Five Big Games in the Commonwealth this week

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each week has a good number of games. Two this week involve four of the Dominant Five.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tuesday</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sacred Heart (4-4) at Assumption</strong> <strong>(9-0), 6:45 p.m.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one is usually a test to see how the two 7th Region rivals match up against each other in the early part of the season. Undefeated Assumption has the upper hand considering the Rockets have won the last five meetings and the Valkyries have some question marks at this point, particularly with their first touches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='212396' first='Emily' last='Keiran'] has picked up where she left off last season and sophomore all-around [player_tooltip player_id='611724' first='Brooke' last='Codey'] has been tearing it up early in the season. Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='212400' first='Jillian' last='Bohannon'] has filled in well dishing balls out to different hitters. [player_tooltip player_id='212399' first='Kathryn' last='O'Toole'] and [player_tooltip player_id='212397' first='Iris' last='Williams'] have helped solidify the Rockets defense with [player_tooltip player_id='851613' first='Julia' last='Lee'], [player_tooltip player_id='611743' first='Taylor' last='McKenzie'], [player_tooltip player_id='484327' first='Emily' last='Poteraj'] and [player_tooltip player_id='212401' first='Addison' last='Pence'] also taking good rips until [player_tooltip player_id='212398' first='Ella' last='Askin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='484326' first='Carle' last='Hooe'] return so defenses can't key on Codey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sacred Heart has seen junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484247' first='Taylor' last='Frey'], sophomore setter [player_tooltip player_id='788409' first='Cate' last='Bakken'] and [player_tooltip player_id='253864' first='Campbell' last='Miles'] tale control of the respective positions. The Valkyries just need some consistency around them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner (2-3) at Highlands (3-1), 7:30 p.m.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bluebirds have been rolling early on except for the lone loss at Notre Dame on Aug. 20. They are very balanced all the way around led on defense by senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='276170' first='Hayden' last='Gessner'] in addition to senior defensive specialist Mia Perron and [player_tooltip player_id='827206' first='Madison' last='Barlow']. Senior Audrey Sorrentino has stepped in at setter to help out [player_tooltip player_id='503792' first='Ava' last='Muzumdar']. [player_tooltip player_id='590640' first='Liz' last='Perkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='590644' first='Alexis' last='Steinhauser'] unsurprisingly lead Highlands in kills, but [player_tooltip player_id='839058' first='Taylor' last='Janosick'], [player_tooltip player_id='836110' first='Meredith' last='Hicks'], [player_tooltip player_id='727125' first='Edy' last='Hobson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='608333' first='Bella' last='Thomas'] are also capable of taking huge swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conner lost a tough one to Bishop Brossart early last week then came plays away from taking one or even two sets from Ryle on Thursday. Sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='579836' first='Charlotte' last='Patton'], senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='602465' first='Annika' last='Berwanger'] and junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='484447' first='Shylyn' last='Koerber'] have been consistent. Junior Makena Marks led the Cougars with 10 digs against Ryle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>14th Region All "A" First Round</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wolfe County (2-2) at Knott County Central (7-1), 6 p.m.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of the better teams in the region drew each other in the first round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending region champion Patriots have been on a role since opening the season with a loss to undefeated Leslie County. Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='276172' first='Taylor' last='Baker'] is having a great season with [player_tooltip player_id='533386' first='Samara' last='Bailey'], Ava Waddell and even younger hitters Rylee Craft and Kynley Baker giving the Patriots balance with setters [player_tooltip player_id='484291' first='Zoe' last='Miller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='792174' first='Avery' last='Conley']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='783771' first='Avery' last='Sluss'] continues to perform well at the libero spot and freshman Kaylee King has also helped on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wolfe County turned into an instant region contender with the return of senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='748087' first='Abby' last='Noble']. Her twin sister [player_tooltip player_id='212195' first='Naoma' last='Noble'] led the Wolves in kills two games into the season with [player_tooltip player_id='603771' first='Madison' last='Deshon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='830254' first='Bella' last='Brumback'] giving them balance. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='603773' first='Grace' last='Ponce'] led the team in digs with junior [player_tooltip player_id='781599' first='Emily' last='Stephens'] also contributing there. Eighth grader [player_tooltip player_id='781499' first='Madeline' last='Howard'] is also hoping to be more involved with the offense. First touches could go a long way in this one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wednesday</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mercy (9-1) and Notre Dame (7-2), 7:30 p.m.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There may have been some concerns about the Jaguars in the Bluegrass Games, but they've come around with two wins over Sacred Heart. [player_tooltip player_id='479299' first='Addison' last='Davis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='544366' first='Addison' last='Randol'] know where to put balls. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='479273' first='Mady' last='Yaden'] leads the way on offense with [player_tooltip player_id='484254' first='Alli' last='Riegling'], [player_tooltip player_id='611834' first='Nalani' last='Derringer'], [player_tooltip player_id='554148' first='Emma' last='Cronen'], [player_tooltip player_id='479301' first='Allison' last='O'Shea'], Josie Hans, [player_tooltip player_id='603781' first='Ellie' last='Sharpe'] and [player_tooltip player_id='785485' first='Gracie' last='Sciortino'] give the Jaguars depth. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='797942' first='Reese' last='Houston'] and [player_tooltip player_id='479300' first='Jenna' last='Hawkins'] have been instrumental on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Notre Dame, however, has won five in a row in the series. The Pandas had some question marks on defense but freshman [player_tooltip player_id='774790' first='Elise' last='Grout'] has emerged to lead the way there along with sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='727131' first='Kaia' last='Tilden'] and [player_tooltip player_id='800194' first='Dara' last='Jackson']. [player_tooltip player_id='379687' first='Lizzy' last='Larkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='798218' first='Ellie' last='Osterkamp'] give the Pandas options at setter with [player_tooltip player_id='312234' first='Audrey' last='Dyas'], [player_tooltip player_id='484250' first='Teagan' last='Kondik'], [player_tooltip player_id='507601' first='Grace' last='Portwood'], [player_tooltip player_id='571992' first='Katie' last='Zwick'] and [player_tooltip player_id='727143' first='Makayla' last='Roose'] leading the team offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thursday</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Graves County (3-0) at Marshall County (4-0), 6:30 p.m.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two could be undefeated in this matchup if Graves County beats Mayfield on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='397721' first='Ryleigh' last='Belknap'] leads the Eagles on defense along with Caleigh Robertson. Sisters [player_tooltip player_id='738480' first='Emma' last='Joiner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='551813' first='Zoie' last='Joiner'] can set up the 6-0 senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535247' first='MaryKate' last='Miller'] and junior 6-1 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='397722' first='Ella' last='Morton'] along with juniors Emerson Elliott and [player_tooltip player_id='774411' first='Chloe' last='Wade'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marshall County has seen the 6-2 junior middle/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='850644' first='Brooke' last='Von Bokel'] emerge, which could make things interesting at the net. The Marshals have also been battle-tested, winning a tight one against Ballard Memorial, 3-2 (24-26, 25-18, 25-21, 24-26, 15-13) when sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='755896' first='Laney' last='Yates'] landed a cross-court shot. [player_tooltip player_id='484426' first='Emma-Leigh' last='Reynolds'] continues to set up hitters well with seniors Hadley Barrett and [player_tooltip player_id='533367' first='Maleah' last='Terry'] leading on defense. Senior Olivia Hawkins along with Yates and sophomores Bella Redden and [player_tooltip player_id='594455' first='Nora' last='Clark'] give the Marshals balance.</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":["590640"],"_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-68b51507beb0e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Perkins (pictured) has been a consistent hitter for years so it's no surprise she's leading Highlands in kills early in the season. Perkins has a great hitting rhythm. Perkins can pound balls to the back row or even hit off blockers for big points. Perkins is also a sound passer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["484424"],"_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-68b51507beb71"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Payton has the talent turn into a solid hitter for the Valkyries. She executes the slide well and can hit off blockers for big kills. Payton makes things happen at both the pins and in the middle. She also forms good double blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["830254"],"_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-68b521042fe3e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brumback gives the Wolves a solid option on the outside. Brumback takes great strides toward the net and can pound balls to the opposite lines or tap balls over blockers in zone one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774790"],"_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-68b521042fedb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Grout plays on a fast-paced club team and that's helped her adjust to the varsity level. Grout positions herself well near blockers. She reads hitting hands well coming forward quick to cover soft hits and backing up for long shots if hitters wind up. Her instincts have helped her make passes under control only lunging out of necessity. Grout is also a sound server.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["850644"],"_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-68b521042ff59"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Von Bokel gives the Marshals solid play at the net. Von Bokel takes sound approaches and uses her size to send balls over and around solo and double blocks. Von Bokel pounds down overpassed balls with authority. Von Bokel also reads hitters well then times up her blocks nicely. She works in rhythm with her teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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 -->