Nike River Rumble Morning Session Solid Performers

The annual event saw 233 teams descend upon Spooky Nook in Hamilton, Ohio to warm up for the first tournament for some with the temperatures below freezing outside. The courts saw a number of amazing performances on the first of the two-day event.    Clark's court awareness and confidence are increasing each time she takes the court. When setters put balls high enough, Clark sprays balls to different parts of the court. Clark took enough off one balls to paint the back line. Clark has worked on rotating her right wrist to where her thumbs are pointing down to the ground on contact to hit balls away from blockers. Clark continues to develop a solid blocking technique and quickly puts down overpassed balls. Clark said her one-on-one work with BVA Director Kayla VanHoose has helped her with her court awarness.     Stutzman is taking a lot of big rips for 17 Black. Defenders so far back that Stutzman will surprise them with tips over blockers. Stutzman forms great double blocks. Stutzman said she's been working with the setter to read the court. Stutzman added she likes to take an aggressive approach and use tips to her advantage.     Burns plays all six spots for 17 Blue but mainly the front row for Ryle. Her goal is to improve on defense to play all six spots for the Raiders her senior year. Burns gives everything she has every play. She takes solid crosses to the front, middle and back row. On defense, Burns reaches out trying to dig up balls. Burns said she tries to keep her teammates' energy up, stay calm and perform to high standards.     Williams (pictured) brings great energy and leadership on the court for the Panthers. She takes hard swings, often adjusting in mid-air for tips. Williams makes quality out of system passes and has great form and timing on her blocks. Williams said having a good attitude on the court is an important thing because it allows teams to rally back from any deficit.     Riddle mainly sets for this club team after doing it on a limited bases for Shelby Valley during the team's historic run to the state quarterfinals. She has a deceptive jump setover. Riddle quickly shakes off mistakes. Riddle said she's been getting better with her ball placement. She serves to different parts of the court trying to find the opponent's weaker passers.     Turner normally plays middle blocker, but stepped into the libero role on Saturday. Turner displayed great leadership on the court. She moves her feet quickly to track down balls, then stops to make sound two to three-point passes. Turner is not afraid to call for balls and can track down setovers. Turner said liberos are leaders on the court, adding it takes a lot to keep teammates in positive moods throughout games all day.    Note from the Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for 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 annual event saw 233 teams descend upon Spooky Nook in Hamilton, Ohio to warm up for the first tournament for some with the temperatures below freezing outside. The courts saw a number of amazing performances on the first of the two-day event.