One Sound Player off six Gold Bracket Blue Raider Shootout teams

The Blue Raider Shootout featured 12 varsity teams overall and four junior varsity teams after several dropped out. Among the returning teams included three defending region champions. The two-time defending 4th Region champion Bowling Green Purples won the tournament with a spotless 5-0 mark. They knocked off region rival Clinton County in the title game after the Bulldogs beat two-time defending 16th Region champion Ashland and the four-time defending 13th Region champion Whitley County Colonels in the gold bracket. These six players made waves for their teams that made the gold bracket at Lindsey Wilson College.   A number of the teams had players missing for different reasons. Some had players down at the Amateur Athletic Union National Tournament in Orlando or practicing for it with the club teams.   To get in front of Prep Dig Scouts, college coaches and other top talent from the Class of 2030 at the Freshman Showcase in Wilder on July 18, register here. This code of Mike26PD25OFF gives players 25 percent off registration. <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2288/register/kentucky-stock-up-showcase">https://events.prepdig.com/e/2288/register/kentucky-stock-up-showcase</a>. The Stock Up Event for the 2027 through 2029 classes is also the same day. One can also use the discount code and register here. <a href="http://events.prepdig.com/e/2288/register/kentucky-stock-up-showcase">http://events.prepdig.com/e/2288/register/kentucky-stock-up-showcase</a>   Sound Performers    Tooley is a sound six-rotation player for the deep Purples. She takes powerful rips, coming in nice off fakes. She also mixes in nice off shots different places such as down lines. Defensively, Tooley goes hard after balls. She reacts quickly on blocked balls. One of her biggest attributes is she's coachable.     Oesterreicher (pictured) may not be the tallest middle in the region, but she does what she can to influence things at the net. Oesterreicher runs good fakes to draw blockers away from teammates and takes sound rips. She is also a sound blocker at the net. Oesterreicher also does a good job mixing up service locations, trying to keep opponents out of rhythm. Oesterreicher said she's trying to improve every time she touches the ball. She added she tries to listen to her coaches and use those instructions to take more steps forward.     Martin makes plays at all six spots on the court. The lefty takes tough angles from both pins. Martin makes great adjustments in mid-air, mixing in quality off shots. Martin is not afraid to tool blocks to earn key points for Meade County. Martin is also sound on defense. She makes quality first touches, keeping her feet faced toward the target. Martin takes coaching well.     Smith brings sound all-around play to the four-time defending 13th Region champions. Smith takes sound swings to the back row and mixes in nice tips. On defense, Smith does a good job anticipating balls then beating them to their destinations on the floor. Smith consistently makes controlled first touches to get Whitley County into a good offensive rhythm. Smith sends out of system basses back toward the net.     Young is displaying a lot of promise entering high school. She is anticipating balls well, using her quick feet and athleticism. Young does a good job stopping her feet then uses a good platform to make solid passes. She'll continue to grow as she adjusts to the varsity level.     Akin has played a big role taking the Indians to new levels. Akin does a great job calling for balls. She anticipates well then takes minimal steps to get to balls. Akin has shown she can track down balls sent to corners. Akin's development will be something to watch this fall.    Note from 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 @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigkentucky/#">prepdigkentucky</a>, @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigtennessee/#">prepdigtennessee</a> or @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigoh/#">prepdigoh</a> on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy, @PrepDigTN or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky, Tennessee or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky or Tennessee 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.

The Blue Raider Shootout featured 12 varsity teams overall and four junior varsity teams after several dropped out. Among the returning teams included three defending region champions. The two-time defending 4th Region champion Bowling Green Purples won the tournament with a spotless 5-0 mark. They knocked off region rival Clinton County in the title game after the Bulldogs beat two-time defending 16th Region champion Ashland and the four-time defending 13th Region champion Whitley County Colonels in the gold bracket. These six players made waves for their teams that made the gold bracket at Lindsey Wilson College.