Six 17/18, 15, 13 Division Governors' Cup Uplifting Players

Volleyball is such a roller coaster game with teams earning the point on one play, but not the next. Players lift up their teams in different ways, whether vocally or by example. These six did it different ways.   In the 17/18 Division, the Alpha Performance A.71 team knocked off Putnam VBC - Heat in the championship game at Rupp Arena, 2-0 (25-19, 25-20) after Heat won the pool play game. A.71 overcame a key injury to win the game. Alpha A.71 finished 5-1 in the tournament.   The Alpha A.51 team also claimed the 15 Division crown knocking off the talented [program_tooltip program_id='429629' first='Elite' last='Athletic Academy'] out of Paducah in two tight games, 2-0 (27-25, 29-27). Alpha A.51 did not drop a set in the 6-0 run to the crown.   The [program_tooltip program_id='983787' first='Shelby' last='Area Volleyball Academy'] 13 Blue team won the 13 Division knocking off Alpha A.32, 2-0 (25-18, 25-23) in the title game. SAVA 13 Blue lost just one set both days.    Gribble (pictured) did a good job stepping forward and running the offense with A.71s other setter unable to play because of an injury. Gribble ran the offense with efficiency, consistently putting hitters in position to succeed. She has good touches on her sets. Gribble takes full advantage of having two or three offensive options. Gribble is also a hustler on defense and makes the simple passes. Gribble said her coaches have been pushing her and helping her build the confidence to make different sets. Gribble said that has helped her run an efficient offense.     Queen continues to figure out different ways to control the net with her size. Queen is getting on top of balls better on various sets. She makes quality first touches and uses her hands on out of system sets. Queen has also improved her blocking form and is trending in a positive direction as the club season progresses.     McCaslin produces a number of ways in different zones on the court. McCaslin has great court IQ. She knows when to smack balls hard and when to take things off for softer shots. McCaslin jumpstarts the offense in the back row with crisp first touches. McCaslin said she's been working on closing out blocks better.     Ponce has turned into a solid leader on the court with her experience. Ponce uses good range and stops well in her tracks to make crisp passes. Ponce is coachable and consistently communicates with her teammates on the court.     When games are on the line, Crouch is not afraid to step forward and make plays. Crouch is showing she could be ready to step into a bigger role for Frederick Douglass this fall. Crouch takes solid swings on the outside and takes hard serves, consistently keeping players out of system.     Berry is a six-rotation playmaker for the 15 Blue. Berry trails plays well and makes sound passes. Berry takes sound swings on the outside and brings a lot of energy on the court. Berry could benefit from work on her range, but she is showing great determination.    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 Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. 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 michaelgraham@prepdig.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount on yearly subscriptions, enter code graham30 at checkout.

Volleyball is such a roller coaster game with teams earning the point on one play, but not the next. Players lift up their teams in different ways, whether vocally or by example. These six did it different ways.