5th Region Preview: Potential for more parity looms in preseason

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The potential for more parity in the region initially came about seeing the<strong> Elizabethtown Panthers</strong> graduate eight seniors off last season's region championship team including the Gatorade Player of the Year in 6-6 middle blocker Jessica Smallwood, who took her talents to Pittsburgh, and the retirement of longtime <strong>Central Hardin Bruins</strong> head coach Bill Rineker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Plus, program such as the Adair County Indians and Taylor County Cardinals also continue to grow. However, Elizabethtown has appeared to reload starting with junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='748731' first='Maci' last='Singleton'] and senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='789089' first='Haylee' last='McAlister']. They are the only team to take a set from 25-time state champion Assumption in the Varsity A Divsion in the Bluegrass Games. The Panthers also saw 5-11 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='941198' first='Kylee' last='Dordor'] move in from Florida. Head coach Bart Catlett said sophomore pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='752957' first='Anna' last='Cammack'] averaged three to four kills per set in the Bluegrass Games. Senior opposite Charleigh Whelan also hopes to give the Panthers balance from the right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior [player_tooltip player_id='611962' first='Stella' last='Janes'] has taken over the setter spot from her sister Addison with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='754755' first='Claire' last='Miller'] also setting or playing defensive specialist. Other key defensive specialists are juniors [player_tooltip player_id='661582' first='Layla' last='Newsome'], [player_tooltip player_id='612201' first='Adelyn' last='Holley'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='789059' first='Bailey' last='Graham'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Catlett said he expects Elizabethtown (29-10 overall) to not only be more balanced this year, but also run a faster pace. He said the Panthers have been playing scrappy defense and have a lot of fight in them, expecting to win each time they take the court. Catlett added serving and consistency on first contacts will go a long way to the team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elizabethtown travels to Adair County on Aug. 17 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Haley Houcin came up from South Fort Myers, Florida to take over the storied Central Hardin program. Central Hardin (26-11) graduated four seniors from the team that made it to the region championship for the 11th straight season. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='484295' first='Katelynn' last='Camenzind'] is back along with senior defensive specialists [player_tooltip player_id='603785' first='Addison' last='Sego'] and [player_tooltip player_id='876092' first='Rylie' last='Conley'] in the back row and senior Ramsey Nickell returns at setter. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='788975' first='Maggie' last='Basham'] along with freshmen [player_tooltip player_id='754230' first='Brailey' last='Wagoner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='965402' first='Whitley' last='Atcher'] could also set. Wagoner could also play defense and Atcher could swing from the right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bruins have reloaded with hitters. Senior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='806039' first='Kate' last='Disselkamp'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='755657' first='Audrey' last='Stearman'] are top returning hitters. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='769025' first='Audrey' last='Bennett'] could swing from the middle and pins with senior Elizabeth Perry and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='531248' first='Addilyn' last='Daniel'] also looking to give the Bruins balance on the outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Houchin said she's focused on the varsity and the younger teams so they have players ready to step in when the nine seniors graduate. Houchin said she's tweaking some things, but improved blocking could lead to more success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central Hardin travels to John Hardin on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>John Hardin Bulldogs (13-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashley Fabrizi takes over a program trying to find a way to overcome the mountain that's the two region powers in the same district. The Bulldogs graduated their top hitter Abby Moore, but do return sound all-around junior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='753526' first='Dalaejah' last='Smith'] along with senior middle/pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='752887' first='Danielle' last='Ingram'] and junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='612186' first='Kiley' last='Wells']. Junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='749345' first='Kaylynn' last='Curry'] is also back along with sophomore defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='752944' first='Khloe' last='Lynne Yasin']. Fabrizi also said to watch out for senior defensive specialist Sophia Alvia, 5-11 senior middle McKinley Leasor and freshman setter/defensive specialist Kayla Wells.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fabrizi said she likes the team's willingness to buy in thus far. She admits change is hard, but the players show up daily ready to work, compete daily, and are starting to understand what it means to play for each other. Fabrizi added she likes their attitude, energy and commitment they're bringing daily.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>John Hardin hosts Central Hardin on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Hardin Trojans (7-24)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trojans boast a solid hitter in sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='752972' first='Serenity' last='Wimberly']. Two other key returning seniors are middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='954174' first='Scarlett' last='Stevens'] and defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='796540' first='Maddie' last='Fogle']. Head coach Jess Wagner also said she has high hopes for senior libero Loryn Bragg to help the Trojans trend upward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wagner said the team has a lot of young talent that will also see varsity action. She credits the hard work through strength and conditioning the team has been puttin in led by the new strength and conditioning coach and through volleyball specific drills. Wagner said the staff has been making practices harder than any game they'll have to experience hoping to be the most mentally tough she's coached during her tenure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Hardin hosts Grayson County on Aug. 18 to.begin the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>20th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Taylor County Cardinals (20-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals have long been a threat to break through the Central Hardin-Elizabethtown stronghold on the region. They've taken Central Hardin to five sets in the region quarterfinals two years in a row before falling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dynamic senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484299' first='Madelynn' last='Yates'] may not be 100 percent, but has returned to the courts after battling an injury in the spring. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='754825' first='Nell' last='Coyle'] gives the Cardinals sound all-around play with senior middle/pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='607229' first='Eden' last='Bland'] and senior opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='755646' first='Miya' last='Downs'] giving the Cardinals balance. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='755795' first='Parker' last='Jessie'] is ready to take over at setter. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='985538' first='Sophie' last='Hayes'] gives Taylor County a sound option at right side hitter and sophomore Abigayle Wilcher returns after a sound season as a defensive specialist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Stephen Zink said the hope is to speed things up offensively this season. He credited the five seniors for helping develop good team chemistry. Zink said they're doing a good job helping the younger players along.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor County hosts Presentation on Aug. 17 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Adair County Indians (29-8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indians broke through with another record for wins in a season and the first ever appearance in the region tournament. The Indians took Taylor County to five sets in the district championship game before losing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The dynamic hitting duo of senior middle/outside [player_tooltip player_id='535275' first='Olivia' last='Mantooth'] and junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='666959' first='Josie' last='Blair'] is back for one more run of net domination together. Senior setter/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='923871' first='Maxie' last='Blakey'] hopes to contribute after transferring in from LaRue County with junior [player_tooltip player_id='810234' first='Addie' last='Bowman'] hoping to return from injury on the right side to give the Indians balance. Senior Lilly Myers on the right side and junior outside/middle Raegann Stephens also figure to add to the balance. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='947225' first='Madi' last='Burns'] figures to turn into the primary setter with junior Josie Cox taking the libero role. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='795849' first='Kylieanne' last='Akin'] also figures to play a critical role on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Michelle Neat said many of the returning players are involved in club ball even if they play another sport. Neat said she likes to see a lot of heart and effort on the court before skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adair County hosts Elizabethtown on Aug. 17 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marion County Knights (19-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Knights missed out on the region tournament for the first time since 2021. However, despite graduating two seniors from last season including McKenna Thomas, 27-year veteran head coach Dave Hibbard said the experience from taking some lumps last season is paying off. He said the Knights are already playing better than last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='722644' first='Addison' last='Garrett'] and junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='612196' first='Ella' last='Marrett'] lead the way with junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='931512' first='Kenlee' last='Shewmaker'] also returning. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='935256' first='Emery' last='Mudd'] helps solidify the defense. Junior Avery Mattingly and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='950784' first='Elin' last='Gardiner'] hope to help give Marion County balance in the middle with junior [player_tooltip player_id='953065' first='Gracie' last='Barr'] taking swings on the outside and sophomore Josie Gordon doing the same at opposite hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marion County hosts Washington County on Aug. 18 to start the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Campbellsville (9-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tess Perdue-Harley takes over a program that improved by three wins from 2024. The Eagles graduated six seniors, but do return talented junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='612021' first='Karsyn' last='Smith'] and setter/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='997639' first='Keiava' last='Thompson']. Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='794636' first='Izzy' last='Brunelle'] and [player_tooltip player_id='997638' first='Lainey' last='Price'] give the Eagles experience on defense with two freshmen potentially making an impact this fall in outside hitters [player_tooltip player_id='997640' first='Mae' last='Miller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='997642' first='Aminah' last='Lishman']. Lishman could also make an impact on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harley said keys to success are getting better from every game, looking at where improvement is needed and capitalizing on those areas in practice. Harley said she aims to make practices competitive while creating an environment where the players are having fun and continuing to love the sport. She also said team chemistry goes a long way toward success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles start the season Aug. 17 at home against Hart County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":781048,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/user-uploads/SloaneSmith.jpg?w=682" alt="" class="wp-image-781048" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>19th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bethleham Banshees (28-9)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bethlehem is favored to repeat as district champions and could be a dark horse in the region with the return of senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='756992' first='Matti' last='Deopere'] along with two talented senior hitters in middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='603333' first='Alexis' last='Lanz'] and outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='781046' first='Sloane' last='Smith']. Junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='783453' first='Avery' last='Jennings'] also returns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, things do not stop with just those four. Head coach Mike Shay said the Banshees have a very diverse team that gives the coaching staff a lot of options to work with. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='802772' first='Maddy' last='Krill'] along with two juniors Julia McDonald and Gabby Bellesario hope to help solidify things in the back row as defensive specialists with junior Makenzie Sinclair and Lainie Medley also listed as setters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Banshees list four players at either 5-10 or 5-11. In addition to Lanz, junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='782829' first='Brooklyn' last='Yates'] stands at 5-11 with senior opposite [player_tooltip player_id='784098' first='Chloe' last='Hutchins'] and sophomore opposite [player_tooltip player_id='931475' first='Isabella' last='Antle'] both standing 5-10. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='783404' first='Vanessa' last='Canterna'] will play middle or opposite with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='934786' first='Olivia' last='Elder'] also playing middle. Senior Kyli Davidson hopes to make an impact at opposite hitter with two 5-9 sophomores in [player_tooltip player_id='846913' first='Blair' last='O'Bryan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='790820' first='Evelyn' last='Ballard'] aiming to give the Banshees balance at outside hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bethlehem hosts Spencer County on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thomas Nelson Generals (23-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Generals made it back to the region semifinals for the first time since 2020. They graduated eight seniors from that team including twin sisters Elle and Tori Osborne. However, the Generals do return a lot of varsity experience led by senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='752987' first='Morgan' last='Ballard'], senior right side [player_tooltip player_id='937044' first='Sarah' last='Riley'], junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='788988' first='Claya' last='Downs'] and junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='774748' first='Hadley' last='Brooks'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='795728' first='Kinley' last='Unseld'] and [player_tooltip player_id='794328' first='Halle' last='Hite'] return as defensive specialists with junior [player_tooltip player_id='721896' first='Kinslee' last='Carter'] playing there or at outside hitter. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='722201' first='Ella' last='Bleemel'] could swing from the outside or middle with two juniors looking to give Thomas Nelson balance in middle [player_tooltip player_id='1018446' first='Daisy' last='Neace'] and outside [player_tooltip player_id='721906' first='Emily' last='Claire Reiter'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sizemore said the Bluegrass Games showed the Generals what fixes are needed and how to grow. Sizemore added she's liked how the experienced players have done a good job leading thus far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas Nelson hosts Adair County on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bardstown Tigers (16-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers begin the second season under Jasmine Boggs not only seeking to have another winning season, but also make it back to the region tournament for the first time in three seasons. They graduated three seniors including setter Kylee Best, but sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='850312' first='Destiny' last='Ingram'] appears ready to step in at that spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers return three of their top four kills leaders in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='603870' first='Addie' last='Devers'] at outside hitter, [player_tooltip player_id='484296' first='Molly' last='Kisegy'] at outside/defensive specialist and [player_tooltip player_id='804174' first='Rachel' last='Smith'] at outside/middle. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='793129' first='Claire' last='Buzick'] returns at libero and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='901310' first='Dakota' last='Mattingly'] is another key returning defensive specialist. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='898110' first='Laken' last='Blanford'] hopes to make an impact at opposite and middle with two juniors in right side [player_tooltip player_id='841791' first='Aubree' last='Calbert'] and outside Sa'Nya Barber looking to give the Tigers balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boggs said she's seen a number of younger players step forward. They have five seniors in the starting rotation and Boggs added they are connected and playing together. The Tigers have focused on defense in the pre-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bardstown travels to North Bullitt on Aug. 19 to begin the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nelson County Cardinals (10-24)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals struggled in Keyata Harman's first season as head coach after winning the district championship the previous three seasons. The biggest loss of the four Cardinals to graduate was libero Cameron Buster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, the Cardinals do return a good bit of varsity experience starting with junior setter Sydney Fields and three of the top four kills leaders from last season in junior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='937163' first='Audrey' last='Grace'], senior pin [player_tooltip player_id='603813' first='Marli' last='Filiatreau'] and senior outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='848823' first='Madison' last='Brown']. Senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='802718' first='Lynnsie' last='Gilliland'] is also back after posting 205 digs last season. Three juniors in outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='742885' first='Ainsley' last='Mays'], defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='728105' first='Kelsey' last='Scott'] and outside hitter Natalie Dishon also hope to make an impact. Harman added she hopes to see contributions from three sophomores in right side/setter Tatum Leake, middle blocker Adelaide Ward and outside/middle Taylor Hayes along with freshman outside/middle Zoey Hall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harman said Nelson County has focused on strength and fundamentals to get back on top of the district this season. Harman added the team shows great potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first game is Aug. 18 against Meade County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Washington County Commanderettes (13-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Commanderettes saw their win total jump by nine victories from the previous season under Darren Morris' first season guiding the program. They also won a district seed game for the first time in two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='612253' first='Kate' last='Smith'] is back along with two sound all-around sophomore outsides in [player_tooltip player_id='763669' first='Rylee' last='Hunt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='931531' first='Addi' last='Abell']. Junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='931503' first='Claire' last='Mattingly'] is also back to anchor the defense. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='795759' first='Kloie' last='Hutchins'] and junior Hailey Willis also return as defensive specialists with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='932553' first='Celina' last='De Leon'] playing setter or defensive specialist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washington County is again showing the potential for great balance with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='721852' first='Josie' last='Hill'] and Tatum Yates on the right side and senior [player_tooltip player_id='826537' first='Jenna' last='Settles'] playing in the middle. Junior Hailey McIlvoy also hopes to make an impact in the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morris said the group is well-rounded and they all compliment each other. He likes the defense with the blocks getting up and getting hands on balls. He said the team's experience will make a difference this fall and it will be fun to see how things develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washington County travels to Marion County on Aug. 18 for the season opener.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>18th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Green County Dragons (15-22)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dragons won back the district last season, but could not make it past the region quarterfinals for the first time since 2015. Rachel Houchens takes over the program that was once the toast of the region. Green County was the last team outside of Elizabethtown and Central Hardin to win the region in 2014. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Houchens said the Dragons are working back toward being a region contender, but it may take some time. She said the focus has been going back to basics and building up the energy in the preseason. She wants the returning players to be comfortable being uncomfortable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior outside/middle [player_tooltip player_id='612104' first='Carly' last='Goff'] leads the way with senior Morgan Ryan returning at setter. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='830381' first='Braylee' last='Mackie'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='842218' first='Chloe' last='Fortner'] hope to provide power on the outside with junior [player_tooltip player_id='838034' first='Scout' last='Brockman'] hoping to give the team balance in the middle. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='813554' first='Ginny' last='Hodges'] could help out at middle or setter with junior Alivia Sidebottom also possibly stepping in to set. Sophomore Ansley Bloyd and eighth grader Abbey Herald could also step in on defense with freshman Konner Houchins possibly contributing at hitter or defensive specialist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green County travels to Allen County-Scottsville on Aug. 17 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LaRue County Hawks (15-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hawks did go 6-0 in district seed play last season, but could not repeat as district champions, losing to Green County in the tournament championship game before drawing Bethlehem in the region quarterfinals and seeing the season come to an end. Head coach Melissa Williamson described the team as young, but eager and a team that really loves to play the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='923879' first='Paisley' last='Williams'] at outside/defensive specialist leads the way along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='923892' first='Kaylee' last='Warren'], who also plays both positions. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='919009' first='Ella' last='Grace Bales'] is back on defense with eighth grade outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='965406' first='Jaycie' last='Hayes'] looking to make her mark this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LaRue County hosts Bullitt East on Aug. 17 to begin the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hart County Raiders (12-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='603409' first='Linlee' last='Smith'], senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='603373' first='Addie' last='Devore'] and freshman defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='998449' first='Jaylah' last='Walker'] lead a Raiders squad hoping to make it to the region tournament for the first time since 2020.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='836896' first='Harley' last='Riggs'] can makes plays from the outside and setter. Junior Alyssa Barbour hopes to contribute on defense with junior Jeri Prewitt and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='839061' first='Taylor' last='Lasley'] hitting from the outside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Angela Craddock said the summer had been all about improving, building chemistry, competing and learning from every opportunity on the court. Craddock said the Raiders may not have everything figured out yet, but each practice is helping the team grow stronger and she likes the progress the team has made. Craddock added the foundation is being built, but the time is there to keep believing, keep working at it and moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hart County plays at Campbellsville on Aug. 17.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Caverna Colonels (3-29)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lexie Bowles hopes to help lead the Colonels out of the region cellar. Senior setter/outside hitter Jordyn Bethel is the team's leading returning player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caverna plays Foundation Christian Academy on Aug. 17 to start the season.</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":["611962"],"_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-6a7cf386f0fb5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Janes (pictured) had a great mentor at the setter spot in her older sister Addison. She's benefitting from those lessons. Janes has nice hands and good precision on her sets. She executes a variety of short and long sets, constantly putting hitters in position to terminate balls. Janes even executes back sets and mixes in set-overs. Janes makes the simple passes on defense with quick reaction time. The lefty paints back lines on her serves and skims the net. Janes could quicken her setting delivery and not lean as much on back sets so as to not tip off blockers, but she's shown good improvement during the club and pre-seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["531248"],"_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-6a7d0081bd891"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Daniel brings a great motor to the court. Daniel takes nice cross and line shots and tools blocks. Daniel adds in nice in-air adjustments to put off shots away from opponents. Daniel rips seams with precision and hits over blocks with her vertical jump. She wins jousts at the net and has nice enthusiasm on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535275"],"_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-6a7d1f33953f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Manooth has a great vertical jump and uses it to hit balls over and around double blocks. She is especially tough on go routes. Mantooth takes hard line swings and mixes in nice off shots to shallow parts of the court. Mantooth also does a good job tooling blocks and slams down overpassed balls with authority. Mantooth also brings sound all-around play on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["781046"],"_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-6a7dfddd7b2f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith (bottom picture) is one of Bethlehem's team captains. Smith is a sound all-around player. Bethlehem head coach Mike Shay said she was not interested in playing at the next level initially, but that's changed as her game has developed over time. Smith tools blocks with both hard swings and tips when she has the right spacing away from the net. Smith rips balls by double blocks and into seams and shoves out of system balls to corners. She takes hard swings down lines and slides on defense to make big digs under control. In the back row, Smith makes the simple passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["612104"],"_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-6a7e4d7e35084"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Goff gets on top of balls and drills them hard to the ground. Goff makes plays from all six spots on the court. Goff steps into balls and makes clean two to three-point passes then can quickly move into attack position. Goff drills balls to different zones on the court on ones and go routes. Goff has also shown great play as a blocker. Goff forms sound double blocks with teammates.</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 -->