawing attention away from the middle. She rises up and explodes through balls pounding them to the ground. She forms sound double teams at the net and can produce from all six spots on the court.    Region Fast Facts   Record in State Tournament Since 2003 when state tournament split from eight to 16 regions: 17-22   Most Region Crowns since 2003: North Oldham with 11.   Note from the Writer   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.

Talking to representatives all over the 8th Region, they agree this region goes through the North Oldham Mustangs. They have won it 11 times starting in 2008 and have driven to the state semifinals three times since then.