Prep Dig Arkansas Teams of the Week 2A,3A,4A,5A,6A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another week of Arkansas high school volleyball is in the books, and we are starting to get a much better feel for teams as conference play gets underway. This week's Teams of the Week come from every classification, with each putting together a strong week and building some momentum as we move into the second half of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are my Teams of the Week from 2A through 6A and what their coaches had to say about how their teams are playing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2A The Hackett Hornets 9-2 | 7-1 2A-3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Madi Fisher has reloaded her Hackett squad, yet again. This years addition has the Hornets right back in the thick of the 2A race to Hot Springs. This past week the Hornets picked up a pair of sweeps vs Lamar and Mountainburg.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Fisher was tied up today with another game kicking off this week, I will update later when she sends me her quote.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749847"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab160beb9d2b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hackett got contributions from several players during a strong week, but senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='839969' first='Ryleigh' last='Decker'] earns the player spotlight. Decker put down 14 kills on just 25 attempts with only three errors. She also added 6 aces, 15 digs and handled 11 serve receptions, giving the Hornets production in all six rotations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She wasn't alone. Fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='821349' first='Kali' last='Reather'] finished with 13 kills on 27 attempts with only three errors and added 3 blocks. [player_tooltip player_id='744272' first='Catelyn' last='Edwards'] showed her versatility with 10 kills on 25 attempts with just two errors while also running the offense with 32 assists and adding 7 aces. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1008494' first='Aubrey' last='Gillett'] contributed 10 kills on 29 attempts with four errors and finished with a team-high 19 digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Player Spotlight – [player_tooltip player_id='839969' first='Ryleigh' last='Decker']: 6 sets | 14 kills | 25 attempts | 3 errors | 6 aces | 15 digs | 11 serve receptions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">3A The Conway Christian Eagles 12-2 | 3-0 in the 3A-4 </h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conway Christian put together a strong week, opening conference play with two wins before winning the Devil Dog Tournament. The Eagles are playing with confidence and now turn their attention to two important conference matches this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach Kobie McKnight on his team:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We had a solid week and were able to start conference play with two wins over Bald Knob and Riverview. We finished off with a positive weekend and winning the Devil Dog Tournament. We're playing with confidence and I am continuing to see positive things from this group. We have two big conference matches this week, so our focus now is on staying disciplined, continuing to improve, and being ready to compete at a high level.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1044430"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab160beb9dea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Conway Christian has been solid all season, but the Eagles really turned things up this past week. In their two conference matches, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1044430' first='Maggie' last='McKay'] stood out as part of a strong team effort. Coach Kobie McKnight got production from across the lineup, but McKay continues to catch her attention. The sophomore finished with 15 kills in the two matches, a strong showing for such a young player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McKay had plenty of support. Millie Teague dished out 37 assists, while Mallory King added 13 kills. In the back row, [player_tooltip player_id='793206' first='Cloie' last='Davis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='995786' first='Hannah' last='Swenson'] combined to give the Eagles a strong defensive presence, finishing with 22 and 18 digs respectively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That consistent team play has Conway Christian sitting at the top of the conference. The Eagles will get a chance to strengthen that position this week with two tough matches against CAC and Mayflower.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Spotlight – [player_tooltip player_id='1044430' first='Maggie' last='McKay']: 15 kills in two conference matches</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4A The Bauxite Miners 12-2 | 3-0 4A-5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bauxite continues to build momentum as conference play gets underway. The Miners have started to come together at the right time, and Coach Haley Nelson likes what she is seeing from her team as they settle into the conference schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach Haley Nelson on her team:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I am pleased with the way we have kicked off conference play so far. This team has truly gelled over the last week and is playing some really good volleyball together!”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["764421"],"_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":1044341,"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab160beb9e55"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bauxite is starting to hit its stride, picking up wins over Fountain Lake, Stuttgart and Morrilton. This is an exciting team with several players capable of taking over a match, and this week [player_tooltip player_id='764421' first='Rylee' last='Ferrell'] earns the player spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The setter/pin had a big week with 25 kills, 53 assists and 26 digs. If Ferrell can keep producing at this level, it takes some of the load off do-it-all standout [player_tooltip player_id='769825' first='Asa' last='Perry'], who had another big week herself with 38 kills, 38 assists, 7 aces and 40 digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Miners got plenty of help around them. Sophomore libero/DS Ellye Bowman was outstanding in the back row with 57 digs and added 11 aces from the service line. Sophomore powerhouse AJ Barnes continued to make her presence felt at the net with 22 kills and 6 blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Spotlight – [player_tooltip player_id='764421' first='Rylee' last='Ferrell']: 25 kills | 53 assists | 26 digs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5A Marion Patriots 14-1 | 6-0 5A East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marion continues to show why it is one of the teams to watch in 5A. For Coach Lisa Beasley, the Patriots' success goes beyond talent and numbers. She points to the chemistry of this group, its senior leadership and a team that genuinely enjoys competing for one another.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach Lisa Beasley on her team:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“This group of young ladies continue to make me proud each and every day. I know it is an old adage and everyone says it, but the young ladies on this team this year truly love each other and play for each other. You can't fake team chemistry and camaraderie…and this team just has it! Our success this season has been a complete team effort. We are led this year by a group of seniors who just refuse to lose.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their competitiveness, toughness, grit, and love for the game continues to put us in situations to be successful.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["767188"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab160beb9eaa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Marion continues to roll at 14-1 on the season. Last week was no different as the Patriots took down Brookland, Beebe and Batesville while dropping just one set along the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Typically, you might see a big hitter or setter sitting in the spotlight, but this week we're going to the back row. Senior libero/DS [player_tooltip player_id='791707' first='Annabelle' last='White'] controlled things defensively for Marion, finishing the week with 4 aces, 34 digs, 10 assists and 54 serve receptions.</strong> Those 54 receptions are important because Marion's offense starts with first-ball contact. White's ability to consistently get the ball to target allows the Patriots to stay in system and gives setter [player_tooltip player_id='749868' first='Claire' last='Brinkley'] plenty of options to work with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've written extensively about [player_tooltip player_id='809961' first='Kendall' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='749858' first='Marlee' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='749868' first='Claire' last='Brinkley'], and all three had another strong week. Brown finished with 43 kills, 3 aces, 5 blocks and 36 digs. Williams added 29 kills, 7 aces and 4 blocks, while Brinkley handed out 97 assists to go with 8 aces and 4 kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With that kind of production across the floor and White controlling the back row, I wouldn't expect to see Marion slow down anytime soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Spotlight – [player_tooltip player_id='791707' first='Annabelle' last='White']: 4 aces | 34 digs | 10 assists | 54 serve receptions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6A-The Cabot Panthers 13-4-2 | 4-1 6A Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cabot continues to build momentum after winning the LRCA Classic and followed that performance with two tough conference wins in straight sets. The Panthers are playing with confidence and, more importantly, starting to find the style of volleyball they will need as the season moves toward the second half.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach Anna Robertson on her team:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I'm really proud of how we played this week. Winning the LRC tournament last weekend was just what the team needed to figure out what it's going to take to win really hard matches. Last week winning two tough conference matchups in straight sets isn't easy. They are playing unselfish, aggressive, and having fun. We are looking forward to building on our success for the second half of the season.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749851"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab16409d35eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">abot faced two tough 6A-Central opponents last week in Little Rock Central and Bryant and walked away with impressive sweeps of both. The Panthers also faced two of the premier players in the state, one from Central and one from Bryant, making the back-to-back sweeps even more impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='749851' first='Alexa' last='Robertson'] gets the spotlight after putting together one of her best stretches of the season. Robertson had her best single-match performance of the year against Bryant, putting down 11 kills, topping her previous high of nine against Benton at the LRCA Classic. She hit over .300 in both matches and finished the week with 17 kills on 48 attempts with just two errors. Robertson also added 4 blocks and 21 digs to complete a strong all-around performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='547495' first='Olivia' last='Ambeau'], [player_tooltip player_id='749857' first='Brylee' last='Passmore'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1008289' first='Izzy' last='Duncan'] also stepped up in last week's matchups. Ambeau finished with 21 kills, 3 blocks and 24 assists. Passmore chipped in 19 kills and 10 digs, while Duncan added 15 kills and 5 blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cabot has plenty of weapons, and Robertson's emergence as another reliable option gives the Panthers one more player opponents have to account for as conference play heats up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Spotlight – [player_tooltip player_id='749851' first='Alexa' last='Robertson']: 17 kills | 48 attempts | 2 errors | 4 blocks | 21 digs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->