<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're back on schedule with our <strong>Prep Dig Arkansas Players of the Week and Teams of the Week!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've had some outstanding performances across the state, and with the regular season winding down and postseason play getting underway, there's plenty to talk about.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each week, we'll recognize players putting up big numbers and teams getting the job done. From impressive individual performances to big conference wins, we want to make sure those efforts get the recognition they deserve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Congratulations to all of this week's selections!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Good luck to everyone as we head down the road to Hot Springs!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Week:</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["762345"],"_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-6ad66f05954bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harmony Grove 22-4-1 and 10-0 1st in the 4A 6.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Cardinals' middle was nearly unstoppable at the net, piling up 58 kills in three matches while leading Harmony Grove to wins over Harding Academy, Magnolia and Arkadelphia.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bossert opened the week with 15 kills on .400 hitting against Harding Academy before turning in a monster 24-kill performance against Magnolia, hitting .487. She followed that with 19 kills on .530 hitting against Arkadelphia. That's some serious offensive production from the middle position. Bossert wasn't just putting balls away, she was doing it with impressive efficiency against three different opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaycee is currently one of the top uncommitted players in the state. Look for that to change soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 83 sets | 373 kills 5th in the state | 4.5 k/s 4th in the state | .399% hp 4th in the state| 36 aces | 40 blocks| 76 digs </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1020084"],"_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-6ad66f0595531"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westside 18-12-2 and 7-3, 2nd in the 4A 3.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watkins ran the Westside offense to perfection in a pair of straight-set victories over Greene County Tech and Highland.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She dished out 36 assists against Greene County Tech and followed it up with another 36 against Highland. That's 72 assists in just six sets, an outstanding average of 12 assists per set. Watkins kept the offense rolling throughout both matches, giving Westside the production it needed to finish the week without dropping a set. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not bad for a sophomore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 95 sets | 918 assists 1st in the state | 9.7 a/s 3rd in the state | 35 aces | 140 digs | 47 kills</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Teams of the Week</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2A: St. Joseph Bulldogs</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>22-2 Overall | 13-0 Conference | 1st in 2A-4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs just keep winning. St. Joseph put together another perfect week, sweeping Mayflower, Marshall and Southside without dropping a set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 22-2 overall and undefeated in conference play, St. Joseph has been one of the most consistent teams in 2A this season. The Bulldogs have taken care of business in the 2A-4 and are carrying plenty of momentum into postseason play. (will update the spotlight player when coach Davis gets back with me!)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Last Week:</strong> 3-0 | Mayflower (3-0), Marshall (3-0), Southside (3-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3A: Crowley's Ridge Academy Falcons</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>22-3 Overall | 13-1 Conference | 1st in 3A-3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crowley's Ridge Academy continues to put together an impressive season. The Falcons picked up wins over Walnut Ridge and Harrisburg last week to maintain their hold on first place in the 3A-3.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They haven't slowed down this week either, opening regional play with a straight-set victory over Salem. At 22-3, CRA has established itself as a team to watch in the 3A postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons return to action Tuesday at 2 p.m. against Newport.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Last Week:</strong> 2-0 | Walnut Ridge (3-0), Harrisburg (3-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1053673"],"_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-6ad689f6369e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1053673' first='Ryan' last='Gramling'] kept the Falcons' offense rolling last week, dishing out 62 assists and adding 4 aces in wins over Walnut Ridge and Harrisburg. Gramling averaged an impressive 8.9 assists per set across the two matches, helping Crowley's Ridge maintain its hold on first place in the 3A-3.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A strong week from the Falcons' setter as CRA heads into postseason play with plenty of momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>62 Assists | 4 Aces</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 74 sets | 33 kills | 55 aces | 150 digs | 583 assists | 7.9 a/s</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4A: Harmony Grove Lady Cardinals</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>22-4-1 Overall | 10-0 Conference | 1st in 4A-6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harmony Grove continues to roll through the 4A-6. The Lady Cardinals finished last week 3-0 with wins over Magnolia, Arkadelphia and Harding Academy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='762345' first='Jaycee' last='Bossert'] has been putting up some monster numbers in the middle, but this is a Harmony Grove team with plenty of weapons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Cardinals opened postseason play with a 3-0 win over Mills and now have a big showdown with Baptist Prep. At 22-4-1, Harmony Grove has put itself in a strong position heading into the most important stretch of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Last Week:</strong> 3-0 | Magnolia (3-1), Arkadelphia (3-1), Harding Academy (3-0) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["785641"],"_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-6ad689f636a12"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Harmony Grove setter kept the Lady Cardinals' offense rolling with 126 assists in three victories. Kennach dished out 34 against Harding Academy, 48 against Magnolia and another 44 against Arkadelphia.That's an impressive 42 assists per match, and she wasn't just setting the ball. Kennach added 36 digs and 5 aces, contributing on both sides of the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Harmony Grove's hitters putting up big numbers, Kennach deserves plenty of credit for keeping them involved and the offense clicking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>126 Assists | 36 Digs | 5 Aces</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 83 sets | 33 kills | 828 assists | 10 a/s | 171 digs | 82 aces</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">5A: Benton Panthers</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-2-1 Overall | 13-0 Conference | 1st in 5A-South</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a week for Benton!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers survived a five-set road battle against Lake Hamilton in one of the biggest 5A matchups of the season, then followed it with straight-set wins over Bauxite and White Hall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Benton's balanced attack continues to be its strength. [player_tooltip player_id='759815' first='Kaitlyn' last='White'], [player_tooltip player_id='749859' first='Isabella' last='Gonzalez'] and [player_tooltip player_id='774111' first='Vivian' last='Hope'] give the Panthers plenty of firepower, while their experienced setters and defense keep the offense rolling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still undefeated in conference play, Benton has two more interesting matchups this week against Hot Springs and Conway.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Last Week:</strong> 3-0 | Lake Hamilton (3-2), Bauxite (3-0), White Hall (3-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773165"],"_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-6ad680daee70d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Benton setter was busy running the Panthers' offense, dishing out 62 assists while adding an impressive 41 digs and 3 aces.Those 41 digs really stand out. Fox wasn't just setting up Benton's hitters, she was doing plenty of work on the defensive side as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With so many offensive weapons at her disposal, Fox plays an important role in keeping the Panthers' attack balanced and finding the right hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>62 Assists | 41 Digs | 3 Aces</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Season Stats</strong>: 78 sets | 33 aces | 199 digs | 376 assists | 4.8 a/s</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">6A: Conway Lady Cats</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>22-8 Overall | 10-1 Conference | Tied for 1st in 6A-Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conway has battled its way back into a tie with Cabot atop the 6A-Central standings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Cats picked up two important victories last week, defeating Little Rock Central in four sets before surviving a five-set battle with Jonesboro.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What continues to impress me about Conway is its depth. The Lady Cats can get offensive production from several players, and Coach Laura Crow has plenty of options when it comes to running the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now comes another big week. Conway hosts Bryant on Tuesday before traveling to Benton on Thursday. Both should be excellent tests as the Lady Cats prepare for the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Last Week:</strong> 2-0 | Little Rock Central (3-1), Jonesboro (3-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["821425"],"_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-6ad680daee79c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Addi Connell came up big for the Lady Cats this week, putting down 22 kills and adding 7 blocks in wins over Little Rock Central and Jonesboro. Connell continues to give Conway a strong presence at the net, providing offensive production while making life difficult for opposing hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the Lady Cats battling for the 6A-Central title, Connell's ability to contribute on both sides of the net will be big down the stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>22 Kills | 7 Blocks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 82 sets | 129 kills | 52 blocks | 22 digs </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The regular season is winding down, but the volleyball is only getting better. If Tuesday was any indication, we're in for one heck of a postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Want to get noticed?</strong> Prep Dig Arkansas is covering players, big performances and rising talent from every corner of the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coaches, players and parents, <strong>send us your standout performances, milestones and game film.</strong> You never know who might be featured next!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Create your FREE player profile at PrepDig.com. And download the Prep Network App and get on ours and coaches radar!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Robert Birch, Lead Scout-Prep Dig Arkansas. Reach out to me at <a href="mailto:bdsrecruiting10@gmail.com"><strong>bdsrecruiting10@gmail.com</strong></a> or connect with me on <strong>X</strong> (@predigRob) <strong>Tik Tok</strong>(@prepdigrob) and <strong>Instagram</strong>(@prepdigarrob)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->