8th Region Preview: North Oldham leads with Eminence bridging gap

The front-runners may have endured another head coaching change, but the consistently high expectations have not.   The North Oldham Mustangs once again enter the season favored to win a third straight region crown after driving to the state semifinals last year. They graduated three seniors including two key net protectors in Vita Sensenbrenner and Reagan Baxter. But a good bit of the team is back for new head coach Hadley Vance, who served as an assistant at the Christian Academy of Louisville last fall.   North Oldham has been building the depth to compete for a state championship for years. Where the Mustangs fell short in the state semifinals came on defense. Notre Dame did a better job of not letting balls hit the floor. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='547082' first='Ashlyn' last='Thompson'] is back to lead the charge there along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='752630' first='Raleigh' last='Becker'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='789088' first='Brooklyn' last='Totten']. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='724992' first='Berkeley' last='Baxter'] did some setting and hit from the right side and junior Arianna Paul looks to also quarterback the offense this year.   The Mustangs (26-12 last year) are once again loaded offensively led by senior opposite lefty [player_tooltip player_id='484260' first='Lilah' last='Anthony'] and sophomore outside [player_tooltip player_id='780301' first='Allie' last='Cannon']. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='774992' first='Annalise' last='Austin'] and Abigail Eichberger also hope to make an impact on the outside with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='752339' first='Kayla' last='Dickhaut'] and [player_tooltip player_id='791070' first='Addison' last='Martin'] looking to make things happen on the right side. Junior Madelyn Marrs and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='875414' first='Hannah' last='Droppelman'] aim to take big swings in the middle.   Vance said she's enjoyed getting to know the players. describing them as a fun, competitive group with high expectations for the season. Vance said she's already seen defensvie improvements since the Bluegrass Games, noting the girls have been focused on discipline i their fundamentals, movement, footwork and that hard work is paying off.   North Oldham travels to Elizabethtown on Aug. 18 to begin the season.   North Oldham has done a great job for years taking advantage of resources such as quality clubs and workout places being close to Louisville. The Eminence Warriors (34-4) have begun doing that as well. They did graduate five seniors from last year's historic 31st District championship, region runner-up and All "A" State Bronze Bracket championship team. However, the dynamic senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484434' first='Bryce' last='Berry'] is back along with solid sophomore pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='780582' first='Bailey' last='Hegg'] and senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='801369' first='Caroline' last='Kirschman']. Sophomore Raegan Yenshaw is also back after doing a good bit of setting last season.   Eminence also received a boost when junior middle/pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='776666' first='Sasha' last='Cox'] transferred in from Collins. Senior middles [player_tooltip player_id='768283' first='Brooklyn' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='815199' first='Kendall' last='Hutchison'] hope to give the Warriors balance along with sophomore middle/right side [player_tooltip player_id='986793' first='Vdara' last='Hourigan']. Junior Nailiah Vargas could give the Warriors a lift on defense and sophomore Raquel Vargas could do the same at a hitter spot.   Head coach Mike Bulgrin credited the young players from stepping forward. He also said Hegg's return from a serious knee injury during the region championship last season will be a huge boost for the Warriors.   Eminence takes on Woodford County at home on Aug. 20 to start the season.   29th District   Oldham County Colonels (22-11)   The Colonels have often found themselves in the hunt for the region crown. They won it in 2023 then drove back to the semifinals last year after losing in the region quarterfinals. District rival North Oldham has been a nemesis as much for the Colonels as any team in the region. Oldham County has only beaten North Oldham once since 2017.   The Colonels received some tough news in the offseason when senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='728929' first='Bella' last='Warner'] tore her Anterior Cruciated Ligament during club season and will not be able to play this year. However, Oldham County does return two impact hitters in senior middle/outside [player_tooltip player_id='780296' first='Ella' last='Knight'] and sophomore middle [player_tooltip player_id='919424' first='Kayla' last='DaSilva']. Senior setter Ella Daniels is also back. Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='756659' first='Maggie' last='Rye'] also aims to help control the net along with sophomore middle Rylee Logsdon. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='990840' first='Delaney' last='Matthews'] looks to make things happen at defensive specialist and on the outside with sophomore Stella Popham setting or swinging from the right side.   Head coach Ryan Warner said the competition at practice has been really strong and the returning players gained great varsity experience last year. Coach Warner credited a number of the returning players for stepping into leadership roles with various underclassmen stepping forward in huge ways. She said the group is not afraid of hard work, which is pleasing to a coach. Coach Warner added they're hungry for a postseason run and they're staying focused on getting one percent better daily.   Oldham County travels to Seneca on Aug. 18 to start the season.   South Oldham Dragons (11-18)   The Dragons had their struggles last year, but head coach Tiffany Blair said the team has taken steps in the preseason by establishing a competitive and strong culture. She said the freshman class as a whole has been pushing everyone while the seniors have been leading by example. Blair said the expectation is to compete in district and beyond this year.   Senior setters Madison Barke and Sophie Salmon are back to run the offense and last year's kills leader in sophomore outside hitter Jayla Jones is also back. Blair said two freshman that could make an impact are outside hitter Anna Garrett and defensive specialist Liz Dennis.   The Dragons host Fern Creek on Aug. 17.   30th District   Collins Titans (18-12)   The Titans have won consecutive district championships and are led by senior dynamic setter/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='603802' first='Lily' last='Gutermuth']. Senior middle/right side [player_tooltip player_id='727116' first='Ava' last='Sellars'] and senior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='774766' first='London' last='Bayless'] also return. Senior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='727140' first='Mackenzie' last='Wilson'] hopes to give the Titans offensive balance.   Head coach Bri Lionetti said the team is having conversations about not being complacent and trying to outdo things. Lionetti added the senior class is extremely motivated to leave their mark.   Collins travels to Christian Academy - Louisville on Tuesday.   Woodford County Yellow Jackets (22-13)   Woodford County made it back to the region tournament after missing it in 2024. Gone is power hitter Kamya Mahorn and five other seniors, but a good bit of talent returns such as senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='923184' first='Caroline' last='Gribble'], junior right side/setter [player_tooltip player_id='724682' first='Lucy' last='Culbertson'] and sophomore pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='923183' first='Scarlet' last='Dabney']. Veteran head coach Megan Bottom listed lots of hustle, a level-headed mindset and finishing plays as keys to success for the Yellow Jackets this fall.   Seniors Lexi Zuber, Amelia Miller, [player_tooltip player_id='850346' first='Olivia' last='Bradley'], Addie Bryant and juniors Ade Hernandez and Lily Hamilton are looking to make an impact on defense with seniors Lorelai Johns and Mary Groves aiming to take swings in the middle or right side. Senior Kenley Greer is also looking to take swings in the middle and seniors Layla Aubrey and [player_tooltip player_id='835130' first='Lydia' last='Sumner'] aiming to make things happen at the pins. Junior Dini Wiehe and sophomore Natalie Gladdis hope to take big swings from the middle and outside with sophomore Ellyson Connor hoping to make an impact at setter or on the right side.   Woodford County hosts Scott County on Aug. 18.   Shelby County Rockets (9-10)   The Rockets begin a new era with Madison Jennings as head coach. Jennings said the team is working on putting the pieces together in the pre-season and credited junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='931049' first='Elly' last='Courtney'] for making a lot of things happen. The Rockets made the region tournament two years ago and Jennings said the plan is to return there.   Sophomore outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='808794' first='Kaedyn' last='Stone'] is an all-around playmaker with powerful junior outside/middle [player_tooltip player_id='753691' first='Carrie' last='Dreher'] also returning. Two middles expected to contribute a good bit are sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='961479' first='Kynadi' last='Henton'] and eighth grade 6-0 Nahla Sailor.   Shelby County travels to Spencer County on Aug. 18.   Spencer County Bears (12-10)   Kara Percie takes over a program aiming for some stability as she's the program's fourth head coach in four seasons.   Things start with a pair of sisters in senior setter/middle McKenna Kays and sophomore middle [player_tooltip player_id='816270' first='Maddie' last='Kays'] along with senior opposite [player_tooltip player_id='806097' first='Kaylee' last='Rawlings']. Junior middle Alyssa Scalf also makes things happen at opposite hitter with sophomore Kate Rawlings setting and hitting from the right side. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='806488' first='Lydia' last='Parnell'] and Ava Palmer along with sophomore Dax Brooks anchor things at defensive specialist.   Percie said the team has been working on running a faster tempo offense and a cleaner defense. A number of the returning players saw faster paces during club season and Percie said she hopes that plays a key role for a prosperous season.   Spencer County travels to Shelby County on Aug. 18.   Anderson County Bearcats (5-20)   Anderson County once again struggled last season. The Bearcats have a talented junior outside hitter/setter in [player_tooltip player_id='612254' first='Katherine' last='Beward'] and senior Amelia Bryant anchors the defense.   Anderson County hosts Franklin County on Aug. 18.   Cornerstone Christian Bulldogs (10-16)   The Bulldogs made it to double digits in their firs season playing in the district tournament. Sophomore setter/outside hitter Georgia Webb is the team's top returning stat leader.   Cornerstone Christian travels to Fort Knox on Aug. 18.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/user-uploads/ChloeMcIntosh.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-890078" /></figure>   31st District   Henry County Cats (19-11)   Madison Walters said she's excited to come in on a rebuilding year. The Cats graduated seven seniors including the talented outside hitter Karma Price.   Henry County does return talented junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='612111' first='Ava' last='Morgan']. Senior Morgan McElfresh can take swings in the middle or outside and even set. Junior defensive specialist Olvia Drawbaugh is another key player for the Cats.   Walters said the team is trying to figure out an identity with the young, but coachable team. Walters said the team is working to get things together, but the future is bright for the Cats.   Henry County travels to Anderson County on Aug. 19.   Trimble County Raiders (14-20)   Trimble County has sophomore pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='922940' first='Emery' last='Pierce'], who saw a good bit of Open level play during club season for MAVA 15 Select to pair up with senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='983802' first='Ellianna' last='Pennix'].   The Raiders boast seven seniors on the team. The other six are utility Kendal Holbrook, setter Abby Wallace, middle Kendra Mahoney, defensive specialist Kylee Adair, setter/right side Ainslie Stark and hitter/defensive specialist Lily Bass. Two key juniors are middle blocker Carissa Wright and utility Mya Rowlett.   Head coach Stephanie Pennix said the team is strong and has been putting in a lot of work in the off-season. Coach Pennix also said there is a huge emphasis on the mental game this year as well as skills on the court.   The Raiders host Frankfort on Aug. 20.   Gallatin County Wildcats (7-18)   New head coach Kelsea Satchwell said she's come in with the goal of creating more discipline throughout the program, adding that is a key to success. She plans to break it down to the basics and build from the ground up working on not only skills, but communication, endurance and mental toughness.   Senior outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='780216' first='Annie' last='Epperson'] is back along with senior setter Emma Craig and senior right side hitter Emma Wash. Seniors Anna Bailey and Bella Herald play both the front and back rows with junior Adelyn Kleumper also stepping in at many positions.   The Wildcats take on Ludlow and host Dayton on Aug. 18.   Owen County Rebels (15-12)   The Rebels graduated their top hitter in Leah Fitzgerland, but senior Cayden Clark and setter Chevelle Miller return.   Owen County hosts Ludlow on Aug. 17.   Carroll County Panthers (4-19)   The Panthers struggled last year, but head coach Kelly Tuttle does have a large senior class of nine led by defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='795187' first='Kaiyah' last='Browning'].   Carroll County plays Holmes and Bellevue at Dayton on Aug. 18.   32nd District   Simon Kenton Pioneers (20-14)   Simon Kenton has been a region contender in recent years. Prior to last year, the Pioneers had been to the region title game four times in five seasons, but could not propel the way over the top.   New head coach Monica Hurd takes over in a situation of trying to rebuild parts of the foundation. Hurd said the Pioneers have lot of work to do, but she likes their willing to understand where improvements need to be made and acknowledge where opportunity areas exist. Hurd said they are not going to be the biggest team so they have to be the fastest and smartest team with ball placement on the court to succeed. Hurd explained the defense has to be strong and the offense needs to be run at a quick pace to beat those taller teams. Hurd agreed there are resources in the tri-state area the Pioneers can take advantage of such as strong clubs, but things have to start with a mindset to work toward things. Hurd said she's working toward a huge team buy-in to execute on those resources.   Simon Kenton saw three seniors graduagte including all-around hitter Jenna Kitchens. However, junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='890591' first='Faith' last='Lockhart'], junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='890445' first='Allie' last='Ross'] and senior six-rotation outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='806651' first='Maria' last='Mullis'] are returning starters. Senior Lillie Laughlin could step in and set with senior Kamdyn Brogan giving the team balance in the middle. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='819729' first='Taylor' last='Jones'] could step in at pin hitter and senior [player_tooltip player_id='805834' first='Jayden' last='Turner'] hopes to make an impact at defensive specialist. Two other juniors hoping to make an impact are outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='892009' first='Haley' last='Combs'] and middle/right side hitter Arquielys Nunez. Hurd said she's debating between employing a 6-2 or a modified 5-1 attack.   Simon Kenton plays at Campbell County on Aug. 18 to begin the season.   Walton-Verona Bearcats (13-13)   If the trend from her tenure at Highlands follows a similar pattern, this is a breakthrough year for the Bearcats, who last made the region tournament in 2020 and last won a district championship in 2017.   Head coach Katelyn Sallee enters her fourth season guiding the program. In that fourth season at Highlands, the Bluebirds finished 25-11, won the first of now nine consecutive 36th District crowns and advanced to the 9th Region semifinals. Similar to those first three seasons at Highlands, Walton-Verona has gone near .500 at 45-46, losing to Grant County all three times in the district semifinals. The Bearcats did take one set from Grant County in each of the last two district semifinal games.   Sallee pointed out the culture and expectations are there, thus it is easier for the team to run things at faster paces and set bars higher. Sallee added there is a lot of interest in the sport at the lower grades in the school system. Sallee said she has a lot of buy-in and not one player is pulling away from where the team is headed with most of the returning players playing club ball. Sallee said if the team passes well, the team will have a lot of success.   Walton-Verona graduated two defensvie specialists from last season, but does welcome back two seniors who have been on varsity since the eighth grade in defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='930263' first='Annie' last='Allen'] and middle/outside [player_tooltip player_id='468553' first='Chloe' last='McIntosh']. Two sophomores in setter Olivia Simpkins and outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='889588' first='Ashlan' last='Emerson'] have also played on varsity since the eighth grade. Junior Leila Melkic and sophomore Allison Arnold come back as defensive specialists with senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='955621' first='Lindsay' last='Goodman'] returning after finishing third on the team with 119 kills. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='954780' first='Laken' last='Fugate'] and Kennedy Ward could give Walton-Verona balance at right side and middle blocker, respectively.   Walton-Verona hosts St. Henry on Aug. 18 to start the season.   Grant County Braves (16-17)   The administration promoted Amy Akers to head coach of a Braves team that graduated five seniors from last year's team that made the region tournament for the fourth straight season, including power hitter Izzy Russell.   The team does return senior defensive specialist/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='697458' first='Rylee' last='Akers'] and junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='889601' first='Jayden' last='Kelly']. Junior Jaelyn Hammons could play on the pins or the middle and junior Myla Rose is taking over at the setter spot.   Coach Akers said she likes the team quickness in the preseason and the team has handled the transition well. She added she likes how certain players are adjusting to different positions.   Grant County plays Bellevue and Holmes on Aug. 18 at Dayton.   Williamstown Demons (6-25)   Sam Ryan takes over a program looking to move up starting with the likes of all-around setter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='966324' first='Kinslee' last='Drysdale'] and two senior defensive specialists McKayla Lamson and Addison Workman. The two other seniors are Taylor Verbeck and Eliza Thompson.   Ryan said he has been impressed with the team chemistry. Ryan credited the seniors for showin incredible patience with the younger players and the juniors, sophomores and freshmen have been excited, coachable and willing to put in the work. Ryan added they are developing quickly and are very helpful to one another. Ryan added the players are learning to create offensively and defensively and they are starting to understand that the team success will come from trusting and pushing each other. Ryan admitted the team has a lot of work ahead, but he said he likes the direction things are headed.   Williamstown starts the season at Lloyd Memorial against the Juggernauts and Bracken County.   Region Fast Facts   Record in State Tournament Since 2003 when state tournament split from eight to 16 regions: 19-23   Most Region Crowns since 2003: North Oldham with 12.   Players to Watch    Cannon (pictured at top) possesses phenomenal size and athleticism. She'll receive a number of one-on-one opportunities at the net with North Oldham's balance. Cannon has such a heavy hand that hard swings seem to come naturally, but are actually a product of extensive dedication to her craft. Cannon rises up before double blocks form and drills crosses and line shots. Cannon mixes in off shots to hit over double blocks and has a sound vertical and timing on her blocks. Cannon consistently gets hands on balls to slow them down for defensive specialists at the minimum.     McIntosh (bottom picture) looks to be one of the region's most versatile players this fall. She gets on top of balls and powers them down with a quick arm swing and wrist snap. McIntosh terminates balls a number of ways on slides, ones, crosses and other routes. She tips balls over blockers when defensive specialists play back and powers down overpassed balls. McIntosh makes crisp passes then quickly gets into attack mode. McIntosh brings outstanding energy on the court. McIntosh makes nice out of system sets and sends hard serves over with great topspin.     Hegg may have missed club season in the spring as the result of a knee injury. However, Hegg appears primed and ready to make a powerful return. She's a sound all-around player. Hegg takes hard cross shots through holes in double blocks and shoves balls to open parts of the court. Hegg makes good in-air adjustments to tool blocks. She places overpassed balls away from opponents and makes crisp two to three-point passes. Hegg does not hesitate to fly in and make controlled first touches.     DaSilva helps the Colonels control the net a number of ways. She wins jousts at the net and makes good adjustments to send roll shots off blocks. She pushes overpassed balls to open areas of the court. DaSilva gets her hands on balls on blocks then adjusts her into attack mode. DaSilva pounds ones to side lines and other parts of the court. DaSilva can also send off shots into seams for big points.     Stone played a huge defensive role for 16 Select in the spring and hopes to carry those good habits into the fall. Stone consistently makes crisp first touches on serve reception on defense. She does a good job forming walls around balls. She reads hitters well and squares her body up to make those passes using a good platform. She drops back quickly on well-struck balls and gets her hands up to keep plays alive. Stone also adjusts well to redirected balls and puts across tough line drive serves.    Note from Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for two years and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigkentucky/#">prepdigkentucky</a>, @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigtennessee/#">prepdigtennessee</a> or @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigoh/#">prepdigoh</a> on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy, @PrepDigTN or @PrepDigOH on X. 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The front-runners may have endured another head coaching change, but the consistently high expectations have not.