Day One Bluegrass Games Solid Performers

The excitement of a new season overtook Lexington on Friday as did the new format leading to more competitive games. There were some surprises based on the seeding, but the main point of the games is to see where teams excel and where work needs done. These players put together solid first days.    Stanfield (pictured) has taken some huge next steps during the preseason. She called for a lot of balls and got on top of them for some huge swings helping Bourbon County go 2-0 on the first day in Class C action. When she has good spacing from the net, Stanfield makes things happen. Stanfield even took big rips on pipe plays and terminated a good number of out of system balls. Stanfield even played some back row and made quality first touches.     Reynolds controls the net when in the front row for the Panthers. She goes up strong and uses a nice technique to deny balls from coming across the net. Reynolds can record sound solo and double blocks. Reynolds took quality swings and figured out different ways to tool blocks. Reynolds even made good air adjustments to shove balls to corners.     Coomes is turning into a sound all-around player for the Raiders. She steps to balls and makes crisp first touches in the back row. In the front row, Coomes is tough when she gets swings in. Coomes applies good placement on her off shots. She needs some work on her rhythm, but is on her way into turning into a sound hitter. Coomes said she worked at being a better back row play during club season with her defensive and serve reception passes, knowing she'd need to step forward and be the best player she can be.     Rigsby makes plays all over the court for the Rams. Rigsby displays a great arm swing and ball placement. Her roll shots have come a long way. Rigsby makes sound blocks with her technique. Rigsby also jumpstarted the Raceland offense with quality first touches on defense and serve reception.     Thomas shoves nice balls to opposite shallow lines for quick points. Thomas takes a number of solid swings when the team is in system from the middle and pins. Thomas steps into balls to jumpstart the Caldwell County offensive rhythm. Thomas also did a great job encouraging her teammates on the court.     Kelley did a great job making sure the Rebels got into a rhythm in a 2-0 day, including a win over two-time defending 10th Region Scott. Kelley is quick on her feet using her range to track down balls and make nice two to three-point passes. Kelley reads hitters and does what she can to beat balls to their destinations on the floor. Kelley made nice serves to keep opponents out of system. Kelley said she worked on being more even keel during club season. She credited Hobcab for helping take her passing and other aspects of the libero spot to another level.    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 excitement of a new season overtook Lexington on Friday as did the new format leading to more competitive games. There were some surprises based on the seeding, but the main point of the games is to see where teams excel and where work needs done. These players put together solid first days.