Postseason Action: 33rd District Semifinal Takeaways

The top-seeded Ryle Raiders and second-seeded Conner Cougars came into the district semifinals Tuesday at Cooper as the favorites. However, they both had to take the court and once again prove it. Both teams showed they are up to the task as Ryle (20-13 overall) bested fourth-seeded Boone County, 3-0 (25-14, 25-12, 25-16) then Conner (26-8) took down Cooper, 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-16) to advance to Thursday's title game at 7 p.m. back at Cooper.   Ryle came into the season favored to six-peat as district champions. The Raiders won the regular season meeting, 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 26-24), but the Cougars gave them a battle. Ryle has won 38 in a row in the series dating back to 2003.   Cooper concluded the season 11-18 overall but has a nice group returning for 2026. Boone County finished 15-19. After the game, Boone County players agreed cutting down on unforced errors are keys to taking next steps as a program.   A number of players put together nice games for the four teams. These four especially stood out.    Everett's contributions may be overshadowed, but do not go unnoticed, especially by her coaches. Everett (pictured) forms great double blocks with her teammates using her athleticism. Opponents can not go soft on her or she'll quickly blocks the balls. Everett had a big blocks to end the first set in the win over Cooper. Everett uses her athleticism well to take good swings in the middle and right side. Everett places overpassed balls away from opponents well. Everett said if the blockers help the back row players as much as possible, it makes things easier on them to get balls up and gives the team momentum.     Patton played as polished and dominant as she has all season and will play in the 9th Region quarterfinals for the first time since she entered high school. Patton continues to produces from all six positions. Patton takes tough swings from the front and back row, painting the back line for big kills. Patton has a nice wrist snap, sending balls screaming to the ground. Patton hits balls off blockers for big points. Patton also serves well and makes crisp first touches. The Cougars lost to Cooper in the district semifinals last year and Patton said the biggest lesson learned from that game was they can lose on any given day so they need to treat opponents like they're just as good so Conner keeps fighting to earn the win. Patton added it's a matter of being ready to make plays to help the team win.     Taylor has taken some nice strides on the outside for the Jaguars this season. Taylor takes good approaches to the net and puts good power into balls. Taylor is especially tough on go routes. Taylor is also a sound blocker for Cooper.     The coaching staff did not need to rush Holtzapfel into varsity action with depth at the setter spot. However, a big injury forced Holtzapfel into action and the freshman has delivered, making sure the Ryle offense does not miss a beat. Holtzapfel has a nice jump set and can perform a number of sets including back sets. Holtzapfel makes nice adjustments on balls that are out of system. Holtzapfel ran the offense with precision and took great swings on the outside. Holtzapfel makes nice serves to keep opponents out of rhythm and lands tough serves for big aces. Holtzapfel said playing for the TSE 14 Blue this past spring has helped her adjust because she played with similarly competitive teammates. Holtzapfel said she's always ready to come in and contribute if injuries and other things occur.     Scott is a nice athlete the Rebels can build around during her time in high school. Scott is a good six-rotation player that hits to different parts of the court. Scott angles balls off blocks and out of bounds and makes solid first touches.    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.

The top-seeded Ryle Raiders and second-seeded Conner Cougars came into the district semifinals Tuesday at Cooper as the favorites. However, they both had to take the court and once again prove it. Both teams showed they are up to the task as Ryle (20-13 overall) bested fourth-seeded Boone County, 3-0 (25-14, 25-12, 25-16) then Conner (26-8) took down Cooper, 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-16) to advance to Thursday's title game at 7 p.m. back at Cooper.