11th Region Preview: Deep Region brings forth many unknowns

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Several statistics show how deep this region was last year and how it could again be the toughest again in terms of sound teams. Ten finished with at least 20 wins and another four had at least 17. Only one team from either the rugged Lexington 42nd and 43rd Districts did not win at least 17 games last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Paul Laurence Dunbar Bulldogs</strong> have been the most consistent team in the region in recent years having made the region championship five years in a row and winning it twice with a state runner-up finish in 2022. Veteran head coach Jenni Morgan saw six seniors graduate from the 22-18 squad of a year ago that pulled through to win a fifth straight 43rd District crown and finish region runner-up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, the Bulldogs have made it to the region tournament 14 years in a row as the result of reloading and they do return a good bit of experience led by senior outside [player_tooltip player_id='535210' first='Mia' last='Pendley'], junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='912835' first='Ava' last='Martha'] and senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='484320' first='Peyton' last='Beatty']. Junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='774734' first='Zya' last='Richardson'] also returns after a sound season with first contacts last season. Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='851868' first='Sloane' last='Barnes'], [player_tooltip player_id='953909' first='Georgia' last='Faulkner'] and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='957840' first='Olivia' last='Belcher'] could step in on defense. Barnes and Faulkner could also set and Belcher could hit from the right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs are once again loaded with hitters. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='727151' first='Noelle' last='Davis'], [player_tooltip player_id='888304' first='Maggie' last='Young'], [player_tooltip player_id='934298' first='Zayna' last='Abdelkader'] and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='957839' first='Ellis' last='Stuart'] could take huge swings from the pins. with junior [player_tooltip player_id='496964' first='Mackenzie' last='Hansen'] giving Dunbar power in the middle. Senior Camille Bowman, junior Lydia Krusich, Macy Weigle and Elizabeth Buzard round out the roster. Morgan said staying focused on the process and pushing each other in practice and working on team chemistry will be keys to sustained success. The Bulldogs host Ryle on Aug. 17 to begin the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Lexington Catholic Knights </strong>(33-5) not only won a second straight region crown last year, but drove to the state semifinals for the first time in program history. They graduated six seniors from that team and have a new head coach in Lane Jenkins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, the dynamic senior duo of setter [player_tooltip player_id='603863' first='Charlotte' last='Hall'] and middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='535172' first='Miller' last='Duncan'] return along with junior outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='768460' first='Madeline' last='Sisk'] return. Junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='774758' first='Noah' last='Cecil'] and sophomore outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='851603' first='Anna' last='Wethington'] also saw significant action on varsity last year. Junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='768422' first='Elise' last='Millard'] saw some action on varsity with junior [player_tooltip player_id='991225' first='Corrine' last='Brown'] looking to make waves on the pins and junior [player_tooltip player_id='949210' first='Alexandra' last='Wiley'] seeking to solidify things on defense. Senior Lily McHale could also help out on defense with sophomore Cat Tweardy looking to make a presence in the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins hit the ground running trying to build relationships with the players and coaching staff while helping establish the desired culture for the future. Jenkins said she's been excited to see the team's dedication to hard work, embracing new expectations and continue growing daily. Jenkins added that's helped with the transition and she's looking forward to seeing that translate to success on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LexCath starts the season at Bryan Station on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over in the 43rd District, the Frederick Douglass Broncos (17-16) and Sayre Spartans (29-9) came into the season expecting to battle for the crowd. Entering the season, the Broncos still have the edge even though it was a scrimmage with a 2-0 (21-11, 21-15) victory over the Spartans in the Gold round of the Varsity B Division in the Bluegrass Games on Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Broncos graduated six seniors including three contributors in the back row. However, they return a bevy of hitters led by senior middle [player_tooltip player_id='535191' first='Urijah' last='Holman-Allen'], sophomore pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='890370' first='Maryn' last='Dunham'] and junior middle [player_tooltip player_id='918929' first='Daleigh' last='Johnson']. Two seniors in pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='804730' first='Ava' last='Henderson'] and middle Lyla McMillan also look to take sound swings in what looks to be a relentless offensive attack so long as the Broncos consistently make the sound first touches to junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='611969' first='Jordan' last='McCrary']. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='776638' first='Shelby' last='Mays'] and senior defensive specialist Braylen Fields lead the way there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Second-year head coach Tori Hanson said the players are good friends on and off the court. She said the key is developing a killer instinct like she saw a good bit of over the weekend will also be a key to success. Hanson said they can be too trusting on the court at times. The Broncos host Tates Creek on Aug. 20.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two words put Sayre in the conversation for the region crown. [player_tooltip player_id='535188' first='Brooke' last='Barntsen'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indiana State commit does everything on the court. Head coach Leigh Nahra and staff will once again employ a 6-2 with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='892813' first='Decker' last='Kok'] taking advantage of not only Barntsen's scarily improved setting, but also her hitting. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='886496' first='Jace' last='Spencer'] is back as libero and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='985799' first='Ashley' last='Wagner'] has seemingly picked things up in the back row as a defensive specialist. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='586858' first='Ainsley' last='Stump'] could also back an impact in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kok and Barntsen have a number of hitters to set in a balanced attack led by two middles in senior [player_tooltip player_id='892807' first='Aubrey' last='Greathouse'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='774762' first='Margot' last='Kinkead']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1013993' first='Savanna' last='Cool'] has also taken sound swings in the middle during the preseason. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='938308' first='Blair' last='Smarte'] and freshman Malia Backers could also make an impact at the pins. Nahra said the team talks about the standard desired to uphold and she said leadership has done a great job helping set that tone. Nahra added if the group continues to embrace the process, stay connected and compete for each other, they have the potential to take another step forward and continue moving the program in the right direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sayre starts the season at home against Ashland on Aug. 17.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>43rd District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tates Creek Commodores (20-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest question mark for the Commodores coming into the season is setter, but junior Hannah Jones looks to take on that role. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='778616' first='Hayden' last='Wolff'] is back along with two sound senior hitters in [player_tooltip player_id='742197' first='Harper' last='Lipsett'] on the outside and defense and middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='519636' first='LeeAnn' last='Knapp']. Senior outside [player_tooltip player_id='845263' first='Brenna' last='Smith'] is another solid option. Senior defensive specialist Piper Simmons is also back after a sound season first touches last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Morgan Contino said she likes the team chemistry and determination. She said it is an older team and there are tough players that will do whatever it takes to win. Contino added she likes the senior leadership.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tates Creek hosts Trinity Christian on Aug. 18 to begin the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lafayette Generals (14-19)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Generals are solid on the outside with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='484422' first='Audrey' last='Gossett'], [player_tooltip player_id='523334' first='Lexi' last='Hensley'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='711994' first='Carli' last='Dotson']. The issue last year was the Generals depended too much on the outside attack. One goal this year is to see more balance with the hopes of junior 6-0 [player_tooltip player_id='741500' first='Lily' last='Grant'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='930506' first='Haylee' last='Henderson'] hoping to lead the way there. Head coach Taylor La Mantia said if the middles become established as threats early, it will open our offense completely and hope to see split and single blocks on the pins. Lexington Catholic transfer [player_tooltip player_id='778170' first='Bella' last='Tipton'] could also help in the middle or right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>La Mantia said passing and serve reception have been key focuses in practice to help the Generals jump into solid offensive rhythms. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='882359' first='Xiomara' last='Ramos'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='955952' first='Ruby' last='Strutz'] could anchor the defense with junior [player_tooltip player_id='940243' first='Emma' last='Kate Daniels'] stepping in at setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lafayette hosts Lafayette on Aug. 20 in the season opener.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lexington Christian Eagles (19-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles have been building up under Kristen O'Nan's guidance over the last couple years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They graduated five seniors, but do return a good bit starting in the back row with junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='612081' first='Sophia' last='Gorshak'] and the dynamic senior middle/pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='813718' first='Hailey' last='Jude']. Junior outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='778176' first='Jillian' last='Weaver'] and sophomore middle [player_tooltip player_id='913418' first='Ava' last='Hundley'] also return after sound hitting seasons last year. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='880132' first='Anna' last='Belle Watts'] and [player_tooltip player_id='912939' first='Rachel' last='Rice'] did some setting last year. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='793539' first='Ella' last='Hardy'] could also set some this year. Two sophomores in outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='882236' first='Peyton' last='Jude'] and outside/middle [player_tooltip player_id='1001608' first='Anna' last='Anderson'] could also give the Eagles balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>O'Nan said the team likes the growth it has seen, noting a number of the returning players have put in work through club volleyball and that experience has helped them develop their skills and confidence. O'Nan said they may still be young, but they are a small. tough group led by two seniors who set the standard daily. O'Nan has excitement for the season because she sees the group growing together, competing hard and see what they're capable of by the end of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That elusive win over a district opponent would be a huge monkey off their backs. They've not beaten a district opponent since 2015.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles start the season Aug. 18 against Great Crossing at home.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>42nd District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Henry Clay Blue Devils (24-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior-laden Blue Devils hoped to make it back to the region tournament for the first time since the last district crown in 2020. However, they came up short in the district semifinals taking top-seeded Sayre to five sets before falling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Henry Clay does return three solid hitters in senior middle [player_tooltip player_id='753685' first='Kelsie' last='Lawson'], sophomore 6-3 middle/right side [player_tooltip player_id='879599' first='Annie' last='Millar'] and senior outside [player_tooltip player_id='930546' first='Katherine' last='Haynes']. Junior middle Jaye Beth Minner and junior right side [player_tooltip player_id='843821' first='Mills' last='Hundley'] hope to give Henry Clay balance. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='943451' first='Sophia' last='Smith'] could step in at setter with senior Kyndahl Ramsey and junior [player_tooltip player_id='943738' first='Kensie' last='Klaychkin'] anchoring the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Veteran head coach Dale Grupe said the goal is to surprise teams and he added the Blue Devils have the players to be competitive, but will see how things play out. He described the team as a fun group that is working hard so he has high hopes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Henry Clay hosts George Rogers Clark to begin the season Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Scott County Cardinals (18-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals fell to the bottom of the rugged district. They graduated four key seniors from Rachel Murphy's first season guiding the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Things start in the back row with the return of senior defensive specialists [player_tooltip player_id='800876' first='Allison' last='May'] and [player_tooltip player_id='775250' first='Scarlett' last='Merkins']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='945812' first='Makiyah' last='Griffin'] could also help out there. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='611961' first='Ava' last='Kragel'] returns at setter with a number of solid hitters returning. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='768390' first='Zariah' last='Gent'] and [player_tooltip player_id='826346' first='Hannah' last='Rumer'] make plays from the middle and outside with senior [player_tooltip player_id='908464' first='Lillian' last='Morgan'] putting up walls in the middle. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='957886' first='Katie' last='Shuffett'] showed good promise during club season along with eighth grade outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='986637' first='Anna' last='Kragel']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='986811' first='Baylee' last='Phillips'] could contribute at setter or on the outside with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='941141' first='Emma' last='Miller'] hitting at the pins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murphy said filling in leadership roles has been a focus. She said the team saw positive signs at the Bluegrass Games. She commended several players for stepping in and making plays, showing the potential and confidence the group has. While still developng chemistry, Murphy added the effort, competitiveness and willingness to embrace new roles has given the Cardinals plenty of optimism for the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scott County travels to Woodford County on Aug. 18 to begin the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bryan Station Defenders (17-18)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The near .500 record indicates how up and down last season went. Head coach Jonnalyn Shimko said while young with the graduation of four seniors including Cameron Owens, the returning players are figuring things out and improving to try to be more consistent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bryan Station returns a good bit of the back row led by junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='888196' first='Lily' last='Howard'], defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='794979' first='Jojo' last='Covington'] and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='889777' first='Sophia' last='Newman']. Senior Lucy Wilkerson and sophomore Evy Haggard could step in at setter. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='882181' first='Tylah' last='Walker'] emerged at the pins last year with senior middle Cintaesia George and junior [player_tooltip player_id='942907' first='Amanda' last='Brown'] hoping to give the Defenders a strong middle presence. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='943702' first='Adair' last='Kaiser'] also displayed potential in the middle and pins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bryan Station starts the season against Lexington Catholic on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":936556,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/01/ClarkeMcDonald.jpg?w=920" alt="" class="wp-image-936556" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>41st District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Great Crossing Warhawks (25-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warhawks graduated seven strong seniors from last year's team that won a seventh straight district championship in seven years as a school and drove to the region championship. But Great Crossing is still the district favorite until someone proves otherwise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Versatile setter [player_tooltip player_id='662587' first='Clarke' last='McDonald'] is back to set up several experienced hitters in junior outsides [player_tooltip player_id='612084' first='Kinsley' last='VanGuilder'], [player_tooltip player_id='850641' first='Anniston' last='Morris'], senior opposite [player_tooltip player_id='535187' first='Gabrielle' last='Bray'], senior middle [player_tooltip player_id='850975' first='Devynne' last='Smith'] and sophomore middle/outside [player_tooltip player_id='790629' first='Hadley' last='Tyson']. Sophomore Emersyn Stamm could also contribute at middle blocker. Senior defensive specialists [player_tooltip player_id='511012' first='Alexis' last='Ingle'] and [player_tooltip player_id='884920' first='Kaylee' last='Spillman'] step in for bigger roles as defensive specialists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Adam Ivetic said the team took a lot of reps in the spring and brings a lot of energy and optimism to the table. He added the main core group likes each other and plenty of players will step forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great Crossing goes to Lexington Christian on Aug. 18 to start the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Franklin County Flyers (22-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ryan Brown takes over the program and will build around one of the region's most exciting sophomores in outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='875027' first='Addie' last='Couch']. Senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='813797' first='Hannah' last='Johnson'] and senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='793385' first='Drew' last='Bevington'] are also key returning players. Franklin County travels to Anderson County on Aug. 18 in the season opener.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Western Hills Wolverines (9-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelcie Turner welcomes back strong talent led by senior setter/hitter [player_tooltip player_id='459361' first='Mallory' last='Fint'] and junior setter/pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='930550' first='Ellie' last='Harrell']. Junior middle [player_tooltip player_id='611662' first='Nora' last='Elliott'] gives Western Hills a strong net presence. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='828664' first='Abby' last='Noble'] and [player_tooltip player_id='944304' first='Daviss' last='Johnson'] come back after strong years defensively last year. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='840413' first='Isyss' last='Best-Allison'] could also help in the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Turner said the Bluegrass Games were a learning curve where the time tried different rotations, but the core group is upperclassmen. Turner said she's excited to see what another year of experience does for them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Western Hills starts the season Aug. 18 against the CCAA Cougars, a home school team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Frankfort Panthers (5-28)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='611941' first='Jaecie' last='Hampton'] and sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='836717' first='Olivia' last='Reynolds'] led the Panthers in Scott Hudson's second season as head coach. Hudson said the team will be young with a seventh grader, three freshmen and two sophomores. Frankfort has a slew of juniors with some inexperience. Hudson added it's a matter of various players learning the speed of the game as a key to success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Frankfort Christian Royals (2-18)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Royals struggled last year with a young team. Junior setters Oakley Bullock and Ava Brown are two key returning players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>44th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Madison Central Indians (22-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alyssa Evans led the Indians to their fifth straight district championship, but the region quarterfinals proved to be a similar story. Madison Central drew eventual state semifinalist Lexington Catholic in the region quarterfinals and was unable to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2023. They graduated three seniors including libero Aubrey Donald. However, seniors [player_tooltip player_id='769208' first='Maddie' last='Berardi'], Reille Parks and Eileen Goucher hopes to keep things strong there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dynamic senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='603592' first='Josee' last='Campbell'] is back for one final round along with senior opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535190' first='Bella' last='Morrett']. Senior middle/opposite [player_tooltip player_id='776212' first='Teegan' last='Sulfridge'] and senior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='816000' first='Addison' last='Neal'] are also back after strong seasons terminating balls. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='769212' first='Jaelyn' last='Hall'] could set or swing from the outside with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='769214' first='Maddie' last='Scott'] and [player_tooltip player_id='783785' first='Kamyli' last='Joseph'] contributing from the pins and middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evans sid the returning players have the same goal this season, coming into the gym with a growth mindset and bring the energy. Evans said they are great role models to the younger players and push each other to improve. Evans said they put in the work over the summer and are ready to tackle the season and hit goals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madison Central hosts Pulaski County on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Madison Southern Eagles (25-8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jennifer Kirk is the new head coach for the surging Eagles. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='795339' first='Kateann' last='Foley'] is back at libero and junior [player_tooltip player_id='612195' first='Lillian' last='Kirk'] returns at setter. Senior Cassidy Bailey at outside, [player_tooltip player_id='603860' first='Anna' last='Collier'] at the right side and junior middle [player_tooltip player_id='817496' first='Olivia' last='Coburn'] are the leading retuning hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madison Southern ventures to Jackson County on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Model Patriots (20-8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Patriots hope to keep up their winning ways behind junior middle/outside [player_tooltip player_id='552342' first='Keightley' last='Pearl']. Freshman Potter Miller is back at setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Berea Pirates (12-10)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior middle/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='819402' first='Story' last='Nunn-Bonta']. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='844751' first='Taylor' last='Mchone'] is also back at setter and right side hitter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["912835"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a75170ed816c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Martha's even keel during games helps her succeed in more ways than one. Her great hands and not locking her arms on sets helps her easily put balls to targets. She makes outstanding decisions on the court. She executes a variety of sets including sound back sets. She provides sound net coverage and does a lot of little things that add up to big things. Her enthusiasm is contagious.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["768422"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a75170ed81d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Millard (pictured at top) aims to turn into a sound presence in the back row. She forms walls around balls then follows through for crips passes. She uses her great range to move up quickly on soft hits or fall back on harder shots. Millard leans when necessary, yet stays under control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["776638"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a75170ed8222"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mays knows about the responsibility of the libero role and appears primed to step into it. She hustles all over the court for balls. Mays takes minimal steps to balls and forms balls around them to make smooth two to three-point passes. Mays slides when needed and sends free balls over with a purpose. She has a nice connection to the Frederick Douglass setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["985799"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a751d68ce2a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wagner looks to make an impact at all six spots on the court. Wagner makes a lot of sound passes in the back row, using a smart IQ. She takes sound swings from the pins and can even set when the team is out of system. Wagner tooks blocks and has worked to improve her hitting accuracy in the preseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["662587"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a753bd5419eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McDonald (middle picture) is one of the state's most exciting young setters. She took the region by storm last fall. Her athleticism comes in handy for the Warhawks. She takes advantage of all her options including precise back row sets. She makes sound first contacts and makes the most of out of system sets. McDonald puts over sound serves and exudes confidence in all she does on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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>&nbsp;or @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigoh/#">prepdigoh</a>&nbsp;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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->