Division I, Class A, Regions 5 and 6 Players to Keep Tabs on

Region 6 features one of the state's great rivalries in the Summertown Eagles and the Loretto Mustangs from District 11. Summertown has 22 all-time appearances with a 46-36 record, three state championships and three state runner-up finishes. Loretto has 14 all-time appearances with a 33-24 record, two state crowns including one two years ago and four runner-up finishes.   It is not uncommon for these two to play each other four times per season. In fact, Summertown knocked off Loretto in the 2020 and 2022 Division I-A state championship games.    Bennett (pictured) is showing great determination on the court for the Mustangs in the preseason. Bennett produces at all six spots on the floor. Bennett carries her momentum to her right and sends roll shots off blocks and to the back row. Bennett shows good precision on pipes. She attacks seams relentlessly from the front and back rows.     Kelsey is making nice plays in the back row for the Eagles. Kelsey watches hitters and does what she can to beat balls to their destinations on the floor. She communicates well on the court and forms walls around balls to send consistent two to three-point passes to setters.     Neeley takes quick sets on one play then solid plays on the next displaying her versatility. Neeley disguises her sets well. She finds the consistent one-on-one matchups at the net and is sure to put balls in the hitters' power zones. Neeley also displays great play on defense. She moves forward on tips and back quickly on harder hits.     Bates had displayed tremendous potential for the Bulldogs. Bates goes up like she's ready to take a hard swing, only to send an off shot to the shallow two zone. She smacks overpassed balls down and off blockers for big points. Bates makes plays from the pins and middle. Bates has a nice rainbow off shot to deep corners.     Monroe is a playmaker on defense for the Panthers. Monroe makes the simple passes and moves into position quickly on soft shots. Monroe tracks down set-over attempts near the side lines. Monroe also sends across nice float serves to different zones on the court. Her communication needs some work, but that generally comes as teammates get used to one another.    Note from Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for two years and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigkentucky/#">prepdigkentucky</a>, @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigtennessee/#">prepdigtennessee</a> or @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigoh/#">prepdigoh</a> on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy, @PrepDigTN or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky, Tennessee or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky or Tennessee rankings, please email Mike at michaelgraham@prepdig.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount on yearly subscriptions, enter code graham30 at checkout.

Region 6 features one of the state's great rivalries in the Summertown Eagles and the Loretto Mustangs from District 11. Summertown has 22 all-time appearances with a 46-36 record, three state championships and three state runner-up finishes. Loretto has 14 all-time appearances with a 33-24 record, two state crowns including one two years ago and four runner-up finishes.