12th Region Preview: West Jessamine has new threats to fend off

The West Jessamine Colts have no doubt been the toast of the region claiming nine of the last 10 region crowns. Since Bill Bird took over in 2014, West Jessamine has not lost more than two games in a season to region opponents. They are 62-1 against region opponents the last six seasons with that lone loss coming to East Jessamine in 2024.   The Colts return experience at every position and have some talented nwecomers ready to step in for the four seniors that graduated from last year's team that finished 28-12 team that lost at home to Notre Dame in the first round of state. Junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='755065' first='Taylor' last='Grace Snowden'] after putting up 1,171 assists along with sophomore libero [player_tooltip player_id='774738' first='Ava' last='Smith'] and the multi-talented senior middle/outside [player_tooltip player_id='603652' first='Ashlyn' last='Crutcher']. Snowden and Smith played together on the 16 Elite team and Crutcher played for the 17 Elite club team at Lexington United in the fall. Others also played at LUV and other clubs such as Bluegrass Reign and [program_tooltip program_id='934901' first='Reps' last='Volleyball Club'].   Senior right side [player_tooltip player_id='523963' first='Dani' last='Long'] and junior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='851950' first='Kayla' last='Avent'] also return after hitting triple figures in kills last year. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='801517' first='Delaney' last='Dix'] is also back to help anchor a sound Colts defense. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='505929' first='Kaylee' last='Rexroad'] in the middle and right side, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='943736' first='Allison' last='Evely'] at the pins and middle also hope to take big swings along with sophomore pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='948650' first='Campbell' last='Pearman'] and freshman middle/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='938777' first='Harper' last='Goins']. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='935031' first='Posey' last='Bower'] also hopes to make an impact at setter or right side hitter. Freshman Natalie Mitchell and eighth grader Olivia Moberly round out the varsity roster.   West Jessamine finished 5-2 driving to the gold quarterfinals in the Varsity A Division at the Bluegrass Games. Bird said the team took huge steps forward from the first day to the last with improved communication, better execution on fundamentals, team chemistry and growing offensive confidence.   The Colts start the season Aug. 18 at home against Whitley County.   The rise of 46th District rival Trinity Christian Titans (33-7) to region runner-up in just the fourth season playing in the postseason is impressive. The Titans did it with a team of mostly sophomores. With only two seniors graduating, Trinity Christian entered the season as a potential challenger to the Colts. The Titans did take two sets out of three meetings against the Colts last season. Head coach Chad Gray said staying healthy will be a huge key this season as only 10 players out of the 38 girls in the school grades 9 through 12 grace the roster.   The dynamic junior duo of pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='897249' first='Elizabeth' last='Battaile'] and outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='612250' first='Amelia' last='Stanton'] lead the way for the Titans. Junior middle/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='934898' first='Evie' last='Hardin'] may just be 5-5 but has a game-changing 27-inch vertical height. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='955942' first='Gisele' last='Ragland'] also showed promise on the right side. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='917137' first='Harper' last='Huhn'] anchors the defense. The big question for Trinity Christian entering the season comes at setter. Junior Isabel Clark and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='949908' first='Ella' last='Guarnieri'] hope to fill in that role. Gray called Guarnieri a game changer.   The Titans travel to Tates Creek on Aug. 18 to start the season.   Historically, if one team has given the Colts trouble, it's been Southwestern. The Warriors have taken the Colts to five sets in various region tournaments over the years including the semifinals two years ago. However, another contender from that county might emerge thanks to the possibliy the state's biggest transfer this off-season. Junior 5-10 Wyoming commit [player_tooltip player_id='456584' first='Ramsie' last='Turner'] took her talents near Lake Cumberland to play for the Somerset Jumpers (22-14) this fall after spending two seasons at Assumption and setting for the Kentucky Indiana Volleyball Academy top 16 Red team in the spring. Turner and her mom said the transfer took place so the family could be together this year. Her older brother Guy is a senior quarterback on Somerset's football team.   Somerset head coach LaDawna Tucker confirmed Turner is the first player in the history of the program that played its first varsity match in 2003 with Open Division experience at the club level. The majority of Somerset's returning players played with Tucker for the regional [program_tooltip program_id='432190' first='South' last='Central Sparks'] in the spring. The Jumpers are coming off the first district championship in program history. Turner has been hitting from the pins in the preseason, especially since Somerset returned senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='917151' first='Charleston' last='Girdler'] after recording 982 assists last year. She'll form a nice combination with senior lefty [player_tooltip player_id='535194' first='Sara' last='Tucker'].   Junior Ally Idlewine and senior [player_tooltip player_id='535263' first='Reagan' last='Childers'] anchor the defense with sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='951665' first='Paisley' last='Stringer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='932239' first='Haley' last='Bragg'] also hoping to contribute there. Senior Kacie Smith, junior Booke Church and sophomore Jocelyn Painter are listed as setters. Two juniors [player_tooltip player_id='815419' first='Kaitlyn' last='Mobley'] and Emma Jacobs could contribute in the middle and outside. Sophomore Kodi Easter could take swings on the right side.   Coach Tucker said she has a lot of freshman entering the program this fall. Only outside hitter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='930797' first='Olyvia' last='Keck'] saw action on varsity last year. But Evalyn Blair Pyles started at middle in the Bluegrass Games that saw the Jumpers go 5-1 in Varsity B competition. Another freshman in [player_tooltip player_id='1002113' first='Taegan' last='Bullock'] at outside/middle could start by the end of the season. Coach Tucker also said to watch out for 5-11 middle Maggie Sobieck.   Coach Tucker said the majority of them playing for the [program_tooltip program_id='432190' first='South' last='Central Sparks'] has helped develop the chemistry. She added the team flows well on the court.   Somerset travels to Clinton County on Aug. 18 to start the season.   45th District   Boyle County Rebels (18-19)   The Rebels won their fourth straight district crown and are favored to win a fifth despite the graduation of three seniors including power hitter Charli Grubbs.   They do return junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='1012608' first='Peyton' last='Kelley'] along with four powerful senior hitters in middle/outside [player_tooltip player_id='816674' first='Maleeah' last='Smith'], middle/right side six-rotation player Lilly turner, outside Macie Broadwater and right side Reece Klosterman. Senior opposite Shelby Thompson also helps to give the Rebels balance. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='943734' first='Alexis' last='McClure'] showed promise during club season as a setter. Another sophomore in JC Haddix will also step in to set.   Head coach Eric Kenoyer said the team will be more balanced than previous years. However, they are not big so good defense and running the offense with consistency will be keys to success for the Rebels. Kenoyer added the Rebels will have to beat teams different ways.   Boyle County hosts Wayne County to start the season Aug. 18.   Danville Admirals (10-21)   The Admirals found themselves back in the region tournament for the first time since 2022, and graduated just two seniors.   Junior [player_tooltip player_id='791013' first='Addi' last='Funkhouser'] leads the defense with senior [player_tooltip player_id='786982' first='Macee' last='Vest'] returning to set and contribute on defense. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='776217' first='Anye' last='Thompson'] is back at middle and the outside after leading Danville in kills. Junior Petra Hawkins is back on the outside and junior Xyanne Wilkinson returns in the middle. Head coach Kayleigh Hunstad said the players have been putting many hours in the gym working on their volleyball skills and leadership abilities. Hunstad said these five hab been with the program since she started her coaching journey there in both middle school and high school, adding they've helped develop the core values and implemented them within the program.   Danville travels to East Jessamine to start the season on Aug. 17.   Danville Christian Warriors (11-11)   The Warriors graduated seven seniors from last year's squad. Freshman Brianna Imfeld returns after finishing second on the team with 122 kills. Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='834541' first='Lara' last='Kate Sears'] could step forward this year.   Danville Christian hosts Boyle County on Aug. 21.   Garrard County Lions (6-24)   Spencer Moore takes over a program that struggled last year after making the region the previous two seasons. Senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='998422' first='Grace' last='Lockard'] is the team's leading returning player and Moore listed freshman outside/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='999226' first='Kiana' last='Cowan'] as one to watch in June. Moore said several players have taken steps forward throughout the offseason such as senior setter Kendall Quinn, eighth grader Paisley Kramer and junior AJ Evans.   Moore said the group has really embraced the opportunity that comes with having a new head coach, a completely new system and a new culture, adding they've used it as an opportunity to grow instead of being intimidated by it. He said between 25 and 30 athletes have been at open gyms and conditioning sessions compared to between five and 10 the previous year. Moore said that commitment has made the transition to a faster, more comples offensive system much smoother because everyone has been willing to put in the work and compete for reps.   Garrard County hosts Casey County on Aug. 17 to start the season.   Lincoln County Patriots (4-23)   The Patriots got off the snide last season by ending a 38-game losing streak with a 3-2 win at Danville on Aug. 25. The administration promoted Jasmine Whited to head coach in the offseason and the former Lincoln County player hopes to continue to guide the program back up the ladder. Lincoln County last won a district crown in 2021.   The Patriots saw three seniors including setter Audrey Foster graduate, but four key seniors return in outside hitters [player_tooltip player_id='813234' first='Emma' last='Murphy'], Autumn Sallee, 6-1 middle blocker Hailee Elmore and defensive specialist McKenna Ames. Whited said the returning players bring expeirence, leadership and an understanding of what it means to wear the Lincoln County uniform, adding she wants them to help set the tone in practice, hold each other accountable and lead by example for the younger players. Whited added she want the returning players to take ownership of the program and help create a culture built around hard work, confidence, teamwork and competing every single day. Whited said if that happens, she believes the team can build a stronger program and take steps forward each season.   Lincoln County opens the season Aug. 17 at Mercer County.   Kentucky School for the Deaf Colonels (0-12)   The Colonels had just two seniors last year. The first step forward is winning a set, which did not happen last season.   The Colonels take on Richmond Model on Aug. 26.   46th District   East Jessamine Jaguars (13-14)   The culture change under Abby Coofer's guidance has been a process, but the dividends are starting to show up. The team graduated six seniors off last year's squad. Coofer said the team has been putting in the work in the offseason. Coofer said the team had a 32-hour tough week, adding the junior and sophomore classes bring a lot of grit, noting she's coached the entire team since they were in middle school. Coofer commended her staff for bringing a similar mindset with lots of varied specific positional feedback and experiences.   Junior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='912943' first='Hillary' last='Stansbury'] and sophomore middle/outside [player_tooltip player_id='880649' first='Eva' last='Howard'] are the team's two leading returning hitters. Two sisters in junior [player_tooltip player_id='762100' first='Abby' last='Lawson'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='797203' first='Molly' last='Lawson'] could set with [player_tooltip player_id='762100' first='Abby' last='Lawson'] also playing outside hitter and [player_tooltip player_id='797203' first='Molly' last='Lawson'] also playing defensive specialist. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='879832' first='Leah' last='Carroll'] could set if not hitting from the pins. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='802537' first='Laycee' last='Stephens'] is back as a defensive specialist. Three seniors also expected to conribute are right side/middle [player_tooltip player_id='831593' first='Elizabeth' last='Nelson'], middle Hayden Browning and right side Maddie Peel. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='879489' first='Cara' last='Lyons'] and Kat Alexander could also take swings from the pins.   East Jessamine hosts Frankfort on Aug. 17 to begin the year.   Mercer County Titans (13-9)   Head coach Lynn Flach said she's had great leadership from her five seniors led by setter [player_tooltip player_id='603852' first='Lizzie' last='Nichols'] and 6-1 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='535245' first='Anne' last='Whitenack'].   The other three are Anniston Keller, Kendyll Smith and Charlee Flach. Coach Flach said they are a lot of fun to coach and have taken the younger kids in and have modeled how to be better and meet expectations. Coach Flach also said to watch out for two freshmen in pin hitter/setter Makinlee Moore and Karis Wilham, thus she's is really looking forward to what happens this season.   Mercer County starts the season against Lincoln County on Aug. 17.   Burgin Bulldogs (2-16)   The Bulldogs graduated five seniors off last year's team that struggled. Junior setter Macy Greenleaf is a key returning player.   Burgin travels to Frankfort on Aug. 19.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/user-uploads/SaraTucker-1.jpg?w=772" alt="" class="wp-image-749745" /></figure>   47th District   Pulaski County Maroons (18-13)   The Maroons made it back to the region tournament for the 15th year. Albeit, it was not as district champions like it had been the previous three years.   Pulaski County graduated five seniors from that team, but does return talented senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='535242' first='Olivia' last='Travis'] and the solid all-around junior middle blocker/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='906146' first='Taylor' last='Absher']. Junior Lillie Price hopes to give the Maroons balance on the right side with three junior anchoring the defense in Lakelynn Dykes, Chloe Cranfill and Southwestern transfer [player_tooltip player_id='753354' first='Ella' last='Baker'].   Head coach McKenzie McCollum-Mullins said the girls do a good job of going the extra mile and the team chemistry is good. Mullins added the goals of deep postseasom runs from recent years have not changed.   Pulaski County travels to Madison Central on Aug. 18 to open the season in non-region play.   Rockcastle County Rockets (11-21)   Kylee Fain Hamilton takes over a program looking to rise up after missing the region tournament last fall and graduated four seniors.   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='999269' first='Abby' last='Hopkins'] and junior Katie Valle are back after splitting setting duties with junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='816409' first='Madelynn' last='Parsons'] back as the team's returning kills leader. Junior right side/middle [player_tooltip player_id='999279' first='Kaiya' last='Njie'] and sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='999280' first='Khloe' last='Bussell'] could also be in for big seasons at the net with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='799617' first='Trinity' last='Abney'], Kenzie Owens and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1000641' first='Leighton' last='McKinney'] leading the way on defense.   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1000640' first='Chloe' last='Wilson'] could contribugte at outside hitter or defensive specialist with senior [player_tooltip player_id='829699' first='Arrahlyn' last='Richards'] taking swings from the outside and Carleigh Philbeck doing the same at right side and middle. Senior Callie Thacker also hopes to contribute at defensive specialist. Junior defensive specialist Caylee Cash and junior pin hitter Jaycee McIntosh round out the roster. Hamilton said she likes the team's eagerness to get better and try new things, adding they are a talented bunch.   The Rockets host Lincoln County on Aug. 18.   Casey County Rebels (8-17)   The Rebels had their struggles last season and things don't get any easier in the district this season. Head coach Lindsey Perkins saw four seniors graduate fromt he team including the two leading hitters Elizabeth Forbes and Amy Lee.   However, senior setter Grace Mason is back along with senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='930492' first='Morgan' last='Weddle']. Perkins also said to expect bign things with junior middle blocker Bella Davidson and senior outside hitter Mariah Cain. Perkins said she sees the Rebels taking steps forward through stronger communication, improved teamwork and greater concistency in skills. She praised the girls for recovering from mistakes quicker, supporting one another during games and making better decisions on the court. Perkins added the effort in practice has led to more confidence on the court and a stronger ability to compete as a team. While still room to grow, Perkins said Casey County's progress shows the team is developing both individually and collectively.   Casey County travels to Garrard County on Aug. 17.   48th District   Somerset Christian Cougars (26-9)   The Cougars won the district in Noble Stafford's first season as head coach and drove to the region semifinals. They are led by senior all-around [player_tooltip player_id='846737' first='Caroline' last='Mounce'] and senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='753664' first='Callie' last='Davis']. A pait of sisters in senior middle blocker Catherine Hardy is also back and younger sister freshman Claire Hardy will take over the setter spot.   Stafford said the Bluegrass Games were huge in the team's growth with the graduation of four senior starters, noting filling in roles has its challenges. That marked the first time the entire starting lineup played together since June so they had to work through technical things, but he liked their self awareness and dedication to fixing the cohesion. By the final day, Stafford said team showed determination and motivation, thus really getting into a groove then took the bracket championship. He acknowledged rough patches when the starting lineup includes young players. Stafford said they're learning, know what's expected of them and are working hard to achieve goals.   Somerset Christian hosts the Cumberland Home School team on Aug. 18 to start the year.   Southwestern Warriors (6-26)   The Warriors worked through a tough season that saw a lot of inexperienced players take the court.   Head coach Mitzi Jones said the girls have shifted the culture through accountability and off-season work. Jones said the majority of them played club during the spring, they came back with a completely elevated level of court awareness and competitive edge. Jones said they are not letting last year hold them down, but use it as fuel to improve this year and it can be seen in the gym with how they attack each drill with a renewed sense of purpose.   Junior setter Amelia Frey is back along with senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='936420' first='Sarah-Jane' last='Brisley']. Senior outside hitter Andrea West and senior middle blocker Addison Baldwin are also back after leading the Warriors in kills last year.   Southwestern travels to Russell County on Aug. 18.   Wayne County Cardinals (17-18)   The Cardinals made it back to the region tournament for the first time since 2021 and return a good bit from that team led by junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='749482' first='Hannah' last='Denney'] and senior outside/middle Abbe Hicks. Sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='923391' first='Anastyn' last='Gossage'] also came around last season. Wayne County also returns two talented juniors in middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='749748' first='Harlow' last='Clark'] and outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='611973' first='Peri' last='Guinn']. Freshman Bella Pittman could make an impact on the outside or at defensive specialist.   Wayne County hosts Clinton County on Aug. 17.   McCreary Central Raiders (17-16)   Veteran head coach Amy Goins gets the most out of the team each season. What has eluded the Raiders over the years is district wins. The 3-1 (15-25, 25-15, 26-24, 25-17) win at Southwestern on Sept. 4 last season marked the first win over any team in the current district since the last win over Wayne County on October 10, 2011 in the old 47th District championship game.   Things start with senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='811598' first='Bailey' last='Terry'] and senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='783569' first='Madison' last='Ryan']. Two juniors in middle/outside [player_tooltip player_id='888256' first='Layla' last='Silcox'] and outside [player_tooltip player_id='612011' first='Kahlei' last='Clark'] also return after sound seasons along with junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='829390' first='Alyssa' last='Vanover'] and senior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='830192' first='Bailey' last='Jones']. Two freshman setters come back after a year of varisty experience in Bella Reynolds and Kyndal Wilson.   Goins commended Terry for taking the leadership role in a positive way, holding everyone accountable and pushing them hard. Goins also said the freshman class is strong. Thus, the staff is looking forward to seeing how things come together.   The Raiders start the season against Casey County at home on Aug. 20.   Record in State Tournament Since 2003 when state tournament split from eight to 16 regions: 15-23   Most Region Crowns since 2003: West Jessamine with nine   Players to Watch    Dix (top picture) communicates well in the back row and makes the simple passes for the Colts. She makes quick reactions on defense, taking minimal steps to balls. She only lunges out of necessity with her great range, but keeps plays alive under control. Dix forms walls around balls and makes great adjustments on redirected balls.     Stanton is a scoring machine on the go routes. She tools blocks and takes hard swings down the line and to other zones on the court. Stanton mixes in precise off shots over blockers. Stanton hits balls so hard they carom off defenders and out of bounds even when opponents are in good position to dig up balls. Stanton also does a good job placing overpassed balls away from opponents.     Tucker (bottom picture) uses her lefty swing fully to her advantage. Tucker sends hard balls down the line and puts over tough crosses. Tucker mixes in sound off shots to keep defenses guessing. She tools blocks and takes advantage of swings after teammates execute fakes. If one thing does not work, Tucker tries something else. Tucker is also a sound passer and serves aggressively.     Cowan could turn into one of the top freshman in the region this season with her work ethic. New Garrard County head coach Spencer Moore said Cowan has continued to grow taller and stronger. He credited Cowan for seeing her ball speed amplify and punish defenses for staying stagnant by hitting spots with power during the Bluegrass Games.     McCreary Central head coach Amy Goins commended Terry's leadership in the preseason. She does a lot of things for the Raiders. She makes smooth transitions from defense to offense. Terry helps the Raiders control the net in a number of ways. She is a sound blocker and records nice roll shots to different parts 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.

The West Jessamine Colts have no doubt been the toast of the region claiming nine of the last 10 region crowns. Since Bill Bird took over in 2014, West Jessamine has not lost more than two games in a season to region opponents. They are 62-1 against region opponents the last six seasons with that lone loss coming to East Jessamine in 2024.