Initial 2028 Rankings: Spots 1-5 Explained

The growth in the sport is spreading throughout the state. However, it is still the strongest in Louisville and Northern Kentucky. That is the big reason these top five spots come from those parts of the state. They also play on the one teams at their respective clubs.    Codey is simply dynamic in more ways than one. She's just as flashy on defense with the simple and highlight digs as she is with her powerful kills. Codey plays beach volleyball and that has helped her become a strong all-around player. Codey has more than taken advantage of playing up over the years. That fast-paced style has helped her quickly adjust to the high school level. She's been in a number of tough situations throughout her career. That helps her stay calm in tight games. She's poised to have a dynamic club season and another two years with the Rockets.     Patton (pictured) seemed destined for greatness before she entered high school. Patton has great size and athleticism and Conner tries to take full advantage of it. She again made the 16 Blue team at Tri-State Elite and will continue to grow with that team playing in the Open Division. When setters hit the top of Patton's peak, she makes magical things happen. She's has tough cross and vegas line swings on go routes. Patton produces in every statistical category even though she did not have to set much this past season.     Opposing coaches don't like seeing balls set her way because they know Rogers is tough to stop. Rogers lays everything she has on the line each time she takes the court. Her athleticism is through the roof. Rogers rises high above the net with her size and pounds balls over and around blockers a number of ways. Her crosses are especially tough to defend. Rogers is also a sound on first touches.     Lee's net play made a huge difference for the Rockets this fall. Lee is a sound blocker using her size well. Lee is a high volleyball IQ on the court. Offensively, she hits to all six zones in the middle and opposite side, especially on ones. Lee might send a ball to the five zone on one play then pound it to the back line in the two zone if it opens up.     Keipert saw her sisters come through the storied St. Henry program and is making her own mark. She consistently hits the mark on middle and pin sets so hitters can take great swings from their peaks. Keipert does an outstanding job running the offense. She is not afraid to land a deceptive setover if needed. Keipert is a sound digger and has a great fluid swing when needed. Keipert also has sound form on her blocks and quickly transitions to different spots on the court from defense to offense. Her teammates feed off her enthusiasm.    Note from the Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for nearly two years 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 growth in the sport is spreading throughout the state. However, it is still the strongest in Louisville and Northern Kentucky. That is the big reason these top five spots come from those parts of the state. They also play on the one teams at their respective clubs.