Whitley County at West Jessamine Impressions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It had the makings of a five-set nail biter, but this season opener between two defending region champions did not turn out that way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once West Jessamine seized momentum in the first set, things went there way for the most part in a 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-16) victory. The Colts used spurts in each set to pull away. West Jessamine has won nine of the last 10 12th Region championships and Whitley County has won the previous four 13th Region crowns. Both come into the season favored to win the respective regions once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Jessamine's ball control was simply better. [player_tooltip player_id='603652' first='Ashlyn' last='Crutcher'] put on a show both offensively and defensively in the win for the Colts. [player_tooltip player_id='774738' first='Ava' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='755065' first='Taylor' last='Grace Snowden'], [player_tooltip player_id='523963' first='Dani' last='Long'] and [player_tooltip player_id='801517' first='Delaney' last='Dix'] made a number of nice passes then Snowden distributed the ball as well as she has since taking the setter role. Crucher dominated, but [player_tooltip player_id='851950' first='Kayla' last='Avent'], [player_tooltip player_id='505929' first='Kaylee' last='Rexroad'], Long and [player_tooltip player_id='938777' first='Harper' last='Goins'] contributed offensively. Snowden also scored some point on second contacts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"We did well with serve receive. We were just scrappy," West Jessamine head coach Bill Bird said. "With my libero Ava and even Taylor, they were getting everything. Even my outside Ashlyn was getting some balls. So yes, ball control was really key. It makes it easier on Taylor. She can run that quicker stuff. Early on, we were struggling with our rolls. If it's not there, live to fight another day is what I tell them."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='603744' first='Reagan' last='Isaac'] put together a nice all-around game making things happen when balls came to her hands. [player_tooltip player_id='877421' first='Shelbi' last='Carroll'] put together a nice game defensively in her Whitley County debut. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='603768' first='Jonna' last='Rice'] did well distributing the ball per usual with [player_tooltip player_id='893446' first='Taryn' last='Bennett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='948269' first='Jada' last='Smith'] taking big swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Jessamine continues action on Thursday up the road at Lafayette while Whitley County will try to bounce back Thursday at home against McCreary Central.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stat Leaders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kills</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='603652' first='Ashlyn' last='Crutcher'], West Jessamine - 17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='603744' first='Reagan' last='Isaac'], Whitley County - 12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='851950' first='Kayla' last='Avent'], West Jessamine - 8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='948269' first='Jada' last='Smith'], Whitley County - 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='755065' first='Taylor' last='Grace Snowden'], West Jessamine - 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='523963' first='Dani' last='Long'], West Jessamine - 5 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Assists</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Snowden - 31</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='603768' first='Jonna' last='Rice'], Whitley County - 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Digs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crutcher - 16</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='877421' first='Shelbi' last='Carroll'], Whitley County - 15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='774738' first='Ava' last='Smith'], West Jessamine - 11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isaac - 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Snowden - 9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Long - 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='801517' first='Delaney' last='Dix'], West Jessamine - 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rice - 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Performers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["603652"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1020597,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a852836c555c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Crutcher dazzled on both offense and defense in the West Jessamine victory. Crutcher has a high attack point and uses it to pound out a variety of shots. Crutcher takes a quick peak at the other side then lets balls rip. Crutcher executes line shots, crosses and cut shots with authority. Crutcher's defense was even more phenomenal in the win. Crutcher owned the back row as well. She had her eyes locked on hitters then used her quick bursts to track them down under control. Crutcher's leadership shows in her communication on the court. Described as powerful, consistent and smart by teammates and close ones, Crutcher makes sure teammates are in the right positions on the court. Crutcher said they worked on closing seams in practice so they got into a groove there defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["755065"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1020598,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a852836c55d9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Snowden also displayed great all-around play in the West Jessamine win. She made two pancake digs giving full effort, trying to dig up balls. Her ball control also made a huge difference in the game. She has already developed a connection with West Jessamine's powerful hitters. Snowden has a good touch and does not lock her arms on sets, putting hitters in powerful positions to terminate balls. Snowden said the team has built so much chemistry over the years that they know how to work together and can build up more connections with everybody as opposed to getting mad at each other. Snowden also said it's important to let mistakes roll off your back and not think about them too long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774738"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1020601,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a852836c5643"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith's experience playing up in club and going against older players has more than prepared her for games like this. Smith does a good job forming balls around and has good footwork trying to beat balls to their destinations on the floor. She takes minimal steps to balls and consistently churns out two to three-point passes. Smith handles well-struck crosses and line shots. She makes the simple passes. Smith said West Jessamine has a really strong team so the Colts will be consistent with the defense all season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["523963"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1020608,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a852af6ed702"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Long did execute some nice ones, but she too made a number of good plays on defense. She does not mind lunging some to keep plays alive and get West Jessamine into a sound offensive rhythm. Long handled some well-struck crosses and took minimal steps to balls on defense. There were not many aces in the game, but Long did keep Whitley County out of system some with her serving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["603744"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1020613,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a852cfc7fac7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Isaac is dependable from all six zones to make big swings when the Colonels need a big kill. She has an outstanding vertical jump, extension and finish. Her court vision is also phenomenal. Isaac does a good job finding holes and smacking balls into them. Isaac also did what she could on defense to help Whitley County. She may not have been as accurate as she's been in the past, but Isaac will make learn and make the necessary corrections in that area of her game. Isaac keeps her arms above her waist and uses a good rhythm to make the simple passes. She dug up many balls that came her way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["603768"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1020614,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a852cfc7fb68"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rice plays with an even keel not giving up until the final point. Her calmness on the court helps her teammates relax. Rice has run the offense for years and her hitters clearly trust her to better balls whether in or out of system. She is sure to put balls into power zones with her quick touch. Rice even sends out of system balls back toward the net. Rice did get West Jessamine out of system some with her serving.</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 -->