<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Championship Saturday Award Winners</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) selected the following 2026 State Championship MVPs:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><th>Classification</th><th>MVP</th><th>School</th></tr><tr><td>2A</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='744272' first='Catelyn' last='Edwards']</td><td>Hackett</td></tr><tr><td>3A</td><td>Aliyah McKellar</td><td>Fountain Lake</td></tr><tr><td>4A</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1008021' first='Lynley' last='Seyler']</td><td>Brookland</td></tr><tr><td>5A</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='746203' first='Taylor' last='Wherry']</td><td>Mount St. Mary</td></tr><tr><td>6A</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='749906' first='Molly' last='Miller']</td><td>Fayetteville</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>PREP DIG ARKANSAS PRESENTS</em></strong></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">THE DIGGIES</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Arkansas Activities Association has crowned its state champions and named its championship MVPs. Now it's our turn to recognize some of the players who made championship weekend special.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Welcome to <strong>The Diggies</strong>, Prep Dig Arkansas' own collection of state finals awards. We're going beyond the traditional MVP honors to recognize the hitters, setters, defenders and all-around competitors who stood out when it mattered most. Some put up huge numbers. Others made the plays that don't always get the attention they deserve. And a few simply refused to let their teams go down without a fight. From THE DAWG to THE GENERAL, LIGHTNING &amp; THUNDER to THE DYNAMIC DUO, each award recognizes something different.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And above them all sits <strong>QUEEN OF THE COURT</strong>, our highest individual honor for the most outstanding overall performance of the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are your <strong>2026 Diggies Award winners.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THE DAWG | [player_tooltip player_id='1007098' first='Adeline' last='Godwin'] | Mansfield | 2A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1007098"],"_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-6ae79d9f9017c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I had and up close look at the Mansfield side of the court in their clash with Hackett as I ended up being the ball boy for the last match of the night. Every time I looked up, I saw Adeline in the middle of the action. She was slow to get up several times, limping at times, and sometimes just looked exhausted, but when the whistle blew, she was ready. All match long she was relentless. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whether she was chasing balls down, setting her teammates, swinging for a kill or disrupting an opposing hitter, Godwin was up to the task. She earns my award for<strong> DAWG</strong> of the 2026 Diggies</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Championship Stats:</strong> <strong>14 kills | 15 assists | 18 digs | 2 aces | 1 block assist</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THE X-FACTOR | [player_tooltip player_id='769825' first='Asa' last='Perry'] | Bauxite | 4A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["769825"],"_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-6ae79d9f90226"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I have written about Asa quite a bit. Yeah it might get a little old...yes we all know, she's an elite athlete, she can do it all, etc... It's true. Perry is all that and more. Heading into club season, just ask her 501 teammates. Asa is willing to make the sacrifice play, willing to take the big swing, make the block or the assist. But she is so much more than that. She is a coach, cheerleader, phycologist on the floor. More than just a player, she makes everyone around her better. That is her X-Factor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Saturday, she knew all eyes were on her when the match got tight. She was willing to take the big swing, win or lose, she's going to step up. Her numbers this year have proven her an X-Factor. Saturday was no different.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Championship Stats:</strong> <strong>15 kills | 15 assists | 11 digs | 2 solo blocks | 1 block assist</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THE CLOSER | Aliyah McKellar | Fountain Lake | 3A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["829277"],"_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-6ae79d9f90315"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aliyah has gotten more publicity the last three days that she is gotten all year. Not because she didn't deserve it, WE missed it. Rarely do you see a single player dominate a team game the way that McKellar did Saturday morning. What a way to kick of the championship day with a super star performance. It's not only what she did, it's when she did it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McKellar took over the final set. She was 7 of 17 with no hitting errors, dished out 7 assists, had an ace and 7 digs. The best was the final kill that skirted the top of the net and fell in on the other side of the court before the MASSIVE Fountain Lake crowd exploded. That how you become the 2026 Diggies<strong> CLOSER</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Championship Stats:</strong> <strong>18 kills | 20 assists | 19 digs | 3 aces | 3 block assists</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THUNDER AND LIGHTNING | [player_tooltip player_id='771153' first='Beaux' last='Cameron'] | Har-Ber | 6A</strong> <strong>AND [player_tooltip player_id='749847' first='Ryleigh' last='Decker'] | Hackett | 2A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["771153"],"_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-6ae79d9f9038b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cameron had a tall task ahead of her. Literally and figuratively. Facing a Fayetteville front line that just sends wave after wave of 6 footers (D1 commits no less) against her, but also the tall task of pulling the upset of, what I considered the best team in the state. The Bulldogs only had one loss on the season that came from, you guessed it, Har-Ber and they were determined that wasn't going to happen again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite that, the high flying Cameron slammed down 18 kills in 3 sets. The closest 3 set match I have personally witnessed. Every set went to the wire. Cameron kept swinging and kept scoring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beau is the 2026 Diggie <strong>Thunder</strong> winner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Championship Stats:</strong> <strong>18 kills | 48 attempts | 12 digs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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-6ae79d9f903fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Decker matched Cameron's production in the day's finale. In a 4 set battle with familiar foe the Mansfield Tigers, Ryleigh continued to blast way until the job was done. Both teams played incredible back row defense and it seemed like every point went back and forth several times. 25 tied scores and 15 lead changes it how this one went down in four sets. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Decker kept swinging, in fact 50 times on the night. Her first and last sets where best. Decker had 7 kills and only one error in the first set then struggled with Mansfield's defense in the 2nd and 3rd sets, but in crunch time she saved the best for last with 8 kills to finish the job.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Decker is the <strong>Lightning</strong> of the Diggies 2026 Thunder and Lightning!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Championship Stats:</strong> <strong>18 kills | 50 attempts | 8 digs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THE GENERAL | Molly Miller | Fayetteville | 6A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749906"],"_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-6ae79d9f90470"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='749906' first='Molly' last='Miller'] was in complete control of Fayetteville's offense during the Lady Bulldogs' three-set sweep of Har-Ber in the Class 6A state championship. Miller finished with 39 assists, averaging an impressive 13 assists per set against one of the state's top teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fayetteville recorded 43 kills and hit .282 as a team, with Miller directing an offense that kept Har-Ber's defense working throughout the match. She consistently found her hitters, distributed the ball effectively and helped Fayetteville close out three competitive sets, 27-25, 25-21 and 25-22.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the 2026 Diggies, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='749906' first='Molly' last='Miller'] is THE GENERAL</strong>, the player directing the attack and putting her teammates in position to succeed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Championship Stats:</strong> <strong>39 assists | 9 digs | 1 kill</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THE VACUUM | [player_tooltip player_id='1008853' first='Lexie' last='Schuermann'] | Brookland | 4A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1008853"],"_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-6ae79d9f9054f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some players make their mark with big swings and highlight-reel kills. Others make sure those balls never hit the floor. Brookland's [player_tooltip player_id='1008853' first='Lexie' last='Schuermann'] falls into that second category.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In Brookland's four-set state championship victory over Bauxite, Schuermann was a steady presence in the back row. She finished with 16 digs and handled 36 serve-receive opportunities with just two errors. That's a lot of responsibility in a championship match, especially against a Bauxite team with plenty of offensive weapons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensive players don't always get the recognition they deserve. Their work can get lost behind the kill totals and offensive highlights. But anyone who understands volleyball knows how valuable a reliable back-row player can be, particularly when a championship is on the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1008853' first='Lexie' last='Schuermann'] earned <strong>THE VACUUM</strong> at the 2026 Diggies because she spent the afternoon doing exactly what the award represents. Keeping the floor clean!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Championship Stats:</strong> <strong>16 digs | 36 serve receptions | 2 reception errors | 5 assists | 1 service ace</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THE WORKHORSE | [player_tooltip player_id='749917' first='Kenzy' last='Hogue'] | Fayetteville | 6A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749917"],"_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-6ae79d9f905c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kenzy was my pick to be a difference maker in this game. Why, because she can take over and dominate a game when needed. Hogue was dominate on Saturday. Whether it was defense at the net, drilling home kills, or dropping in aces, she was nearly perfect on the night. Only blemish was one hitting error on an otherwise incredible days work. Put her on a team that doesn't have as many weapon and her stats would be astronomical. She is that good. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kenzy does everything and more that her team asks of her. She's a true team player and a wonderful young lady off the court. We are lucky to get to see her and most of this Bulldog team another season. She is this year's 2026 Diggies<strong> WORKHORSE!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Championship Stats:</strong> <strong>13 kills | .500 hitting | 6 digs | 2 aces | 4 solo blocks 1 block assist</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THE SPARK PLUG | [player_tooltip player_id='1058930' first='Madison' last='Duncan'] | Brookland | 4A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1058930"],"_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-6ae7ea3beaf6b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madison brought a little bit of everything to Brookland's four-set state championship victory over Bauxite. Duncan finished with 10 kills, 19 digs and four service aces, making an impact on both sides of the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her defensive effort was particularly impressive. Duncan recorded 19 digs and handled 10 serve-receive opportunities without an error. She also tied teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1049560' first='Kyleigh' last='Combs'] with four aces, giving Brookland another weapon from the service line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That kind of effort earns [player_tooltip player_id='1058930' first='Madison' last='Duncan'] <strong>THE SPARK PLUG</strong> at the 2026 Diggies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Championship Stats:</strong> <strong>10 kills | 19 digs | 4 service aces | 10 receptions, 0 errors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THE SNIPER | [player_tooltip player_id='749911' first='Avah' last='Brown'] | Fayetteville | 6A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749911"],"_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-6ae7ea3beaf8a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ahhh...[player_tooltip player_id='749911' first='Avah' last='Brown']. One of my favorite players to cover. This lefty is an incredibly dominate right side hitter. On this night, she was picking of points with ease. Typically she is the focal point of this Bulldog offense, but on Saturday she played within the system perfectly. And I mean perfectly. 8 kills in three sets may seem average, but this is against a Wildcat team that held Fayetteville to its lowest hitting percentages of the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Avah truly was a sniper Saturday. She picked off point with precision. She's had bigger kill totals. But this night it was accurate and deadly. And with a smile. That makes here the Diggies <strong>SNIPER </strong>award winner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Championship Stats:</strong> <strong>8 kills | 15 attempts | 0 errors | .533 hitting | 3 digs | 1 block assist</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THE ACE | [player_tooltip player_id='1049560' first='Kyleigh' last='Combs'] | Brookland | 4A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1049560"],"_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-6ae7ea3beafb6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1049560' first='Kyleigh' last='Combs'] made her presence felt from the service line in Brookland's four-set victory over Bauxite. Combs finished with four aces, putting pressure on the Bauxite serve receive while helping the Bearcats build momentum throughout the match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But her contributions went well beyond serving. Combs handed out 27 assists, directing the Brookland offense and keeping her hitters involved. She also added two kills and three digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four aces in a state championship match will get your attention. Doing that while running the offense makes Combs a deserving winner of <strong>THE ACE</strong> at the 2026 Diggies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Championship Stats:</strong> <strong>4 service aces | 27 assists | 2 kills | 3 digs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">THE DYNAMIC DUO | Catelyn &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1017880' first='Bailey' last='Edwards'] | Hackett | 2A State Champions</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["744272"],"_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-6ae7ea3beafe7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='744272' first='Catelyn' last='Edwards'] had a championship performance worthy of recognition on its own. The Hackett setter finished with 37 assists, six kills, 12 digs and three aces as the Lady Hornets defeated Mansfield in four sets to claim their third consecutive Class 2A state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edwards did exactly what you want from a setter in a championship match. She distributed the ball, found opportunities to score herself and contributed defensively. Her six kills came on just 13 attempts with two errors, giving her an impressive .308 hitting percentage. She also added four block assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the 2026 Diggies, Catelyn shares <strong>THE DYNAMIC DUO</strong> award with her sister, [player_tooltip player_id='1017880' first='Bailey' last='Edwards'], who added 12 kills, seven digs, two aces and four block assists in the championship victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Together, the sisters combined for 18 kills, 39 assists, 19 digs, five aces and eight block assists. That's a pretty good day's work with a state championship on the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Championship Stats:</strong> <strong>37 assists | 6 kills | .308 hitting | 12 digs | 3 service aces | 4 block assists</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1017880"],"_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-6ae7ea3beb009"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bailey made sure Hackett had plenty of offensive firepower in its Class 2A state championship victory over Mansfield. While her sister Catelyn was directing the offense, Bailey was busy finishing plays, recording 12 kills on 32 attempts with just four errors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> She wasn't just swinging away looking for kills. She contributed at the service line, helped defend the net and did her part in the back row. Her 16 points in the championship match reflected just how much she contributed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Winning a state championship is special. Winning a third consecutive title while sharing the court with your big sister makes it even better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For their combined performance in Hackett's championship victory, <strong>Bailey and [player_tooltip player_id='744272' first='Catelyn' last='Edwards'] are THE DYNAMIC DUO at the 2026 Diggies.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746203"],"_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-6ae7ec6faf2db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Diggies' Highest Honor</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Championship Stats:</strong> <strong>27 kills | 74 attack attempts | .257 hitting | 14 digs | 1 service ace | 2 block assists</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seventy-four swings. Twenty-seven kills. Five sets. One state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='746203' first='Taylor' last='Wherry'] left just about everything she had on the court in Mount St. Mary's five-set victory over Valley View in the Class 5A state championship. And when it was over, the Belles had a state title, Wherry had the AAA Championship MVP award, and we had our <strong>QUEEN OF THE COURT</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wherry's 27 kills were impressive enough, but the 74 attack attempts tell you just how much Mount St. Mary relied on her. Valley View knew where the ball was going, and Wherry kept answering the call. She finished with a .257 hitting percentage against a defense that had plenty of opportunities to prepare for her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She wasn't just an offensive weapon, either. Wherry added 14 digs, an ace and two block assists, recording a double-double in one of the most competitive championship matches of the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mount St. Mary needed every bit of that production. The Belles battled through five sets before taking the deciding set 15-12. Wherry carried a heavy offensive workload while continuing to contribute defensively, even as the match stretched into its final moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We created The Diggies to recognize more than just the biggest stat lines. We wanted to recognize the players who competed, delivered under pressure and made the greatest impact on championship weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wherry checked every box.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746203' first='Taylor' last='Wherry'] is the 2026 Prep Dig Arkansas QUEEN OF THE COURT, the highest honor of The Diggies.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->