4th Region Preview: Bowling Green eyes three-peat with size

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One big reason the Bowling Green Purples have won four of the last five region championships is they've been blessed with great size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not only that, Bowling Green (38-4 overall) has advanced to the state quarterfinals all four times with one state semifinal appearance in 2022 before losing to Paul Laurence Dunbar. The Purples ran into eventual state runner-up Notre Dame in the quarterfinals last year and lost in three. A number of players play club ball with some crossing the line into Tennessee to play at the Open level. Junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='577773' first='Chayse' last='Gilliland'] helped the Tennessee Premier 16 Maverick win the AAU 16 Premier National championship in Orlando with sophomore outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='774363' first='Hadley' last='Beard'] joining the team after her other club's season ended. Gilliland and Beard are two of four players listed at either 6-0 or 6-1. The other two are 6-1 sister middle blockers in junior [player_tooltip player_id='774166' first='Harper' last='Huffman'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='774157' first='Ainsley' last='Huffman']. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='827008' first='Layah' last='Britt'] is also a good option for the Purples in the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both setters in senior [player_tooltip player_id='741315' first='JoEllen' last='Marshall'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='850607' first='Reese' last='Romine'] return with sophomore Ali Coradini giving the Purples depth there. Another sophomore in [player_tooltip player_id='911256' first='Sophia' last='Walden'] plays setter and defensive specialist. Two sophomores in [player_tooltip player_id='890039' first='Katie' last='Yarbrough'] and [player_tooltip player_id='774161' first='Jaelyn' last='Page'] also aim to help out at defensive specialist. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='940279' first='Karter' last='Tooley'] brings versatility at outside hitter and defensive specialist with sophomore Alli Sumpter giving Bowling Green another option at outside hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Keith Carver could not say enough about the team's talent. Carver said ball handling has been a big focus in the preseason knowing the Purples have plenty of players that can terminate balls if the setters can consistently put balls in their power zones.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bowling Green travels to Warren East on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>14th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Greenwood Gators (24-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gators have often found themselves in the region championship. They made it back there last fall after missing out in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Nicole Whitson admits the one thing that can be counted on with this group is if the music is on, one of them is dancing without fail. She said this year is bittersweet as the five seniors were her first freshmen when she took over the program in 2023. Whitson said she's proud of they players and leaders they have turned into and are wonderful kids off the court. Whitson added each player bring something to the table, but not just one thing so it's been fun to talk game plans with them, getting creative and coming up with different ideas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='795506' first='Keeley' last='Hatcher'] and [player_tooltip player_id='943254' first='Lauren' last='Smith'] lead on defense with [player_tooltip player_id='484438' first='Lila' last='Whittinghill'] back at setter. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='804696' first='Audrey' last='Wilson'] plays outside hitter and defensive specialist with [player_tooltip player_id='935771' first='Sadie' last='Turpin'] contributing in the middle and pins. The dynamic junior [player_tooltip player_id='612182' first='Farrah' last='White'] is back at outside hitter and setter with two sophomores joining the mix in setter [player_tooltip player_id='774163' first='Ali' last='Troutman'] and outside hitter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='996818' first='Ashlyn' last='Pavoni'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Greenwood travels to South Warren on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>South Warren Spartans (20-11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The roster saw a huge overhaul in the offseason with Caleb Sheffield taking over. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The key returning players are sophomore defensive specialists [player_tooltip player_id='774159' first='Piper' last='Gregory'], [player_tooltip player_id='782682' first='Alivia' last='Grubb'] along with senior middle/outside [player_tooltip player_id='822468' first='Autumn' last='Gaines'] and junior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='749756' first='Olivia' last='Wells']. The rest of the roster consists of seniors Autumn Gatewood, Nakiya Gressler, juniors Aubrey Nailey, Emma Parnell, sophomores Audrey Malone, Campbell Newlove, Evie Ramey, Ava Salyer and freshman Holy Irakiza.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Warren senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='771806' first='Hannah' last='Lambert'] may be out for the season with an injury. However, Sheffield said he's enjoying the competitiveness that the players bring to every practice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Warren travels to Warren Central on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Warren Central Dragons (4-19)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warren Central regressed by five wins after nearly hitting double digits in 2024. Senior setter Jada Whitfield and junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='801396' first='Charleigh' last='Daigle'] are key returning players for the Dragons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warren Central hosts South Warren on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>13th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Logan County Cougars (23-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars had to fight tooth and nail to keep their long streak alive of district championships. Todd County Central took Logan County to five sets, but the Cougars prevailed, 16-14 in the fifth set. The Cougars graduated five seniors, but tend to reload.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Logan County has four seniors in the starting lineup in middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='603824' first='Emily' last='McIntosh'], right side [player_tooltip player_id='603822' first='Ashley' last='McIntosh'], setter Kaylee Rye and Kendall Porter. Junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='914909' first='Maggie' last='Mitchell'] and sophomore outside hitter Lily Brown round out the starting lineup. Two sophomores in middle/pin [player_tooltip player_id='812229' first='Caroline' last='White'] and setter [player_tooltip player_id='962551' first='Addison' last='Pitts'] figure to make a difference as well. Head coach Steve Lyne said he likes how team-oriented the girls are with growth each time they take the court. Lyne added they play for one another, encourage each other and continue to show determination no matter the challenge. Lyne also said the commitment to growing the team is something special to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Logan County hosts Bowling Green on Aug. 20.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Todd County Central Rebels (16-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rebels took the Cougars to five sets and came plays here and there from dethroning the Cougars from the district perch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Todd County Central graduated four players from last season, but does return its top hitter in senior outside [player_tooltip player_id='535201' first='Aubri' last='Penick'] and two key senior defensive specialists in [player_tooltip player_id='938290' first='Naomi' last='Gammon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='801424' first='Chloe' last='Collins']. Head coach Brook Wagoner said to also watch out for two sophomores in setter/middle [player_tooltip player_id='877548' first='Bailey' last='Brown'] and outside/middle [player_tooltip player_id='945381' first='Ava' last='McDaniel']. Wagoner said they have a number of new girls to varsity and they will be an asset once the players build confidence playing together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Todd County Central travels to Muhlenberg County on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Franklin-Simpson Wildcats (9-24)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jamie Pennington enters his second season hoping to keep the program moving forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats graduated three seniors from last season, but two of the top three hitters return in juniors [player_tooltip player_id='985216' first='Natalya' last='McCutchen'] on the outside and [player_tooltip player_id='985218' first='Aysha' last='Cosby'] in the middle and right side. Pennington said the plan is to run a 6-2 with senior [player_tooltip player_id='835679' first='Mareena' last='Key'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='985189' first='Marcia' last='Cardenas'], who can both swing from the right side. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='802432' first='Kiya' last='Redmond'] and junior Arhianna Phillips will alternate at the libero spot. Senior Airiana Bibb brings size in the middle at 6-0 with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='985228' first='Khloe' last='Simmons'] bringing power on the outside and sophomore Elynn Harris doing the same on the outside with a big block at 5-11.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pennington said the Wildcats will have to win with strong serving, passing and good defense because they do not have dominant hitters. Thus, strong placement is being stressed more than power. Pennington added it's important to know who they are and base things on their strengths.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franklin-Simpson plays in the West Kentucky Smackdown at Christian County on Aug, 22.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Russellville Panthers (0-22)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers just need a win right now to gain confidence. The last one came in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first game listed on the schedule is Aug. 24 at Trigg County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":915249,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/12/53-Jada-Wood.jpg?w=934" alt="" class="wp-image-915249" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>15th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Warren East Raiders (26-11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raiders have won all four district championships since coming on board in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warren East graduated five seniors including their three kills leaders from a year ago. Finding offensive production around junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='774170' first='Maddie' last='Hoffman'] and senior defensive specialists [player_tooltip player_id='785432' first='Mary' last='Grace Jackson'], [player_tooltip player_id='774211' first='Caylie' last='Hoffman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='774187' first='Mikaela' last='Kaczynski'] is a huge key to sustaining success. Head coach Shea Moore said senior outside hitter Maddy Lee is one of those players ready to step in to fill those shoes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore said she's enjoyed the defensive drive of the team thus far. Moore said they never give up and have done a great job extending rallies and causing some frustration for opponents to be able to find ways to score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warren East opens the season at home against Bowling Green on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Allen County-Scottsville Patriots (22-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Patriots are a staple in the region tournament. The next steps are winning district and advancing to the region semifinals for the first time since 2022. They graduated nine seniors from last season including their top four hitters, the setter and libero.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Cameron Cook said five seniors are ready to leave their mark. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='791081' first='Addison' last='Ramsey'] will step into the libero role. [player_tooltip player_id='535195' first='Lily' last='Cook'] and Ava Calvert look to step forward at outside hitter with Alex Walker and [player_tooltip player_id='811158' first='Ashlyn' last='Meador'] hoping to do the same as middle blockers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Patriots welcome Green County to town for the season opener Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Glasgow Scotties (17-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brock Cleary has taken over the program in place of his wife Faith. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Scotties saw just two players graduate. One was the libero and Cleary's sister-in-law Audra Austin, who took her talent to nearby Campbellsville University and the other was hitter DaNiya Wooten. The team's top hitter from last season is also not playing this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior [player_tooltip player_id='778295' first='Aubree' last='Norris'] is back along with junior dynamic all-around outside hitter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='832965' first='Jada' last='Wood']. Senior outside/middle [player_tooltip player_id='836741' first='Olivia' last='Wood'] hopes to contribute along with junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='829709' first='Ashelynne' last='Graves'] and junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='935757' first='Preslee' last='Martin']. Cleary said he's liked the team's aggression and resilience, adding they're working hard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Glasgow hosts Butler County on Aug. 18 in the season opener.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Barren County Trojanettes (18-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carlie Stephens takes over a program that graduated eight seniors off last season. However, the cupboard is far from bare. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior setter Audrey Jones gained some valuable experience last season and junior [player_tooltip player_id='904828' first='Ava' last='Hurt'] is primed to produce on the opposite side with senior [player_tooltip player_id='930499' first='Reagan' last='Griffiths'] producing at the pins. Stephens also said to watch out for senior setter Marley Russell and middle blocker Adrienne Mitchell.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stephens said she's liking the leadership and energy the seniors are bringing, adding they sound so alive and in sync on the court. Stephens added it's been fun seeing the team come together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barren County travels to Monroe County on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Russell County (24-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lakers have entered the postseason as the top seed in the previous four district tournaments, but have not been able to make it to the championship game in the last two. Monroe County knocked off Russell County on its home floor as the fourth seed on the way to the district championship. Second-year head coach Kailey Coffey credited Monroe County for getting hot at the right time and the staff hopes to do everything to make sure the Lakers are ready to go in that round this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Russell County did graduate five seniors, but welcomes back a wealth of experience led by senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='778285' first='Madelyn' last='Roy']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='930336' first='Kaelyn' last='Campbell'] is a candidate to take over the libero spot after recording 307 digs last year. Roy can set up two sound senior middle blockers in [player_tooltip player_id='935774' first='Piper' last='Garmon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='935768' first='Cadence' last='Rager'] or go outside to senior [player_tooltip player_id='812171' first='Carigann' last='Carpenter'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coffey mentioned the Lakers graduated some key payers that were part of the rotation and they'll have to see which of the newcomers to varsity take on their new roles as a challenge. Coffey also listed resiliency as a key to success. She want to see the Lakers figure out who has the hot hand and try to be the aggressors instead of standing back on their heels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Russell County hosts Southwestern on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clinton County Bulldogs (18-17)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It has been tougher to do each year, especially after Monroe County came into the district in 2022. However, the Bulldogs have been the region staple from the district with 10 straight district championship appearances. The next goals is not only winning back the district for the first time since 2021, but also winning the first region quarterfinal game since 2021.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Josh Moons and staff saw just one senior graduate in defensive specialist Chloe Longwell. Thus, the core group is back after spending club season playing together for the local Southern Kentucky Premier Club. Moons said the group has played both school and club together since the sixth grade, which has helped develop sound team chemistry that's equaled success over the last year. Moons said they are willing to put in extra work and hold each other accountable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Things start in the back with junior defensive specialists [player_tooltip player_id='930488' first='Alexis' last='Groce'] and Breeli Fitzgerald. Dynamic junior [player_tooltip player_id='879613' first='Adalyn' last='Duvall'] makes plays all over the court with freshman [player_tooltip player_id='930490' first='Amiya' last='Duvall'] also returning after a sound season setting and hitting at the opposite side. Two strong middles in sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='930487' first='Abby' last='Davis'] and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='930491' first='Isabella' last='Oesterreicher'] are also back. Davis also brings a lot of value to the team in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clinton County travels to Wayne County on Aug. 17 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monroe County Falcons (18-11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons got hot during the district tournament and wound up winning it for the first time since coming over from the 15th in 2022. This statistic showed how evenly-matched the district was last season. Monroe County dropped all five 3-2 decisions in district seed play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Five seniors graduated from the team and Krista Harlan has taken over as head coach. The Falcons are led by five seniors in setter [player_tooltip player_id='603826' first='Sarah' last='Thompson'], new libero [player_tooltip player_id='802096' first='Jaylee' last='Bartley'], right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='843755' first='Mattie' last='Woods'] and outside hitters [player_tooltip player_id='838890' first='Tahlia' last='Sheffield'] and Cloey Hawkins. Harlan said Hawkins, Sheffield and Woods will all have various roles defensively and play all the way around at times. Harlan also said Thompson is still very consistent with her setting ability and that all of them have been working hard on serve receive and defensive aspects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Monroe County hosts Barren County on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metcalfe County Hornets (21-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hornets put together a sound season, winning the All "A" 4th Region crown for the first time in program history then took Clinton County to five sets in the district semifinals bidding for the first trip to the region tournament since 2012, but came up short.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metcalfe County also has a senior-laden team led by setter/right side hitters [player_tooltip player_id='760764' first='Harper' last='Hurt'], [player_tooltip player_id='882581' first='Ellie' last='Landrum'], libero [player_tooltip player_id='778592' first='Amelia' last='Slinker'] and two outside/defensive specialists in [player_tooltip player_id='535198' first='Mollie' last='Devore'] and [player_tooltip player_id='932839' first='Lily' last='Horton']. Second-year head coach Ethan Birdwell said the team is working hard learning new offensive and defensive systems to allow them to be as versatile as possible and make changes throughout matches based on situations that arise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metcalfe County hosts Clay County (Tennessee) on Aug. 17 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cumberland County Panthers (6-18)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cumberland County struggled one year after winning the district championship and driving to the region semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers graduated three players, but return great experience led by junior setter/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='759669' first='Marleigh' last='Mollo'] and senior defensive specialist Lillian Shrock. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='796698' first='Madison' last='Rigney'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='827099' first='Lily' last='Pruitt'] are back to lead things at defensive specialist with senior [player_tooltip player_id='842125' first='Carly' last='Hunt'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='843326' first='Kynslee' last='Perdue'] aim to take big swings on the right side. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='826840' first='Kennedy' last='England'] makes things happen in the middle and outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cumberland County travels to Caverna on Aug. 20 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region Fast Facts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record in State Tournament Since 2003 when state tournament split from eight to 16 regions:</strong>&nbsp;24-23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most Region Crowns since 2003:&nbsp;</strong>Greenwood with 12.</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":["940279"],"_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-6a82166a83fa4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tooley is a playmaker all over the court for the Purples. She snaps balls through holes in double blocks and into seams and makes good in-air adjustments to hit balls to open deep corners down lines. Tooley can also put across nice crosses and is developing a nice cut shot. Tooley does not get frustrated when first hits do not go down. She continues to swing. Tooley is also sound on defense with crisp first touches. Tooley only lunges out of necessity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535198"],"_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-6a82166a83fe8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Devore seems primed for a strong senior season. Devore sends sharp cut shots parallel to the net. Devore tools blocks and puts across nice off shots on out of system sets. Devore does a good job shoving balls to deep corners and places overpassed balls away from opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["943254"],"_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-6a822b3fb6cbf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith (top picture) has shown she can handle hard crosses. Smith does a good job eyeing hitters, then taking minimal steps to form walls around balls. Smith provides nice net backup and makes the simple passes. Smith does not hide behind blocks. Smith is always moving her feet, yet stops in her tracks to make those good passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["914909"],"_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-6a8246927c4fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mitchell is a playmaker in the back row for Logan County. She consistently makes crisp two to three-point passes. Mitchell calls for balls then takes the right number of steps to them. Mitchell is not afraid to stick her arms to the sides to dig up balls. Mitchell also makes good adjustments on redirected balls. Mitchell can back up and use overhead passes to dig up balls hit above her head.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["832965"],"_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-6a8270ea438d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wood (middle picture) looks ready to dominate at the pins for the Scotties this fall. She gets on top of balls and sends them screaming to the ground. Wood takes great four-step approaches and powers over hard crosses. She is especially tough on go routes. Wood rips seams with precision and tools blocks. Wood can even take hard swings from the back row if Glasgow needs a big play. Wood is also a sound passer.</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 -->