2nd Region Overview: More opportunities help region grow

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is not limited to this region, but this one specifically has not always had a good number of choices when it comes clubs and other places to develop volleyball skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, that has begun to change recently. Some players are taking advantage of the growth of the Kentucky Performance Volleyball Club or even going to neighboring states to play club ball. The region still has its struggles at state because the players do not see open level club competition like in other parts of the state, but the goal is to work toward those levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Henderson County Colonels</strong> (28-10) won back the region in Kelli Harris' second season as head coach before losing to Apollo in the first round of state. Henderson County graduated seven players off that team including libero Ella Whitledge. However, the cupboard is far from bare with the return of senior all-around pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='603212' first='Evangeline' last='Loffland'], senior setter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='776415' first='Addison' last='Kirtley'] and junior all-around [player_tooltip player_id='888158' first='Emmy' last='Sword']. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='817110' first='Milynn' last='Garrett'] at middle blocker and [player_tooltip player_id='965158' first='Harper' last='Brewer'] at outside hitter are also expected to step into some big roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harris said the Colonels have a strong JV core that has come up and filled in the gaps. Harris said she feels the Colonels are comparably as strong as last season. She said the net play has to improve and the Colonels are working toward that to run the offense better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Henderson County is 8-4 to start the season and faces Evansville (Indiana) North on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Crittenden County Rockets (8-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rockets have a nice mix of upper and lower classmen and it is showing in the 7-6 start to the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crittenden County assistant coach Addy Kirby said the team has a great balance of experience, energy and fresh perspective. When playing their best, Kirby said the energy, grit and determination are truly unstoppable. Kirby said she enjoys seeing the players compete for each other and bring out the best in one another.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='966297' first='Maddie' last='Hearell'] runs the offense with two middles in senior [player_tooltip player_id='932849' first='Braelyn' last='Merrill'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='966299' first='Grayson' last='Travis'] taking nice swings. Senior middle Maeson Martin also takes huge swings with junior Emerye Pollard and sophomore Ava Tabor providing good first touches at defensive specialist. Kirby also said to watch out for sophomore Macandliss Chittenden.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crittenden County hosts Lyon County on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Livingston Central Cardinals (6-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals have taken steps forward with Kyle Smith leading the program. A junior middle blocker in [player_tooltip player_id='612264' first='Jocelynn' last='Morganson'] and two sophomores in outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='848626' first='Kaydence' last='Smith'] and outside/setter [player_tooltip player_id='788387' first='Abigail' last='Erickson'] lead the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals are 5-5 to start the season and host Heritage Christian Academy on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trigg County Wildcats (5-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trigg County has one of the top eighth graders in the state in defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='921850' first='Lilah' last='Booth']. Their leading hitters are senior [player_tooltip player_id='842923' first='Jazzy' last='Tejada'] and junior Cali Jones.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Madison Rogers said several of the returning players have put in trainings during the off season whether it is travel ball, college camps, open gyms or even private lessons. Rogers said some of the returning players have only played for one or two seasons. She noted the Wildcats have several new players this year as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trigg County is 3-7 on the season and travels to Fort Campbell on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Webster County Trojans (22-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trojans put together a nice run to the region semifinals, but seven seniors graduated from that team including Chloe Soukup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Webster County does return three key seniors in setter [player_tooltip player_id='603848' first='Kamryn' last='Edens'], outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='932846' first='Jayleigh' last='Hill'] and outside hitter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='966291' first='Arely' last='Martinez']. Freshman setter/middle blocker Kierstyn Nally is also one to look out for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Webster County has started the season 1-6. The next game is Tuesday against Union County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Union County Bravettes (6-19)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Union County struggled just one season after a magical run to the region championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bravettes however do return two sound seniors in setter [player_tooltip player_id='788322' first='Claudia' last='Wheatley'] and middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='788312' first='Aubree' last='Wedding']. Senior defensive specialist Kennedi Clements is also back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Second-year head coach Jesa Allee praised the senior class for being friends on and off the court and the chemistry shows in how they play, how they hold each other accountable while being each others' biggest fans. Allee said the younger players look up to them seeing from different seasons how important it is to be great teammates at all times. Allee added they never miss a oractidce and always want constructive criticism trying to improve each play. Allee noted they let people in the school know when and where games are trying to drum up suppoort so the community sees how fun the sport is and how it is a family atmosphere.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Union County has started the season 2-3. Union County travels to Webster County on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lyon County Lyons (First Season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lyon County may be in its first season as a program, but the Lyons are further along than many first-year programs at 4-12 on the season so far. Their head coach is the experienced Cara Hunt, who led Campbell County to a district championship and region runner-up finish in 2021, before the family moved back to western Kentucky.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lyons are led by the dynamic sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='1023797' first='Lily' last='Coffman'] and senior setter Courtney Collins. Two promising freshmen are Ansley Herran and Maddie Perry. Hunt said the girls have been competing and pushing themselves to learn more of the flow of the game as the Lyons have gotten into more of region and district play. Hunt said Lyon County has learned to stay disciplined on defense and trust each other to handle the individual jobs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lyon County travels to Crittenden County on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1014371,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/user-uploads/IMG_1426-1.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1014371" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Caldwell County Tigers (17-11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers have won the district three seasons in a row and head coach Emily Oliver would like to propel the Tigers back to the top of the region. The last region championship came in 2020.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caldwell County had four seniors in defensive specialists [player_tooltip player_id='908533' first='Tink' last='Clark'], [player_tooltip player_id='1014370' first='Maddie' last='Cooper'], outside/middle [player_tooltip player_id='932848' first='Med' last='Thomas'] and outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='1014373' first='Sophie' last='P'Pool'] that had seen varsity action. Oliver said there is a lot of learning to figure out the rotation. Oliver said the players get going on the court and never give up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers have started the season 6-5 with wins in the last three games. The next game is Tuesday at Hopkins County Central.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Madisonville-North Hopkins Maroons (16-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Maroons took some nice steps forward last year with a double-digit win season. They return senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='484263' first='Katie' last='Beth Sutton'], sophomore libero Carlee Sandidge and sophomore hitter Sadie Kirk.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Maroons are 5-9 to start the season. They take on McLean County on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hopkins County Central Storm (4-23)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Storm struggled last season after winning 12 games in 2024. Junior defensive specialist Chloe McNeely is a nice player for the Storm to build around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hopkins County Central is 1-11 so far on the season. The next game is Tuesday against Caldwell County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christian County Tigers (First Season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It had been planned for years and it finally came this year. Hopkinsville and Christian County merged to form the Tigers. Zach Hardison came in as the new head coach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers have six seniors on the roster in libero [player_tooltip player_id='603865' first='Peyton' last='Owens'], middle/outside hitter Madysen Taggert, defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='552709' first='Kyleigh' last='Addison Weber'], setter Kat Wood, hitter Carly Armstrong and Saralynn Major. The two juniors are defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='930505' first='Autumn' last='Cook'] and middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='612020' first='Taylor' last='Cantrell']. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='877548' first='Bailey' last='Brown'] is the setter and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='908504' first='Kiley' last='Lambert'] takes swings from the outside. Sophomore Rheagan Bozell is also a nice hitter for the Tigers. Eighth grader [player_tooltip player_id='996193' first='Avery' last='Cook'] has already made an impact on defense and freshman hitter Sammy Walker has taken nice swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hardison said the team is so talented, adding it may take time to get where they want to be, but the amount of talent there will allow the Tigers to compete at a high level all season. Christian County is 9-7 on the season and travels to Crittenden County on Thursday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Heritage Christian Academy (Hopkinsville) Warriors (17-19)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors drove back to the region championship game one year after winning it. They graduated just one senior off that team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their leading returning players are seniors [player_tooltip player_id='535284' first='Makenzie' last='McCarty'] at setter/right side, [player_tooltip player_id='932851' first='Bralee' last='Fowler'] at outside hitter and junior outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='965462' first='Hadlee' last='Hayes']. Junior hitter Taylor Barbee has also emerged.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heritage is 2-2 on the season and travels to Livingston Central on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>University Heights Blazers (12-22)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blazers may be young in some spots, but they have some young talent in eighth grade defensive specialist/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='915645' first='Cassidy' last='Keller'] and eighth grade setter Balee Chestnut. Their top hitter is junior outside/middle Niyona Brown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>University Heights is 6-9 to start the season. The next game is Thursday at home against Graves County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fort Campbell Falcons (12-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons are off to another nice start at 5-3 on the season. Junior setter/outside hitter Makayla Galvez leads the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fort Campbell hosts Heritage Christian Academy on Thursday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region Fast Facts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record in State Tournament Since 2003 when state tournament split from eight to 16 regions:</strong> 5-23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most Region Crowns since 2003: </strong>Henderson County with 10.</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":["888158"],"_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-6a9f856e3bd80"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sword (top picture) has turned into a nice all-around player for Henderson County. Sword takes hard shots down lines and tools blocks. She has an excellent net approach and is not afraid to tip over blocks if defensive specialists are playing back. Sword also makes nice first contacts in the back row and splashes a hard jump serve to different zones on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1014370"],"_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-6a9f7988c3e4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cooper (bottom picture) is doing a good job taking minimal steps to balls and making the simple passes to get Caldwell County into a good offensive rhythm. Cooper lunges after balls under control when needed and provides the team quality net backup. The lefty sends tough jump serves to the back row to produce quick points for the Tigers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["788322"],"_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-6aa0181323802"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wheatley has improved even more with her touch and decision-making running the offense. Wheatley involves a number of hitters and brings good energy to the court. Wheatley makes good first touches on defense. Wheatley handles hard shots down the lines and drops back to make minimal steps to balls. She reacts quickly on balls and slides to balls when needed, yet under control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["848626"],"_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-6aa02591a09bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith is a sound all-around player for the Cardinals. She sends quality roll shots to the back row and uses her off (left) hand to tip balls and surprise opponents. Smith also does a great job tooling blocks and has nice topspin on her serves. Smith makes smooth sets, executing a variety of them including shoots. Smith makes nice first touches and dives after balls. Smith even brings great energy to the court. Smith has 103 kills and 55 assists on the season for the Cardinals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["603865"],"_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-6aa0298f37e21"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Christian County head coach Zach Hardison described Owens as the best libero in the region hands down. He added she's a team captain and leads the back row with elite movement and energy. Owens does a good job quickly lining her arms up to balls to make smooth first touches on defense and serve receive. Owens makes the simple passes and lunges after balls under control. Owens also provides great net backup.</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 -->