3rd Region Overview: Defending champ Apollo off to good start

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Apollo E-gals</strong> won their first region crown since 2016 and advanced to the state quarterfinals before losing to North Oldham.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Apollo has followed up that 31-11 season with a 12-0 start this season with the graduation of four seniors from that team including setter Jessica Lee. The return of two solid outside hitters in senior [player_tooltip player_id='484301' first='Avery' last='Gray'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='888227' first='Keelan' last='Wettstain'] has helped tremendously along with junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='612255' first='Jessie' last='Pate'] and senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='912220' first='Maddi' last='Roberts']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='534774' first='Lyla' last='Fortener'] is also a key returning defensive specialist. Senior pin hitters [player_tooltip player_id='776392' first='Addyson' last='Kirby'], [player_tooltip player_id='843275' first='Kinsley' last='Jackson'], senior middle [player_tooltip player_id='827770' first='Savannah' last='Denson'] and sophomore middle Ali Lawson hope to give the E-gals balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Mary Howard said the returning players are gelling well. Howard agreed the E-gals struggled to match North Oldham's fast-pace play in the region quarterfinals. Thus, Howard said the players are pushing the pace to run a faster, more aggressive offense to help build off last season's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Apollo travels to Logan County on Thursday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Daviess County Panthers (18-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers took Owensboro Catholic to five sets in the district semifinals, but could not come through to make it to the region tournament. The Panthers hope to break through this season with the graduation of just one senior. Head coach Tyla Bailey said she's been pleased with the overall adaptability of the team in the 5-3 start to the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='923887' first='Lexi' last='Jones'] starts things off with good passes along with junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='964794' first='Kyndal' last='Murphy']. Two seniors in outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='770779' first='Maya' last='Pollard'] and middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='813890' first='Haylee' last='Clark'] give the Panthers sound all-around play. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='912921' first='Reese' last='Whiteside'] and senior Molly Baughman on the outside and senior [player_tooltip player_id='963630' first='Maddie' last='Chinn'] on the right side give the Panthers good swings at the pins with senior Jenna Lawson and junior [player_tooltip player_id='911391' first='Stella' last='Roberts'] returning as setter. Roberts also takes swings on the right side. Rounding out the roster are senior Sarah Watson, junior Kallie Stanley and sophomore Taylor Powers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Daviess County hosts Union County on Thursday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owensboro Catholic Aces (21-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eric Hagan takes over a program that graduated six seniors off last year's region semifinalist squad including libero Molly Arnold and setter Mayme Powell.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior middle Emma Castlen is back along with two sound outsides in junior [player_tooltip player_id='909517' first='Emmy' last='Roberts'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='909195' first='Quinn' last='Best']. The Aces have one senior in libero [player_tooltip player_id='749723' first='Payton' last='Arnold'] with junior [player_tooltip player_id='611889' first='Ryleigh' last='Owen'] returning at defensive specialist. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='964899' first='Yohanna' last='Nelson'] moves up from the junior varsity to play middle and right side. Freshman Sadie Blair gives the Aces size in the middle at 6-0 with junior Marilla Kanipe playing mostly right side and doing some setting. Junior Bella Bray is also a key defensive specialist. So far, sophomore Aubrey Crowe and junior Lillian Bodne have been the main setters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hagan said the team will be relying a lot on younger players this season, emphasizing he does not push his players to come play club at [program_tooltip program_id='955543' first='Kentuckiana' last='Skills Academy'] where he coaches in the spring. Hagan said he wants those players to go where it is the right fit. Hagan said the team has grown a lot during the preseason and is trusting each other more and more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Aces play again Saturday in the All "A" 3rd Region Tournament at home.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owensboro Devils (10-17)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Mitchell Johnson said the team has been working on consistency two seasons removed from a region championship. Johnson said the team is a young, up and coming group that is gaining confidence as evidenced by the 6-5 start to the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior experienced libero [player_tooltip player_id='612019' first='June' last='Larsen'], senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='484315' first='Anna' last='Travis'], senior middle [player_tooltip player_id='823157' first='Carsyn' last='Cecil'] and junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='739816' first='Ayrish' last='Barksdale'] lead the way. Senior defensive specialists [player_tooltip player_id='797632' first='Paisley' last='Martin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='808976' first='Macey' last='Kahn'] also return. Junior outside hitter Zoe Carter and eighth grade setter/right side hitter Kamiah Adams have also risen up so far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owensboro travels to Muhlenberg County on Thursday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Muhlenberg County Mustangs (16-18)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In her second season guiding the program, head coach Terri Cunningham said the team chemistry is great as evidenced by the 16-2 start including wins in the first 15 games to equal last season's win total. Cunningham credits that for things clicking on all cylinders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='771803' first='Kenlee' last='Pate'] leads the Mustangs along with senior outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='756431' first='Mykennah' last='Willis']. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1036854' first='Reese' last='Brassell'] is the setter with senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='776404' first='Morgan' last='Higgins'] and senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='794239' first='Hadlee' last='Milligan'] leading on defense. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='811656' first='Bella' last='McCarraher'] and junior 5-10 Chelsea Coleman give the Mustangs power in the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Muhlenberg County hosts Owensboro on Thursday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ohio County Eagles (13-23)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Veteran 3rd Region head coach Brian Hardison comes in and said there is not a single selfish player on the team and added they play hard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles have a nice mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen. Senior outside [player_tooltip player_id='972668' first='Emma' last='Coppage'] is a six-rotation player with senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='972693' first='Maeli' last='Givens'] giving the team a good option in the middle. Sophomore Aubrey Wilson is a setter and sophomores Lillian Woods on the outside and [player_tooltip player_id='978700' first='Taylor' last='Ballard'] on the right side making things happen at the pins. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='603776' first='Haleigh' last='Flener'] along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='850406' first='Madasyn' last='Edge'] and sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='972701' first='Sophie' last='Coots'] and [player_tooltip player_id='978696' first='Mindi' last='Bernard'] anchoring the defense. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='817083' first='Mikiyleigh' last='Hall'] plays setter and right side with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='965165' first='Kwyn' last='Brandon'] playing outside hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ohio County is 10-7 on the season so far and travels to Grayson County on Thursday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McLean County Cougars (7-23)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Serenity Rager took over this season hoping to change the fortunes of the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rager said she believes the girls have learned how to win and play hard together in different ways and positions. Junior defensive specialist Sui Tail has emerged with [player_tooltip player_id='535239' first='Abbi' last='Shivers'] moving from defensive specialist to outside hitter. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='923336' first='Annie' last='Shelton'] returns at outside/defensive specialist after recording 191 kills last year with junior [player_tooltip player_id='994395' first='Amelia' last='Aull'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='994399' first='Hadlie' last='Coursey'] setting. Aull also plays middle blocker and Coursey plays defensive specialist. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='994392' first='Aubree' last='Davis'] makes plays in the middle and outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars have started the season 3-8 and travel to Hancock County on Thursday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":752953,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/user-uploads/AGlover-e1740185178804.jpg?w=976" alt="" class="wp-image-752953" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Richard Fairman Sports Photography</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>11th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Meade County Wave (17-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meade County drove to the region championship last season and is hoping to win its first crown since 2023 with the graduation of just two seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Things start in the back row with junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='759348' first='Zoey' last='Gonzales']. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='751698' first='Peyton' last='Benham'] is the top setter, but will share the role with senior [player_tooltip player_id='931588' first='Ava' last='Frank']. Frank will exchange the right side with senior Bree Zdral, who will also play defensive specialist. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='603276' first='Allie' last='Glover'] leads the way as a six-rotation outside hitter. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='832914' first='Izzy' last='Woosley'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='892087' first='Jill' last='Pickering'] give the Wave power in the middle with sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='711865' first='Sophia' last='Miles'] and [player_tooltip player_id='750329' first='Quinn' last='Martin'] entering for each other at the outside hitter/defensive specialist spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meade County is 7-3 to start the season. The Wave travel to Breckinridge County on Thursday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breckinridge County Tigers (28-8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers put together a solid season with a second straight district championship. However, the Tigers graduated eight seniors including their top five hitters that recorded 114 or more kills last season plus the two setters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, Breckinridge returns two solid defensive specialists in senior [player_tooltip player_id='924000' first='Jayden' last='Keesee'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='912234' first='Emma' last='Leaverton']. Head coach Paige Burch said the Tigers have played around with the line-up to see who is going to step forward and be consistent. She added it's has been fun teacking and watching different players accept the challenge to make a cohesive unit. Burch listed two seniors in middle Megan Bland and pin Leah Jarboe as two players that have done that along with sophomore outside/setter Anna Boehman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Breckinridge County heads to Meade County on Thursday for an important district game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hancock County Hornets (7-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Janna Burton said she's focused on making sure the Hornets stay positive and continue to grow no matter the situation. The Hornets have seen their win total grow some during her tenure. That included a two-win improvement from 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hancock County returns the dynamic all-around senior [player_tooltip player_id='603874' first='Macy' last='Roberts'] and senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='1015077' first='Addy' last='Harrison']. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='800658' first='Abagail' last='Peck'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='756151' first='Lilly' last='Haney'] expect to help out on defense with junior [player_tooltip player_id='751221' first='Bella' last='Bryant'] contributing in the middle and the pins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hornets are 3-9 on the season so far and take on McLean County on Thursday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cloverport Aces (0-23)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The run rose brightly for the program on Aug, 22 as Cloverport knocked off Caverna, 2-0 (29-27, 25-18) as part of a tri-match to snap a 42-game losing streak dating back to 2023. Junior Campbell Moore leads the way with 59 digs so far this season and sophomore Brooklyn Bratcher leads Cloverport offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Aces are 2-5 on the season having recorded more than one win in a season for the first time since 2022. Cloverport travels to Louisville to face Brown on Wednesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>12th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grayson County Cougars (24-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars won the district championship last season before losing to Owensboro Catholic in the first round of the region tournament. They graduated six seniors off that team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='503276' first='Khloe' last='Gaither'] is the team's top returning hitter and both senior setters in Alexis Ashby and Carly Gammon are back. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='789026' first='Emma' last='Roney'] is expected to make an impact at outside hitter and defensive specialist with senior [player_tooltip player_id='794124' first='Grace' last='Franich'], junior [player_tooltip player_id='611872' first='Isabella-Marie' last='Kelley'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='795591' first='Kenley' last='Kiper'] making contributions on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars have started 5-5 on the season. They host Ohio County on Thursday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trinity (Whitesville) Raiders (10-21)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adam Huff is in his second season guiding the Raiders after they made it back to the region tournament with five senior last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Huff said most of the players are gaining varsity experience. His focus for now is helping them improve daily and gain confidence. The key returning players are three juniors in middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='1012587' first='Annie' last='Coomes'], pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='812923' first='Ella' last='Morris'] and defensive specialist Camryn Preston. Sophomore Nina McDaniel has done most of the setting so far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trinity is 5-5 on the season and next plays at Owensboro Catholic in the All "A" 3rd Region Tournament on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Butler County Bears (12-23)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bears improved their win total by eight in Kevin Harrod's first season guiding the program. They graduated six seniors from that team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harrod said the team has great depth this season so each player has to work hard at her position. He's trying to get them to go out on the court with the same goal to win and put up a banner in the gym, therefore they can't take the court making it all about them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top two returning players are seniors in outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='751189' first='Megan' last='Clark'] and middle/outside [player_tooltip player_id='814346' first='Jenelle' last='Kimmel']. Junior Kyra Webster has stepped in at libero with sophomore Tarah Henderson stepping in at setter and right side hitter. Junior Jayda Adkison transferred in before the season and plays outside, middle and defensive specialist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Butler County is 1-7 on the season so far. The Bears won at Warren Central on Monday for the first win of the season and travel to Barren County on Thursday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Edmonson County Cats (9-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cats feature several up and coming players such as freshman 5-11 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='915657' first='Amira' last='Seymour'] and junior Rylee Skaggs. Senior setter Reagan Ferguson is back to run the offense with senior Bailey Ferguson returning after recording 220 digs last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Christine Barrett agreed it's important for the team to focus on the positive plays as opposed to dwelling on the negative ones to help the program move forward. That's paid off so far as the Cats have almost equaled last year's win total at 7-9 on the season. They face McLean County on Saturday at Owensboro Catholic in the All "A" 3rd Region Tournament.</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>&nbsp;12-23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most Region Crowns since 2003:&nbsp;</strong>Owensboro Catholic 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":["612255"],"_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-6a9707b8597d8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pate (main picture) has been a consistent force at libero for the E-gals since entering high school. Pate keeps her arms above her waist to form a good platform to make the sound two to three-point passes. Pate makes nice adjustments on redirected balls and is not afraid to extend her arms to form walls around balls. Pate is not fooled by setter dumps and handles well-placed cross shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["813890"],"_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-6a970bd469fd2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clark makes plays all over the court for the Panthers. She pounds balls on one play then tips on the next play to keep opponents guessing. She has great court IQ and can adjust her body to terminate balls. She has a great vertical hop to make plays happen in the middle and the pins. Clark also makes a difference with her blocking and crisp first passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["771803"],"_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-6a97234ac0576"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pate is consistent with her hitting and defense. Pate steps toward sets and pounds balls through holes in double blocks. She tools blocks and has great line shots. Pate attacks seams with precision and puts over quality off and gap shots. Pate veers roll shots into open areas of the court and makes precise first touches. Pate has 230 kills, 25 aces and 101 digs so far on the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["603276"],"_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-6a986e990a608"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Glover (bottom picture) is determined to finish her great career on a high note and lift the Wave to another region championship, similar to what happened her freshman year. Glover has a nice five-step attack approach, extension and finish. Glover sends balls hard to the back row and deep corners on go routes and attacks holes in blocks with precision. Glover tools blocks and puts over tough roll shots. Glover has great form and timing on her blocks. Opponents can't go soft on her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["503276"],"_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-6a986235c3295"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gaither leads Grayson County's bid to stay on top of the district. She smacks balls hard on one play then tips them on the next play trying to keep opponents guessing. Gaither uses a nice attack approach and strong wrist snap trying to hit balls to open areas of the court. Gaither is especially sound on crosses.</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 -->