Sub-State Thursday: Five Games to See in Battle for State Bid

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Notes: Do you want to get in front of Prep Dig Scouts? This is one big way to do it. The annual Kentucky Exposure Tour in Wilder is Nov. 28. Click on this link to register:</em> <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2489/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-kentucky" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://events.prepdig.com/e/2489/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-kentucky</a>. <em>For 25 percent off, type</em> ET26Mike25OFF <em>at checkout.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A grand total of 48 teams are left in Division I. Half of them will secure victories to make it to Murfreesboro for the state tournament next week. These five match-ups could be huge battles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AAA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Science Hill (40-4) at Knoxville Central (33-5), 7 p.m. EST</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hilltoppers went 1-2 in the state tournament beating Clarksville in the first round before losing in the semifinals to Summit then Arlington in the consolation bracket. Science Hill has the balance to not only make it back to state this year, but to go further. Libero [player_tooltip player_id='801983' first='Isa' last='Dau'] has done a great job tracking down balls this season with [player_tooltip player_id='952575' first='Claire' last='Lamb'] and Kaitlyn Wallace helping Science Hill form a solid defense. In addition, Alexandria Wagner has scored quick points for Science Hill with her serving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Setter [player_tooltip player_id='952563' first='Lucy' last='O'Daniel'] then takes over and distributes the ball with outstanding precision to the tune of a .335 team hitting percentage. Knoxville Central may have to be effective with solo blocking with six players in triple digits in kills. [player_tooltip player_id='831123' first='Chloe' last='Conner'], [player_tooltip player_id='812534' first='Clara' last='McBride'] and [player_tooltip player_id='842073' first='Bryleigh' last='Scott'] lead the way there with [player_tooltip player_id='952571' first='Sofia' last='Pavlovich'] and [player_tooltip player_id='952566' first='Lizzie' last='Clark'] adding to that offensive balance. Those five have also helped Science Hill form a nice net defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Knoxville Central tandem of outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='804457' first='Ally' last='Bryant'] and setter [player_tooltip player_id='938826' first='Pyper' last='Clevinger'] has been a handful for opponents with their all-around play. The two may need the best games of their careers, especially helping control the net. Science Hill has 190 blocks as a team compared to 83 for Knoxville Central.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Malie Moore, [player_tooltip player_id='806109' first='Kaylin' last='Wiley'], Trinity Brooks and Lennox Hinton have given Knoxville Central offensive balance. [player_tooltip player_id='837245' first='Rhealee' last='Haunhorst'] leads Knoxville Central on defense with Ellie Buttram making nice contributions on first touches. Jolie Sheddan has made things happen with her aggressive serving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Soddy-Daisy (22-12) at Oakland (24-9), 7 p.m. CST</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two teams had to beat district champions to make it to this round. Both teams have great balance so net control could go a long way in this one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wetherly Barker takes the most sets for the Trojans with Emerson Owens and Audra Eubank stepping in to also take some. [player_tooltip player_id='791632' first='Gracie' last='Simpson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='834677' first='Leah' last='Morgan'] lead the way offensively with Emmy Barker, Mary Hampton Howell, June Finnell and Aubree Wilson adding to the balance. [player_tooltip player_id='958173' first='Farrah' last='Hilliard'] and Ava Simmons lead the way on defense with Rowan Simpson coming in and helping the Trojans put up walls at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Patriots feature one of the state's top freshmen in [player_tooltip player_id='1000577' first='Kinsley' last='Richard']. [player_tooltip player_id='997245' first='Stella' last='Logan'] and Kinley Northcutt do a great job with first touches to setter [player_tooltip player_id='1051794' first='Ella' last='Kate Knox']. Carlina Bauer, Laila Overton, Amiyah Cobb and Cecilia Damron give the Patriots powerful swings and sound blocking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elizabethton (19-12) at Seymour (22-6), 7 p.m. EST</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The host District 3 and Region Two champion Eagles have [player_tooltip player_id='938824' first='Abigail' last='Prado'] and she could be the difference in this one. Isabella Hylan leads the team in digs with Alexandria Wood making nice plays on defense. Kenzie Warner and Laralie White have split the sets. Elena Hylan, Baylie Sliger and Ayda Patterson give the Eagles balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sydney Minton is the top passer for Elizabethton and Mollie Ledford has made a nice contribution there as well. The Fighting Cyclones have seen Kinsley Brittain and Abby Gwinn split the sets. [player_tooltip player_id='835540' first='Mahala' last='Nave'] and [player_tooltip player_id='959187' first='Jasy' last='Shell'] lead Elizabethton in kills. [player_tooltip player_id='835420' first='Madilyn' last='Moore'] and Kelsey Whitaker may need to step forward to lead the Fighting Cyclones to the state round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Crockett County (29-11) at Covington, 7 p.m. CST</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cavaliers have 11 appearances and an all-time record of 5-27 in the state tournament and Covington has six appearances and an 0-16 mark in state tournament history. One will earn the chance to try to change those fortunes in Murfreesboro.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two battled on Sept. 8 with Crockett coming out with a 3-2 (13-25, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13) win at Covington. The Cavaliers have setter [player_tooltip player_id='988551' first='Lakyn' last='Forsythe'] to go with three sound hitters in [player_tooltip player_id='959322' first='Wesley' last='Thornton'], [player_tooltip player_id='816413' first='Madi' last='Collins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='988552' first='Emilee' last='Chandler'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1051973' first='Ava' last='McCalla'] and Raylynn Elder have given the Chargers sound all-around play with Abby Ward setting things up. Kale Wheeler also makes an impact on defense with Layton Smith adding offensive balance. Caroline Cole and Kenleigh Jacobs have landed key aces for quick points this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Loretto (26-18) at Merrol Hyde, 7 p.m. CST</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs have to head north to make it back to Murfreesboro, but that's nothing new to them. They've done it before and are hoping for a different outcome than last season, while the Hawks know they will have to play great to win the rematch of last year's sub-state game on their home floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Loretto looks to have the advantage with depth led by [player_tooltip player_id='946539' first='Haylee' last='Bennett'], [player_tooltip player_id='1021644' first='Shanna' last='Fisher'] and [player_tooltip player_id='946530' first='Bella' last='Grace Sanderson']. [player_tooltip player_id='946538' first='Tate' last='Newton'] and Ava Sharpe have split the sets with Lilly Augustin and Francesca Folli also contributing to the Loretto attack. [player_tooltip player_id='1051978' first='Taylor' last='Reedy'] leads the team in digs with Delaney Pusser making major contributions on defense and serving. Jules Melton has made some key blocks as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hawks have several versatile players in [player_tooltip player_id='842926' first='Jena' last='Wright'], [player_tooltip player_id='959318' first='Gentry' last='Hansen'], [player_tooltip player_id='991509' first='Izzy' last='Shaw'] and Caellainn Harrigan. Wright leads the team in kills with Hansen and Harrigan splitting the assists. [player_tooltip player_id='810398' first='Adeline' last='Miller'] also gives Merrol Hyde a nice lift on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Keep Eyes On</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["938826"],"_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-6acfe33075315"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clevinger (pictured) does an outstanding job setting up the Knoxville Central hitters for success. Clevinger executes a variety of sets. She has quick hands and does not lock her arms. Clevinger puts up timely blocks and provides the Bobcats with crucial net defense. Clevinger is not afraid to surprise opponents with left-handed shots to the front row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1051794"],"_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-6acfeb9b4964b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Knox has a nice touch on her sets. She contributes in most every statistical category. Knox consistently hits setting targets to allow hitters to put great power into balls. Knox makes the most of out of system sets and executes nice shoots. Knox has quick reflexes on defense and does a great job swing blocking. Knox is not afraid to take quality swings when needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["938824"],"_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-6acff8750303b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Prado is a sound all-around player for the Eagles. Prado uses a great vertical jump to hit over and around blockers. She tools blocks and sends sound off shots to the back row. Prado pounds out crosses after great attack approaches and takes quality swings on pipes. Prado attacks seams and holes in double blocks with precision.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1051973"],"_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-6ad0434255bc0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McCalla has turned into a nice all-around player for the Chargers. She puts balls down when Covington needs a big kill. McCalla has improved her passing. She has great instincts on the court, lunging after balls. McCalla makes the simple passes to jumpstart Covington's offensive rhythm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1051978"],"_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-6ad04673a6c30"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reedy has been a nice contributor for Loretto on defense and serving. She executes overhead and bump passes regularly and is not afraid to dive after balls. Reedy puts nice topspin on her serves. She sends balls to different locations and does not hesitate to go after weak passers.</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 and a half 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 -->