14th Region Preview: Tight race could take place for top spot

Many thought the Knott County Central Patriots would take steps backward after winning the first region crown in program history in 2024 and driving to the state quarterfinals, then graduating four strong seniors off that team.   However, the opposite happened. The Patriots put together a school record 36-3, dominating region play at 24-1 after losing at Lesley County to open the season on the way to another region championship before losing at Shelby Valley in the first round of state. Knott County Central graduated four seniors off last year's team including Taylor Baker, who is playing down the road at Alice Lloyd College.   Some may have gone into the offseason thinking the Patriots might take some steps backward, but some reinforcements landed in Hindman in the form of four transfers. After graduating their top three kills leaders, this is where two could come in and help. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='834530' first='Laney' last='Davis'] came over from Perry County Central after leading the Commodores with 203 kills last year. Junior opposite, middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='819895' first='Tiara' last='Bailey'] could also help there after transferring in from 53rd District rival Letcher County Central.   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='783771' first='Avery' last='Sluss'] is back after starting at libero last year along with dynamic all-around senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='484291' first='Zoe' last='Miller']. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='714563' first='Lily' last='Blair'] could also step in and set. Sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='896832' first='Kynley' last='Baker'] and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='912613' first='Rylee' last='Craft'] are also looking to take huge swings on the outside. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='924668' first='Kaylee' last='King'] hopes to step in at opposite or defensive specialist and make a difference.   Two years ago in the state quarterfinals, Knott County Central saw the quick-tempo offense Notre Dame runs and has been working toward that. Head coach Shae Cornett also commended the returning players for being eager to learn. The team opens the season Aug. 18 at Breathitt County.   The two biggest challengers to a Knott three-peat could be the Leslie County Eagles and Letcher County Central Cougars. Leslie County beat Letcher County Central in the region semifinals last year before losing in the championship game to Knott.   The Eagles (26-9 last year) return good experience led by the dynamic senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='603770' first='Jaelyn' last='Johnson'] and senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='912581' first='Tatum' last='Begley']. They only graduated two players from last year's region tournament runner-up squad. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='995570' first='Hailey' last='Napier'] brings back setting and defensive specialist experience.   The Eagles boast depth at the hitting spots. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='815663' first='Lauren' last='Osborne'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1008437' first='Sam' last='Gay'] hope to give the Eagles power in the middle with senior [player_tooltip player_id='944721' first='Kenley' last='Napier'] and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='924311' first='Peyton' last='Hochstetler'] making things happen on the outside. Second-year head coach Alex Washburn said the girls have been asking to stay after practice to take extra reps or work on various skills to improve as both individuals and as a team to stay competitive.   The Cougars (20-15) feature one of the most electrifying freshman liberos in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='762378' first='Piper' last='Adams']. Adams enters high school with 893 career digs. They've lost in the region semifinals the last three years with the last of numerous region crowns coming in 2021.   The Cougars graduated just one senior off last year's team in defensive specialist Katie Combs. However, junior [player_tooltip player_id='997324' first='Addy' last='Blevins'] is back after emerging on defense last season. Senior Kelsi Holbrook is back to run the offense. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='941524' first='Chloe' last='Wright'] saw minimal experience setting on varsity last year.   They will set up three of fhe more dynamic hitters in the region in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='771734' first='Calissa' last='Lowe'] and [player_tooltip player_id='603819' first='Hanna' last='Eldridge']. They make things happen from the outside and middle. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='612103' first='Evany' last='Pack'] is also back after leading the Cougars in kills last year. Pack and Eldridge also hit triple digits in digs last season. Another opposite/middle that could step forward this season is junior Zoey McCullum.   Third-year Letcher County Central head coach Taylor VanHoose noted she has three seniors as well as juniors that know what it's like to come up short of playing in the region championship. VanHoose said they know the dedication it will take to get that far and she said she thinks they're ready to make the sacrifices necessary to get there. VanHoose said the seniors have been the building blocks of the Letcher County Central foundation since she took over, adding theyve put a lot of work into the program, and the team is ready to back them.   The Wolfe County Wolves (19-15) battled back to the region semifinals after battling adversity last season. They graduated four seniors, but could be sneak up on teams with their experience and team chemistry. Many of them played on the same club team at [program_tooltip program_id='740321' first='Bluegrass' last='Volleyball Academy'] in the fall. Head coach Ben White said the team chemistry has been great in the preseason.   Things start with three experienced seniors in outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='603771' first='Madison' last='Deshon'], libero [player_tooltip player_id='603773' first='Grace' last='Ponce'] and middle/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='781599' first='Emily' last='Stephens']. Ponce could be one of the if not the best liberos in the region this fall. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='987364' first='Lauren' last='Moore'] aims to fill in at setter with freshman [player_tooltip player_id='781499' first='Madeline' last='Howard'] hoping to give the team balance on the outside. White heaped heavy praise on the freshmen starting with defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='1008653' first='Rhyan' last='Caudill']. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='533548' first='Shylah' last='Moore'], Jacinda Friend and Olivia Waters along with sophomore Kiley Baisden could also help out defensively. Six-rotation eighth grader [player_tooltip player_id='1008649' first='Raelyn' last='Hollan'] could also be a key contributor on defense with freshman Kenzie Alexander hoping to take swings on the right side and middle.   White said serve reception will be a key for the hitters to take solid swings. White also credited the team for running the fast-paced offense similar to what has been there in the past.   56th District   Estill County Engineers (12-26)   The Engineers won the first district championship in program history and welcome back all but two seniors that graduated from that team. Not only that, the solid junior middle/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='558302' first='Raelynn' last='Turner'] transferred in from Powell County this year and another one could be on the way.   She'll team up with junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='612174' first='Sydney' last='Riddell'] and sophomore pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='882133' first='Brylee' last='Brinegar']. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='876860' first='Kenzie' last='Howard'] could take over the setting duties and second-year head coach Rebecca Pack also said sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1008279' first='Spencer' last='Young'] could play a big role as a middle blocker. Pack said some underclassmen are stepping into huge roles on the court and as leaders. Pack also said the team chemistry is great and the team will have a deep bench to rely on. Pack even said the team has added a freshman team this year.   Estill County opens the season at Montgomery County on Aug. 17.   Powell County Pirates (18-16)   Former Wolfe County assistant Doug Elam takes over a program used to being on top of the district. The loss to Estill County in the district championship last year saw the end of seven straight district championships.   Leading the way is junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='1008270' first='Clara' last='Craig'], who is coming in off a strong club season. Elam described her as a freak athlete. Elam said Craig jumps quick and hits well enough and senior Peyton Jefferson is developing well enough that it may look like the Pirates are running a 6-2 at times, but the default is still the 5-1. Elam also said senior [player_tooltip player_id='801705' first='Emma' last='Rison'] is looking to step in at libero with senior Brooklyn Whitehead stepping in at middle blocker to help fill in a role on net defense.   The loss of three transfers mean sophomore Kherington Reynolds and eighth grader Delaney Cockrell could make significant contributions. Elam also said Danica Helton and Peyton Jefferson will be asked to step in different roles to help out. Elam said the season ended in disappointment last year with the offseason starting with various uncertainties. However, Elam said he's super proud of the group he has and they way they've worked together.   Lee County Kats (13-18)   The Kats hope to make it back to the region tournament for the first time since 2022. They had no seniors on last year's team.   Junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='847233' first='Hollie' last='Chrisman'] comes back after falling two digs shy of 600 last season. They also return four hitters with 105 or more kills last season. Sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='924667' first='Samantha' last='Evans'] and junior Lesha Gross are those two leading hitters. Price also said senior Natalie Price is a leader on the court, a great setter, plays great defense and a strong server.   Owsley County (0-20)   The Owls may have gone winless in Autumn McWhorter's first season as head coach so the Owls have no place to go but up. McWhorter was a senior the last time Owsley County won the district in 2015.   Owsley County graduated five seniors, but returns talented young players such as eighth grader [player_tooltip player_id='1008139' first='Rylee' last='Mason'], who played club ball at Horizon in the spring. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1008143' first='Aubree' last='Anderson'] could set or play defensive specialist. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='811197' first='Aspyn' last='Bowman'] also is training at setter. When in a good rhythm, the Owls have a senior 6-2 outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='1008148' first='Kamilla' last='Marcum'] and anoither talented sophomore hitter in [player_tooltip player_id='1008146' first='Preslee' last='Gay'].   McWhorter listed team chemistry as a key to moving up along with better communication, staying disciplined and a game by game focus. McWhorter also listed working out small things, trust and consistent energy on the court as other keys to taking steps forward.   Owsley hosts Magoffin County on Aug. 17 to open the season.   55th District   Breathitt County Cats (21-10)   The Cats won their first district championship since 2021 in Debbie Spencer's first season as head coach. Gone are two key seniors from that team in Audrynn Hamilton and Brielle Halsey.   Sophomore outside hitter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='764294' first='Emily' last='Bird'] is back after a huge season with senior [player_tooltip player_id='535225' first='Alexis' last='Pelfrey'] returning after playing libero last year. Sophomore Raelyn Back is also back at defensive specialist. Several hitters in senior [player_tooltip player_id='755734' first='Charlie' last='Stacy'] at middle/outside, sophomore middle [player_tooltip player_id='811856' first='Brinsley' last='Neace'], sophomore outside/middle [player_tooltip player_id='812039' first='Brystal' last='Allen'] and sophomore outside/middle [player_tooltip player_id='1008493' first='Brylee' last='Curtis'].   Spencer said winning district was huge for the program, but that is in the past now, adding nothing is guaranteed with a 0-0 start. Spencer said the current focus is daily improvements, hard work in practice, holding each other and putting the team first. Spencer added if the team takes care of little things and keeps building the right culture, she believes other things will fall in place.   Breathitt County opens the season at home against Knott County Central on Aug. 18.   Jackson City Tigers (10-17)   The Tigers hope to take steps forward with the graduation of just one senior last year. Senior Natalie Napier returns after leading the team in assists and kills last year.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/user-uploads/IMG_1037-1.jpeg?w=974" alt="" class="wp-image-995929" /></figure>   54th District   Perry County Central (9-22)   The Commodores graduated five players off last year's region tournament team and saw their top returning setter and top two hitters transfer away. However, second-year head coach Emily Neace said the program has displayed improvement with working together as a team and coming together as a family on and off the court. Neace added that's important, win or lose, rain or shine. Thus, she's excited to see what the Commodores will accomplish this year.   Junior defensive specialist/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='840158' first='Brinley' last='Nicely'] leads the way. Neace also said to watch out for sophomore Julee Johnson at setter, sophomore Emily Waddell at defensive specialist and senior pin hitter Autumn Bentley.   Hazard Bulldogs (14-15)   The Bulldogs fell just one game short of .500 in Max Mitchell's first season as head coach. They may have graduated 11 seniors, but do return a good bit of experience led by senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='965935' first='Rachel' last='Allen'] and senior middle [player_tooltip player_id='965936' first='Rihanna' last='Warren']. Coach Mitchell also said sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='994600' first='Megan' last='Mitchell'] could step in at setter. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='994599' first='Kaydence' last='Stollings'] could make plays at right side or middle with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='994601' first='Carter' last='Robinson'] making plays at opposite hitter and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='892402' first='Zoe' last='Gabbard'] at outside hitter.   Hazard opens the season Aug. 17 at Buckhorn.   Buckhorn Wildcats (7-25)   The Wildcats graduated five seniors off last year's team. Their returning stats leader is junior Molly Mullins with 197 digs.   Buckhorn hosts Hazard on Aug. 17 to start the season.   53rd District   Jenkins Cavaliers (8-18)   Jenkins will be working in a new setter after last year's main one graduated. The Cavaliers graduated three seniors total.   However, their top two kills leaders are back in junior middle [player_tooltip player_id='965823' first='Abby' last='Lilly'] and sophomore outside [player_tooltip player_id='965827' first='Kassidy' last='Bolling']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='965828' first='Sophia' last='Wilder'], sophomore defensive specialist Khloe Sexton and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='965826' first='Addi' last='Bailey'] are back to anchor the defense. Bailey could also take some swings on the outside and Bolling put up good defensive numbers last year.   Coach Wilder said the team's success will come down to consistency, finishing strong and embracing the team-first culture. Coach Wilder added if the players communicate, compete every point and continue to grow together, she believes the group has the potential to surprise a lot of people.   The team hosts Hazard on Aug. 18 to start the season.   June Buchanan Crusaders (16-18)   The Crusaders will be led by two powerful junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='941384' first='Zoey' last='Moore'] and defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='965839' first='Kambria' last='Marshall']. Both play club at BVA.   First-year head coach Bradley Moore said the team hopes to continue to have more productive gym time and game play. He said as the team confidence builds, the Crusaders could surprise people. Coach Moore also said younger player development is always a key to success, but sharpening the skills of the established player will lead to victories on and off the court in their personal growth as a student athlete.   Cordia Tigers (0-12)   Winning a set would be a start for the Tigers, which did not happen last season. Senior Jaylen Camacho and sophomore Ailee Couch lead the way there.   Record in State Tournament Since 2003 when state tournament split from eight to 16 regions: 2-23   Most Region Crowns since 2003: Letcher County Central with 14.   Players to Watch    Miller (pictured at top) brings back a lot of experience for the Patriots. Her versatility goes a long way for the Patriots and they try to take full advantage of it. Miller makes things happen in every statistical category. Her touch on her sets has improved as she involves a number of players and is not afraid to take big rips on slides and out of system sets. Miller has a nice roll shot and puts down overpassed balls with authority. She adds in stellar ball control and serving.     Johnson (above) helps the Eagles win in more ways than one. Johnson takes solid rips from all six positions on the court. She can send across sound down balls when the team is out of system. Johnson attacks holes in double blocks and seams with precision. Her jump serves are also tough to handle. Johnson also excels at softball and track and field for Leslie County.     If the Cougars are to make it back to the 14th Region mountain top, Pack will play a big role in it. Pack is extremely consistent with her swings and first touches. Pack has a great court IQ. She sees the openings on the court and rips balls toward them. She will send them down the line on one play then hit over blocks with her high vertical jumping ability. Pack also makes good in-air adjustments. She might to up like hitting a cross. only to send an off shot to the corner for a big point.     Ponce has a motor and it proves vital to keeping plays alive, under control. Ponce has outstanding range and comes to nice stops to beat balls to their destinations on the floor. Ponce's leadership on and off the court is commendable. She does a great job making sure teammates are in the right positions. She's quick to praise them after the team scores poitns and pick them up if the play does not go their way. Ponce also sends across a sound jump float serve.     Bird is one of those hitters that opponents need to know where she is at all times on the court. Bird has a quick wrist snap to sends balls screaming to the ground with a great downward trajectory. Bird tools blocks and puts over solid line shots and crosses. Bird makes sound in-air adjustments. She makes sound first touches and pounds out serves to different zones of the court.    Note from Writer   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> or @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigoh/#">prepdigoh</a> 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.

Many thought the Knott County Central Patriots would take steps backward after winning the first region crown in program history in 2024 and driving to the state quarterfinals, then graduating four strong seniors off that team.