7th Region Overview: Assumption remains on top as parity looms

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Assumption Rockets</strong> head coach Ron Kordes has seen the sport in the state grow over his 38 years guiding one of the top programs in the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kordes recalled only 75 teams in the Commonwealth playing volleyball when he took over Assumption in 1989. Now, pretty much every school in the state has a team and participation numbers are at all-time highs. Therefore, Kordes said parity is coming.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some may find that hard to believe with Assumption's dominance with a state record 25 state championships - all coming since 1992. However, the Rockets have been challenged in recent years. Notre Dame took the Rockets to a fifth set in last fall's state championship and led that final set, 12-7 before the Rockets came back to win it 17-15. That marked a third straight Assumption state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Assumption (40-4 last year) has started the season 10-0, but has been challenged. The Rockets had to go five sets to beat Sacred Heart on Tuesday and Briarcrest Christian took the Rockets to three sets in the Showdown at the Sunsphere semifinals in Knoxville. In the preseason Bluegrass Games, Elizabethtown took a set from Assumption in the Varsity A Division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the Rockets take the court expecting to win and do so consistently, Kordes noted they get reminders from time to time of the target on their backs when teams celebrate like they've won the state championship after beating the Rockets. That happened the last time they lost to an in-state team Sept. 14, 2024 when Ryle knocked off Assumption, 2-0 (26-24, 25-21) in the Louisville Invitational Volleyball Tournament at the Kentucky Indiana Volleyball Academy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rockets graduated six seniors off last year's team mainly on defense. However, they do return their three kills leaders from last season that are all juniors in right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='611743' first='Taylor' last='McKenzie'], middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='851613' first='Julia' last='Lee'] and pin hitter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='611724' first='Brooke' last='Codey']. Senior middle blockers [player_tooltip player_id='484326' first='Carle' last='Hooe'] and [player_tooltip player_id='484327' first='Emily' last='Poteraj'] also bring back great experience in the middle. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='603778' first='Addison' last='Hurley'] has stepped in at setter with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='484323' first='Cheyenne' last='Reyes'], [player_tooltip player_id='484322' first='Madelyn' last='Faulkner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='931035' first='Natalie' last='Whitsell'] giving the Rockets the tough back row play they've enjoyed for years. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='823336' first='Claire' last='Kleinhenz'] has also given the Rockets a nice threat from the pins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='768239' first='Lindsay' last='Erhard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='785586' first='Lacey' last='Prather'] could also make an impact at defensive specialist. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='883058' first='Lillian' last='Krutsinger'] could make an impact at defensive specialist or outside hitter with junior [player_tooltip player_id='963382' first='Addisyn' last='Kamber'] taking swings in the middle or right side along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='940345' first='Autumn' last='Mattingly']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='912809' first='Harper' last='Poole'] hopes to make things happen at the pins with junior [player_tooltip player_id='735799' first='Josie' last='Eichberger'] playing defensive specialist or right side hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four sophomores could also make an impact before the season ends. They are defensive specialists [player_tooltip player_id='787975' first='Isabelle' last='Alexander'], [player_tooltip player_id='780365' first='Hyla' last='Petkovic'], setter [player_tooltip player_id='787974' first='Ella' last='Davis'] and pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='787943' first='Mary' last='Kate McDowell'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Assumption hosts Mercy on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Sacred Heart Valkyries</strong> (20-18) had some struggles last season, but finished with seven straight wins before losing to Assumption in the region championship. Five seniors graduated from that team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='788409' first='Cate' last='Bakken'] returns along with the dynamic six-rotation senior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484247' first='Taylor' last='Frey']. Five of the six kills leaders also return in senior outsides [player_tooltip player_id='484325' first='Ava' last='Mineer'], [player_tooltip player_id='484425' first='Kaitlyn' last='Wohl'], senior middle [player_tooltip player_id='484424' first='Aubree' last='Payton'] and junior opposite [player_tooltip player_id='895476' first='Addy' last='Ayres']. Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='484248' first='Mia' last='Jasgarszewski'] is also back after missing most of last season giving the Valkyries the option to possibly run a 6-2. Junior middle blockers [player_tooltip player_id='893802' first='Denise' last='Lee'], [player_tooltip player_id='895820' first='Avery' last='Pryor'], sophomore outside/middle Lineth Rodriguez-Deaz and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='909701' first='Reagan' last='Baron'] give Sacred Heart great depth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three seniors in [player_tooltip player_id='746362' first='Taylor' last='Berger'], [player_tooltip player_id='746474' first='Rose' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='748192' first='Bella' last='DeSensi'] lead the Valkyries on defense. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='955287' first='Keira' last='Hennessey'] and Madison Tegge give Sacred Heart depth there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Brett Versen said the team has more experience this year. He said the talent to be a good serve receive team among other things is there. Versen said it's a matter of putting it together for a whole match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sacred Heart is 8-5 on the season and hosts Highlands Latin on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>26th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Male Bulldogs (14-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs have the talent to take steps forward even after graduating five seniors from last year's team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three seniors in defensive specialists [player_tooltip player_id='805287' first='Eliza' last='Georgel'], [player_tooltip player_id='946249' first='Trinity' last='Short'] and outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='804467' first='Alyson' last='Skrine'] lead the way along with junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='838105' first='Shaniya' last='Milan']. Freshman middle [player_tooltip player_id='991531' first='Emerson' last='Crouch'] also showed great promise during club season for KIVA 14 White.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Male travels to Atherton on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brown Bears (16-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bears put together a nice season behind seven seniors. The key returning players are senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='740976' first='Kate' last='Kelley'] and senior hitter Lilly Mattingly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bears are 8-1 on the season so far with the lone loss coming to Holy Cross (Louisville). The next game is Tuesday against Francis Parker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Louisville Collegiate Amazons (10-8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Louisville Collegiate saw its win total improve by four from 2024. The Amazons graduated 11 seniors off that team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Amazons are 1-6 on the season so far. The next game is Wednesday against Louisville Eastern.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>27th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Seneca Redhawks (17-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Redhawks return a good bit of experience off last season's team that had a winning season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Things start in the back row with senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='484280' first='Gianna' last='Reynoso']. Junior Jayda Cloud takes over at setter. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='819691' first='Taylor' last='Bott'] gives the Redhawks a force at middle blocker with senior [player_tooltip player_id='831238' first='Claire' last='Smith'] playing outside hitter/defensive specialist. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='844820' first='Trinidy' last='Walsh'] gives Seneca a good presence on the right side and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1009302' first='Abeny' last='Mareet'] is a key returning middle blocker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seneca is 0-7 on the season. The next game is Tuesday at Central.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Waggener Wildcats (16-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Waggener hopes to keep building off the successes of last season led by junior libero Jamee McCubbins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Waggener is 2-3 on the season so far. The next game is Tuesday at Iroquois.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Atherton Ravens (6-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Atherton has some good returning talent hoping to turn some corners. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='758754' first='Payten' last='Goodman'] leads the way for the Ravens. Senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='1006489' first='Marleigh' last='Rainwater'] also returns along with junior outside/middle [player_tooltip player_id='949824' first='Selina' last='Campara'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Atherton dropped its first three games to start the season. The next game is at home against Male on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highlands Latin Highlanders (8-18)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Highlands are led by senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535213' first='Sophia' last='Arruda'] and senior setter Hannah Brainard. They have won four games so far this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlands Latin travels to Sacred Heart on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":963945,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/user-uploads/IMG_0110.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-963945" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>25th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DuPont Manual Crimsons (23-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Crimsons return a lot of experience and that could allow them to close the gap against the team's two dominant programs even more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Richard Weaver said it is been extremely fun picking up where the team left off and adding in some pieces. Weaver said the team is versatile, but their presence off the court is the most exciting part. Weaver said they truly bond and compete together on and off the court and have already come together as a unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484427' first='Piper' last='Fulton'], senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='792726' first='Calista' last='Easley'], junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='851639' first='Ally' last='Hamilton'] and junior middle [player_tooltip player_id='963944' first='Avery' last='Jackson'] anchor the team that has four players standing 5-11 and taller. Senior middle [player_tooltip player_id='919482' first='Kali' last='Dearborn'] stands the tallest at six feet even with Fulton, Jackson and junior opposite hitter Calla Magnuson Clemons all standing 5-11.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The setters are senior [player_tooltip player_id='484420' first='Alyssa' last='Faber'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='779957' first='Avery' last='Lloyd'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='963622' first='Kamryn' last='Bauman'] also had a good club season as an outside hitter. Junior defensive specialists [player_tooltip player_id='954396' first='Marlowe' last='Jeffreys'], Reese Hurley, [player_tooltip player_id='992065' first='Kensley' last='Cormney'] and [player_tooltip player_id='912909' first='Morgan' last='Horning'] give the team a nice back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Manual has started the season 8-3. The Crimsons are Manual hosts North Oldham on Tuesday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Central Yellowjackets (19-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Yellowjackets are off to a 5-0 start with Chelsea Staples as head coach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore outside/middle [player_tooltip player_id='911338' first='Sydney' last='Ruccio'] is the leading returning hitter with junior [player_tooltip player_id='999046' first='Tyiana' last='Elise Brown'] also taking swings from the outside and middle. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='794835' first='Jayla' last='Hall'] and [player_tooltip player_id='800797' first='Alayah' last='Washington'] lead as defensive specialists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next game is at home Tuesday against Seneca.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Presentation Toppers (8-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seniors Anna Lay and Nora Diehl lead the way hoping to help the Toppers take steps forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Presentation is 2-7 on the season so far and hosts Bullitt Central on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Francis Parker Wyverns (8-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wyverns are 1-8 to start the season and travel to Brown on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shawnee Golden Eagles (3-18)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All-around junior Journee McCloud hopes to help Shawnee take steps forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>28th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christian Academy of Louisville Centurions (30-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Centurions put together a 30-win season without their best player in junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='601632' first='Kayleigh' last='Rogers'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rogers is back this season and the Centurions have put a solid team around her led by junior setter/right sides [player_tooltip player_id='962978' first='Olivia' last='Lewis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='963060' first='Celia' last='Harvey'] and senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='484282' first='Mia' last='Boyd']. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='745824' first='Lexi' last='Schaffner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='759218' first='Ryleigh' last='Grace Parker'] give the Centurions a nice defensive presence with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='875198' first='Kally' last='Roy'] taking great swings on the outside and providing nice defense. Sophomore Kate Prentice also hopes to do the same thing at outside and defensive specialist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior middle blockers [player_tooltip player_id='771856' first='Kyla' last='Roy'] and Justice Hardin are also back along with junior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='919474' first='Maddie' last='Ramey']. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='779974' first='Gina' last='Sageser'] at outside hitter and Reagan Wahl at opposite give the Centurions depth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ballard Bruins (29-5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bruins graduated 90 percent of the offensive and defensive stat producers last year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Doug Coan said the hope is to rebuild behind junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='752300' first='Journey' last='Gibson'], junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='752334' first='Ruby' last='Tennen'] and junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='920672' first='Sofia' last='Martinez']. The Bruins did receive two impact transfers in the offseason in senior outside [player_tooltip player_id='484254' first='Alli' last='Riegling'] and sophomore outside/opposite [player_tooltip player_id='787971' first='Kadynn' last='Keeling']. Senior outside [player_tooltip player_id='805673' first='Hannah' last='McFarland'] hopes to also give the Bruins depth and junior [player_tooltip player_id='919506' first='Brooke' last='Holdcraft'] aims to give the Bruins more depth once she returns from injury.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coan described the Bruins as a young team with lots to learn. He said the big focus will be on speed both offensively and defensively. He pointed out the Bruins finished third at the Bluegrass Games in the Varsity A Division. Head coach Sherry Ashley said Rogers have regained her confidence after Anterior Cruciated Ligament surgery and the Roy sisters have grown a bit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ballard is 8-1 on the season after finishing fourth in the September Slam at Scott this weekend. Ballard hosts Portland Christian on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Portland Christian Eagles (24-8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles came over from the 25th last year and made it to the district semifinals. Portland Christian did not have any seniors on that team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='612212' first='Vivienne' last='Willis'] along with senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='535220' first='Kaylee' last='Hammond']. The Eagles have eight seniors including pin hitter Maddie Syme, middle blockers [player_tooltip player_id='940402' first='Sammie' last='King'], Micah Olson, outside hitter Lizzie Phelps and opposite hitter Bailey Atcher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Veteran head coach Melissa King said the Eagles have great team chemistry. She said the preseason focus had been on the mental aspect of the game. Then the hope is the skills will continue to push them toward success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Portland Christian is 7-1 on the season and travels to Ballard on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kentucky Country Day Bearcats (12-19)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535207' first='Isla' last='Ford'] along with Remi Adams and [player_tooltip player_id='955488' first='Sidney' last='Lee'] are key returning players for the Bearcats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Sarah Bell-Johnston said she likes the diversity of the team. Johnston said the team is super flexible to any lineup and can go with anything the coaches throw at them. Johnston also said the returning players are hungry to do better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>KCD travels to Collins on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eastern Eagles (12-18)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eastern made some improvements in Timothy Kleitz' first season as head coach. The key returning players are senior setter Avery Corbitt, senior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='836043' first='Meghan' last='Kemplin'], junior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='835066' first='Lua' last='Gutterman'] and sophomore setter/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='937853' first='McKenna' last='Kohler'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles are 5-3 on the season. The next game is Tuesday at Fairdale.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walden Wolverines (3-18)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walden returns a good bit of the team from last year including freshman hitter Abigail Condley and they Wolverines have equaled last year's win total at 3-3 on the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walden travels to Brown on Wednesday.</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;79-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most Region Crowns since 2003:&nbsp;</strong>Assumption with 17.</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":["823336"],"_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-6a9f2b28db631"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kleinhenz (top picture) has turned into a solid hitter for Assumption. Kleinhenz makes great in-air adjustments to hit balls over and around double blocks. She has a great attack approach, extension and finish on her swings. Kleinhenz puts over solid crosses with a high attack point. Kleinhenz tools blocks and attacks seams with precision. She gets on top of balls and accelerates through balls with great control. Kleinhenz has a nice .273 hitting percentage on the season so far with 65 kills on 161 attempts with 21 errors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746474"],"_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-6a9f34c59b795"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith has great range and reflexes on defense. Smith swings her arms out and lunges to close down seams, yet under control. Setter dumps do not land on her easily. Smith does a great job communicating with teammates and puts over nice serves that cut away from opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["963944"],"_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-6a9f4ea533447"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jackson (bottom photo) has given the Crimsons a strong presence at the net both offensively and defensively. Jackson flies in on ones and gets on top of balls to power to the ground with a great downward trajectory. Jackson mixes in nice off shots to give opponents something extra to consider. Jackson has a high attack point and good ball control. Jackson gets up well before blockers can set up and makes quick transitions from blocking to offense. Jackson is also an aggressive blocker. Jackson has 51 kills and 18 solo blocks on the season so far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["752334"],"_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-6a9f6236c29bf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tenneen has picked things up both offensively and defensively for the Bruins. Tennen has good connections with the hitters. She involves a number of hitters and executes a variety of long and short sets, including back sets. She adjusts well to redirected balls and makes crisp first touches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["745824"],"_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-6a9f70b569525"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Schaffner sets the tone in the back row for the Centurions. Schaffner steps forward and makes crisp first touches to get CAL into a good offensive rhythm. Schaffner sets up nicely behind blockers and handles well-struck crosses. Schaffner takes steps back and swings her arms to the sides to make good first touches. Schaffner could still use some work on her ball control, but it has improved throughout her high school career.</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 -->