Opening Week Superlatives

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are underway and there is no shortage of players in the state to write about. Below are six players that stood out Monday and Tuesday of this week. More to come as the games get going!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749837"],"_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-6a8f93f1c7225"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A matchup of two of the top middles in the state and future Razorback teammates and two of the top teams in the 6A West took place between Bentonville and new 6A west team Shiloh Christian. Needless to say, Bentonville went to Shiloh and took care of business. Venters and Tigers front row was too much for Shiloh on this night. 12 kills, 9 blocks and 3 aces from their senior middle carried Bentonville to a 3-1 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bentonville was sound in every area of the game, and their relentless attack kept the Lady Saints off their game for most of the night. Expect to see a lot of that this season from the Tigers. If they can control the pace like they did Tuesday, it is going to be tough to knock them off this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1017164"],"_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-6a8f93f1c72bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Westside had an incredible five set battle with Marion and three set sweep of Harrisburg to kick off the 2026 season. Wynn was key for the Warriors in 2025, putting up 190 kills while hitting .130 from the outside spot. This season she has 18 kills in eight sets and his hitting a blistering .306. Add in her 30 digs and 2 aces and you can see the jump from her sophomore year to junior year will be a big boost to Westside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Against the returning 5A champion Patriots, Wynn hit .393 with 13 kills and only 2 errors. That is extremely impressive against a talented front row for Marion. Alongside Player of Year Nominee [player_tooltip player_id='834319' first='Kirby' last='Conrad'] (10 kills), the Warriors let it be known they are going to right in the thick of things in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":1023130,"_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-6a8f93f1c7309"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Panthers are off to a good start right out of the gate. The main reason is senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='1023130' first='Payton' last='Styles']. Mecate Marsh left a big hole to fill after graduating last season and it was a little unsure who would step into the role of setter alongside [player_tooltip player_id='547495' first='Olivia' last='Ambeau']. Styles has provided that answer so far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Payton is averaging 5.5 assists per set to lead the 2-0 Panthers. Her 33 assists in the first six sets of the season have already eclipsed her two prior years for Cabot. If Styles can maintain that pace, Cabot could be heading to repeat of their 6A Central Title. Long way to go, but it is encouraging to see the senior step up into such a key role. The consistency of 16 assists in game one and 17 in game two bodes well for the 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["790125"],"_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-6a8f93f1c7355"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One would expect a Player of the Year Nominee to put up big numbers... well how about 11 kills, 9 blocks and 3 aces in a 3-1 win over Harrison in the first game of the season. Not bad. And that is just what Aleigh did.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lucas dominated the net on offense and defense. She anticipated what Harrison was going to do and closed out effectively stuffing the Goblin attack. On offense, Lucas, and [player_tooltip player_id='1021932' first='Annyston' last='Crooker'] (16 kills and 1 ace) paced the Lady Bomber offense. They face a big test Thursday when they take on Brookland at home and I am sure the gym will be rocking..</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["772199"],"_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-6a8f93f1c739b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bryant kicked things off with a straight set sweep of Clarksville Monday night and Stanfield was impressive. The 5'5" Libero was all over the court. 10 digs, 3 assists, 2 aces and 13 serve receptions without an error. That is solid backrow defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jordyn is a scrappy no-nonsense player. She does an exceptionally good job of staying on her feet and providing solid first ball contact. Just a sophomore, she reads the opposition like an upperclassman and gives the Hornet's a solid backrow leader. Rumor has it they have a big game coming up Thursday night with rival Benton. Something to do with salt...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["759815"],"_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-6a8f93f1c73e0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Speaking of Benton, the Panthers put on a show vs 6A Central perennial contenders, the Conway Lady Cats. It took four sets, but the Panther experience proved to be to much of a factor for the youthful Lady Cats. One player that may lack varsity experience for Benton was sophomore pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='1008797' first='Kaitlyn' last='White']. She shined in her debut with an impressive final line of 17 kills, hitting .289, aces, and 11 digs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">White forms dangerous one-two punch with Player of the Year Nominee [player_tooltip player_id='749859' first='Isabella' last='Gonzalez'] (13 kills,2 aces,15 digs) for new head coach Brooke White. Senior leadership from Gonzalez and youthful exuberance from White. That is a winning combination.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There was lots of great action around the state and we will continue to report on the top players as the information comes in. Coaches can update their stats in Maxpreps or they can send to me directly. I can't wait to be in Bentonville to cover the Early Bird tournament and see all the great action!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Robert Birch, Lead Scout-Prep Dig Arkansas. Reach out to me at <a href="mailto:bdsrecruiting10@gmail.com"><strong>bdsrecruiting10@gmail.com</strong></a> or connect with me on <strong>X</strong> (@predigRob) and <strong>Instagram</strong>(@prepdigarrob)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->