Early Bird Tournament Brings High-Level Play To Bentonville

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bentonville High School hosted the Early Bird Tournament on August 30th, drawing in programs from across the region for one of the first big tests of the 2025 season. The event brought competitive teams, conference matchups, and several standout performances that set the stage for what should be an exciting year of Arkansas high school volleyball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749419"],"_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-68b52634ecc17"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dedmon stood out as one of the most complete players on the court as a middle hitter. Her vertical allows her to rise above blocks with ease, but it's her decision-making and ball placement that elevate her game. She consistently found open space on the floor while also impacting the match defensively with a quick, disciplined block. Dedmon's versatility makes her a key piece for Greenwood moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["771153"],"_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-68b52634ecc82"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cameron continues to impress as one of the state's youngest rising stars. Her explosive vertical, strong armswing, and the ability to score both in and out of system makes heads turn. Just as impressive is her defensive ability, where she reads hitters well and keeps rallies alive with consistent touches, both passing and blocking. Cameron is already a major difference-maker for Har-Ber. College coaches need to write her name down NOW.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kolie Beach","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Farmington High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b52634ecd26"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Beach controlled matches with a steady presence and by being consistent. She finished the day with 52 assists and 27 digs. She lead her team to a 2-2 day, with the two losses going to three sets against 6A opponents. She ran Farmington's offense with tempo and creativity, spreading the ball to keep blockers guessing. Defensively, her effort and ability to keep rallies alive gave her team extra opportunities. Beach's performance was a clear example of how a setter can elevate an entire roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Early Bird Tournament once again provided an early glimpse at some of the state's top talent. Players like Dedmon, Cameron, and Beach showcased high-level skill which sets the tone for a season where Greenwood, Har-Ber, and Farmington will all be teams to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Hannah Watkins, Prep Dig Arkansas Lead Scout, @prepdighannah on IG/X.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->