15th Region Preview: Shelby Valley, Paintsville top contenders

In recent years, the Paintsville Tigers had generally been the team to beat in the region. They drove all the way back to the region title game and hoped to bring back the sixth region crown in program history, but the Shelby Valley Kats had other ideas. Shelby Valley came to Paintsville and left with the first region crown in program history with a 3-1 (25-23, 16-25, 25-17, 26-24) win.   Shelby Valley (34-6 last year) did not stop their. The Kats hosted Knott County Central in the first round of state and won 3-1 (25-19, 27-25, 22-25, 25-13) to capture the first state tournament win program history before running into state power Assumption in the state quarterfinals. Shelby Valley actually led Assumption part of the third set in the 3-0 loss. The first round win marked the first time the 15th Region champion won consecutive games in the opening round of the state tournament.   Shelby Valley and Paintsville (28-11) figure to battle for the region crown once again this season.   This marks the final season for the great Paintsville outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='253875' first='Kylie' last='Kinner']. The senior's versatility has grown immensely throughout her career as she first played varsity as a seventh grader. She teams up with another powerful senior outside hitter in [player_tooltip player_id='603814' first='Chloe' last='Reed'], who transferred to the school in January. Reed played club with the current Paintsville players to get used to them. Senior middle [player_tooltip player_id='816699' first='Mallory' last='May'] and senior middle/outside [player_tooltip player_id='742476' first='Annabelle' last='Blankenship'] give the Tigers balance.   Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='890171' first='Addison' last='Helton'] is back at setter and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='898049' first='Kendall' last='Short'] is back at defensive specialist. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='925231' first='Bentley' last='Smith'] generally plays outside hitter or defensive specialist with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='785507' first='Kate' last='Lauffer'] hitting from the pins. Paintsville played in the A Division at the Bluegrass Games, going 1-5 against the likes of Lexington Catholic, Dunbar, Lafayette and the Assumption junior varsity team. However, the Tigers did take Louisville Holy Cross to three sets and beat Christian County without an injured Helton, who hopes to return in a few weeks. Smith stepped into the role and head coach Dawn Kinner commended her for accepting the challenge of trying a new position. Coach Kinner said the Tigers still competed against the state's top teams, proving they belong there and said the team's resiliency to the minor setback allowed them to grow as players and as a team.   Paintsville started the season with a win at Prestonsburg on Monday. The next game is Thursday at home against Floyd Central.   Shelby Valley drove to the state quarterfinals last season led by the all-around play of senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535230' first='Miley' last='Riddle'] and front row dominance of junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='741700' first='Sahnia' last='Linton']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='612248' first='Talynn' last='Johnson'] returns at setter and has plenty of hitters to take advantage of. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='899540' first='Lindsay' last='Baldwin'] is a good option in the middle and freshman outside Allee Sparks looks to make an impact as a six-rotation player. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='740819' first='Audrey' last='McPeek'] in the middle and right side also hopes to give the Kats balance.   Shelby Valley had no seniors last year so the entire back row is also back led by senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='740604' first='Makaya' last='Price'] and senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='535231' first='Ryleigh' last='Perry']. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='800657' first='Aaron' last='Elkins'], [player_tooltip player_id='798550' first='Savannah' last='Church'] and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1012991' first='Hannah' last='Bevins'] also bring depth as defensive specialists.   Shelby Valley head coach Misty Riddle said the experience last season was definitely an eye opener to the potential and possibilities of things this team can accomplish and admitted the pressure to remain at the top will be tough. However, Coach Riddle noted the girls are working hard, but are realistic to the fact the work has to be done in the gym and they can't be satisfied with last season. Coach Riddle added the Kates need to continue to improve because other teams are determined to win.   Shelby Valley opens the season on Aug. 18 against Perry County Central.   57th District   Johnson Central Eagles (19-15)   Johnson Central hired Drew Lafferty in the off-season to take a program that returns a great deal of experience from last season's region quarterfinal team.   The Eagles have size up front in junior 6-1 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='762073' first='Macie' last='Clark'] and freshman 6-0 right side/middle Aly Bryant. Two seniors [player_tooltip player_id='837159' first='Reese' last='Day'] and [player_tooltip player_id='911408' first='Mia' last='Estep'] anchor things on the outside along with senior [player_tooltip player_id='781727' first='Hannah' last='Lakes'], who also did some setting last season. Sophomore setter [player_tooltip player_id='894234' first='Madi' last='Conn'] is also back along with sophomore defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='781733' first='Leah' last='Hall']. Senior versatile defensive specialist/pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535222' first='Caidence' last='Lafferty'] came over from Floyd Central and junior Kinley Parsons could also help at defensive specialist. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='781608' first='Payton' last='Duncan'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='788813' first='Teaghan' last='Casebolt'] could play defensive specialist if not setting. Junior Rachel Horn could set along with sophomore Hannah Burchett, who could also take swings from the outside. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='933493' first='Carly' last='Davis'] could hit from the outside or middle and sophomore Kendyl Baker rounds out the roster on the right side.   Coach Lafferty said he's been encouraged by the team's resilience and teamwork after the Eagles finished runner-up in the Varsity C Division at the Bluegrass Games. He added they never give up on each other, not just in games. He noted the Bluegrass Games were the first time the team had everyone in the rotation there at once and it went as smooth as possible.   The Eagles host Betsy Layne on Aug. 18.   Martin County Cardinals (6-15)   The Cardinals start a new era with Kristen Isaac as head coach.   Martin County has three seniors in setter [player_tooltip player_id='1020029' first='Chloe' last='Jude'], libero Kambria Fluty and Sidney Gantt, whom Isaac credited for showing nice leadership both on and off the court. Isaac also said to watch out for sophomore Reanna Johnson and freshman Taylor Watts. Isaac said together, the group represents a great mix of experience, leadership and young talent the staff is excited to build around this season. Isaac said she's seeing the players establish a baseline for success through the work ethic, consistency and willingness to compete on a daily basis, adding they're learning to hold each other accountable, communicate on the court and stay positive when things don't go their way. More than anything, Isaac said she's seeing them understand that success is built through little things like showing up, putting in the work, being coachable and continuing to push each other.   Martin County opened the season with a 3-0 loss at Lawrence County and heads to Floyd Central this evening.   Magoffin County Hornets (8-10)   Magoffin County has taken slow steps forward improving by one win with Andrea Preston as head coach. One of the key returning players is junior setter Kellen Simpkins.   The Hornets travel to Owsley County on Aug. 18 to start the season.   Floyd Central Jaguars (16-13)   Derrick Akers come in after Floyd Central won a third straight district championship and drove to the region semifinals, but graduated five seniors including their setter Lydia Wallace and two key hitters in Chloe Howard and Rylee Daniels.   Two key returning players are junior defensive specialist Katie Stumbo and senior right side hitter Teagan Stewart. Akers said the team has worked really hard in practice on a daily basies and the potential of growth is really high with the group. Akers said he has several underclassmen that will be a big part of the team success this fall.   Floyd Central opens the season Tuesday at home against Martin County.   Betsy Layne Cats (20-17)   Betsy Layne returns a good bit from last year's region semifinal squad, only graduating two seniors.   The top returning is player is the solid all-around outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='483608' first='Jayden' last='Jarrell']. Three other key returning seniors are libero [player_tooltip player_id='782439' first='Miley' last='Burchett'], setter/right side [player_tooltip player_id='781567' first='Jania' last='Isom'] and opposite/middle [player_tooltip player_id='911407' first='Aubrey' last='Williams']. Freshman outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='898253' first='Kennedi' last='Allen'] also saw a good bit of action last season. Seniors Kylie Samons and Alexis Miller plan to help give the Cats a sound defense with junior Kaylee Parsons at outside/middle and senior Amari Anderson on the right side also taking swipes.   Head coach Krystal Allen said the team has improved mentally leaps and bounds from last season. The team played a lot of games in the summer using a lot of different styles. Coach Allen listed good communication and confidence as keys to success.   The Cats start the season on Aug. 18 at Johnson Central.   Lawrence County Bulldogs (9-16)   The Bulldogs last made the region tournament in 2023. They hope to get there led by senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='943209' first='Aryn' last='Huffman'], who is on track to reach 1000 assists this season.   Lawrence County head coach Autumn Blevins said she believes the Bulldogs have a great group of seniors who are leading out team positively and all players have bought into our goal of winning a district championship. She added she's looking forward to seeing them take the court.   Lawrence Coounty started the season with a 3-0 win over Martin County. The next game is at Fairview tonight.   Prestonsburg Blackcats (7-17)   Wins have not come easy for Prestonsburg, but the good news for new head coach Rikki Gibson is Prestonsburg graduated just two seniors.   Gibson said she's enjoyed the hard work and dedication the players have shown. They may be working out some kinds and trying to find an identity, but Gibson said the team is starting to form a bond on the court. She added the energy and positivity continue to grow and that's what the staff wants to see. Gibson also said if they keep working hard, support one another and bring that positive energy daily, they're only going to improve.   Things start with the dynamic junior duo of setter [player_tooltip player_id='828982' first='Addison' last='Wright'] and outside [player_tooltip player_id='784715' first='Katie' last='Slone']. Freshman Keighly Lewis will be the libero with senior [player_tooltip player_id='834461' first='Kyra' last='Tackett'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='844498' first='Skylar' last='Salisbury'] playing defensive specialist roles. Prestonsburg hopes to see juniors Elizabeth Goble and Kendra Runyon give the team big swings at middle blocker and senior [player_tooltip player_id='802899' first='Marley' last='Allen'] do the same on the outside. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='810860' first='Amelia' last='Newsome'] aims to give the team big swings on the right side.   Prestonsburg started the season with a 3-0 loss to Paintsville. The next game is Wednesday at Magoffin County.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/BaylorHall.jpg?w=920" alt="" class="wp-image-898086" /></figure>   59th District   Pikeville Panthers (18-9)   Erin Akers came over from a region rival trying to lift the Panthers into the upper echelon of the region.   Dynamic setter [player_tooltip player_id='740330' first='Lindy' last='Gearheart'] is back and has a nice bevy of hitters to send balls to in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='484266' first='Kyla' last='Lee'] and [player_tooltip player_id='830981' first='Cat' last='Walters'] on the outside and [player_tooltip player_id='843289' first='Korbyn' last='Williams'] on the right side. Freshman Lexie Wells and junior Kami Cheeks hope to help the Panthers establish the middle with junior Chelsea Williamson starting at libero. Junior Daegan Oliver and sophomore Charlize Compton also aim to help at defensive specialist.   Akers said the Panthers have focused the most on taking their own accountability in drills, being resilient by picking each other up on the court after losing points to push for a win. Akders added they'be been consistent in practies by being competitive in every single drill in order to reach long term goals rather than practicing lazy and expecting wins to come on their own.   Pikeville started the season with a 3-1 loss at Letcher County Central. The Panthers travel to Belfry tonight.   East Ridge Warriors (15-14)   The Warriors put together a winning season in Brooke Fraley's first season as head coach. Some key players did not return, but senior Savannah Wallace, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1019917' first='Kyndall' last='Colley'] and freshman Brianna Wallace give the team some nice play in the middle. Junior Lily Stacy is the team's setter.   Fraley said the returning players generally enjoy playing together. Fraley added they're starting to understand volleyball is a team sport and when they communicate, trust each other and play for one another, they're a reallly fun group to watch. Fraley noted while they've been pushed and things have not gone their way, they continue to come back and compete. Fraley said their confidence has grown daily and they have a lot of potential with the importance of wanting to get better.   East Ridge opened the season with a 3-1 win over Pike County Central. The Warriors host Belfry on Thursday.   60th District   Belfry Pirates (13-13)   The Pirates had a huge question mark at setter entering last season, but sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='875994' first='Abrielle' last='Swain'] more than took that bull by the horns, developing into one of the region's top setters.   Belfry won a sixth straight district crown, the program that once stood as the toast of the region could not pull off the first region tournament win since 2021. Head coach Hannah Muncy agreed that is because the hitters could place balls well, but needed to mix in more speed with the swings. Muncy said talent is there and the focus has been finding purpose with every serve to help outcomes in games. Muncy added one player can't carry a team and things start with good passes leading to good sets to execute hits. Muncy said recognizing each others' roles and individual roles helps their connection, and then they have build off that. Muncy said the team has worked on tempo and running different routes with hitters, which will result in a faster offense, and more competitive game play.   Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='930260' first='Izzy' last='Curry'] hopes to help Hall in the middle with junior Randah Maynard and sophomore Lillie McCoy hoping to give the Pirates balance on the outside. Senior Kadee Dempsey is the libero and sophomore Baylea Smith is also expected to play a pivotal role at defensive specialist.   Belfry starts the season Tuesday at home against Pikeville.   Pike County Central Hawks (15-19)   Kaitlyn Conn played at Paintsville under Coach Kinner and hopes to bring some of those lessons over to building the Pike County Central program.   Conn said Coach Kinner is respected throughout the region and having played for her has helped Conn feel confident in leading the young Hawks team. Conn said Coach Kinner always expected Conn and her teammates to work hard and give their best effort and that's something she's trying to instill in these players. Conn added she's been able to pass on knowledge she learned from Coach Kinner to her players.   Things start in the back row with the defensive specialists in senior Emma Prater, junior Sophie Weddington and sophomore Grace Varney. The setter is junior [player_tooltip player_id='943210' first='Alyssa' last='Hess'] with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='612205' first='Rylee' last='Cote'] and Sadie Vaughn playing in the middle. The outside hitters are sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='846866' first='Kinsley' last='Little'], freshmen Isabella Thacker and Giana Perrin. Junior Kylie Farmer aims to take swings from the opposite side.   Pike County Central started the season with a loss to East Ridge. The next game is tonight at Shelby Valley.   Phelps Hornets (4-17)   Phelps last made the region tournament in 2022. The Hornets have won 11 games in the past three seasons. Senior Cloey Bevins is back to try to help lift the Hornets out of the region cellar. The team's top hitter in junior middle/outside [player_tooltip player_id='612258' first='Baylor' last='Hall'] is also back.   Phelps takes on Beth Haven (West Virginia) to start the season tonight.   Record in State Tournament Since 2003 when state tournament split from eight to 16 regions: 3-23   Most Region Crowns since 2003: Allen Central (consolidated with South Floyd to form Floyd Central in 2017) with seven.   58th District   Players to Watch    Smith normally plays outside or defensive specialist, but had to step into the setter role during the Bluegrass Games as the result of an injury. Head coach Dawn Kinner said she has greatly accepted the challenge until the regular setter returns. Smith ran an efficient offense in the Bluegrass Games and that should benefit the team when the regular setter returns when the team is out of system so hitters can put down balls across the net. Smith has tremendous range on defense. She can track down pushes to deep corners and execute both bump and overhead passes with efficiency.     Johnson (top picture) played a good bit of club ball with her teammates in the spring so she developed even better connections with them and they've added some new twists. Johnson puts great touches on balls and executes a variety of sets including back sets with little lean. Johnson even makes quality out of sytem sets. On defense, she makes the simple passes using her nice range. Johnson executes bump and overhead passes with precision.     Jude may be one of the region's most underrated players. She does a lot of little things trying to help the Cardinals win. Jude has nice touch on her sets and finds open spots on the floor, taking quality swings when needed. She takes minimal steps to balls and makes the simple passes. Jude has shown she can handle well-struck balls and only lunges if needed. She also gives the Cardinals nice net backup.     When Slone has the right spacing off the net, a lot of good things happen. She tools blocks and attacks holes in double blocks and seams relentlessly. Slone shoves balls to deep corners and also sends roll shots to different parts of the court. Slone continues to grow each time she touches the ball.     Hall (bottom picture) has developed some nice speed to complement her outstanding ball placement during club season. Hall tools blocks and makes things happen off out of systesm sets. She sends nice off shots to the back row and tips balls over double blocks to shallow zones on 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. 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In recent years, the Paintsville Tigers had generally been the team to beat in the region. They drove all the way back to the region title game and hoped to bring back the sixth region crown in program history, but the Shelby Valley Kats had other ideas. Shelby Valley came to Paintsville and left with the first region crown in program history with a 3-1 (25-23, 16-25, 25-17, 26-24) win.