Division I-A State Tournament Preview, Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Notes: Do you want to get in front of Prep Dig Scouts? This is one big way to do it. The annual Kentucky Exposure Tour in Wilder is Nov. 28. Click on this link to register:</em> <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2489/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-kentucky" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://events.prepdig.com/e/2489/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-kentucky</a>. <em>For 25 percent off, type</em> ET26Mike25OFF <em>at checkout.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Eagleville (40-6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles have put together another solid season building off last season's state championship run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Things start in the back row with [player_tooltip player_id='803215' first='Presley' last='Knowles']. [player_tooltip player_id='964308' first='Liza' last='Freise'] and [player_tooltip player_id='829915' first='Autumn' last='Burns'] making crisp passes to setter [player_tooltip player_id='964306' first='Kinni' last='Rose Campbell']. [player_tooltip player_id='940988' first='Campbell' last='Leathers'] uses her size well to dominate the front row and has plenty of help with [player_tooltip player_id='938492' first='Brylee' last='Bain'], [player_tooltip player_id='964305' first='Harper' last='Bugg'] and [player_tooltip player_id='833967' first='Kaylen' last='Baker'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts (27-6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles feature the versatile 6-3 outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='791683' first='Sydney' last='Heisig']. She makes things difficult on opponents with not just her size but her versatility. She makes plays happen all over the court and has a nice surrounding cast.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1004219' first='Marisa' last='Green'], [player_tooltip player_id='1004220' first='Zaniyah' last='Beasley'] and Anniston Aldridge help create space for Heisig. Kala Foster and Scout Coulter split up the sets after nice passes from dynamic libero [player_tooltip player_id='791700' first='Aubrey' last='McLain']. CSLA has a nice back row with Jylian Harbin, [player_tooltip player_id='884341' first='Eliana' last='Macaulay'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1004213' first='Chloe' last='Chapman'] covering nice ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Merrol Hyde (18-6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hawks rallied from down 2-0 in the sub-state to reverse sweep Loretto to make it back to the state tournament. [player_tooltip player_id='842926' first='Jena' last='Wright'], [player_tooltip player_id='959318' first='Gentry' last='Hansen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='991509' first='Izzy' last='Shaw'] lead the offensive attack for Merrol Hyde with Hansen and Caellainn Harrigan splitting up the sets. [player_tooltip player_id='796324' first='Liv' last='Maxwell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='810398' first='Adeline' last='Miller'] also make huge contributions on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Summertown (31-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles are once again back in the state tournament overcoming some inexperience in key spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='984929' first='Zoei' last='Bonner'] runs a nice offensive attack for the Eagles, distributing the ball well in a balanced attack. [player_tooltip player_id='984925' first='Izzy' last='Garland'], [player_tooltip player_id='984928' first='Lena' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='984932' first='Macy' last='Pettus'], [player_tooltip player_id='984923' first='Lu' last='Mason'] and [player_tooltip player_id='984930' first='Ava' last='Cornelius'] all have at least 156 kills on the season. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='984915' first='Madeline' last='Gilliam'] anchors the defense along with sophomore Lucy Rubert. Gilliam also leads the Eagles in aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Bledsoe County (30-9)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors are making the first state tournament appearance in program history. Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='1047537' first='Addie' last='Fields'] leads with her versatility with Olivia Hooks, [player_tooltip player_id='1016617' first='Carson' last='Sells'], [player_tooltip player_id='1047540' first='Jada' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='836277' first='Molly' last='Agee'] and [player_tooltip player_id='815054' first='Kaylan' last='Angel'] giving the Warriors balance. Bailey Carroll anchors Bledsoe County in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. South Greene (23-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='808866' first='Kinley' last='McCaslin'] has fit in nicely after transferring in from a rival to help the Rebels make it back to state. McCaslin and [player_tooltip player_id='761034' first='Emma' last='Padgett'] make a nice one-two punch for South Greene. Jaelynn Fillers and Emma Wright do a nice job setting things up for them. [player_tooltip player_id='1021620' first='Ella' last='Bailey'] anchors the back row with Bayleigh Youmana also making sound first touches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. Middleton (23-8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers are seeking their first state tournament win in the fourth appearance in program history. Abygayle Fernandez, Brooklyn Webb and Macee Mitchell lead Middleton in kills with Emma Howell handling the setting. Molly Kate Hobbs leads Middleton in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. Halls (10-11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers made it to the state tournament behind the play of [player_tooltip player_id='882377' first='Megan' last='Hickey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1017344' first='Emma' last='Hickman']. This is the seventh state tournament appearance for the west Tennessee team. They are 2-12 all-time in state tournament play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://poll.fm/17595816","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"crowdsignal","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-crowdsignal wp-block-embed-crowdsignal"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://poll.fm/17595816 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["833967"],"_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-6ad61954071d7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Baker (pictured) may fly under the radar a bit on the loaded team, but she contributes many different ways. Baker comes in off fakes and pounds balls to deep corners. She takes sound line swings and tips over blocks. Baker executes red plays from the back row to the opposite side. Baker sends over spin on her jump serves leading the team in aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1004219"],"_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-6ad61f5b0869a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Green has given the Eagles another nice, reliable option on the outside. Green has good ball placement and a nice downward trajectory on her swings. She sends sound off shots down lines and uses a good wrist snap to cut balls away from blockers. Green takes precise out of system swings and makes crisp first touches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["796324"],"_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-6ad6df283539d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Maxwell displays consistent play at the libero spot for the Hawks. She reads hitters well and does what she can to beat balls to their destinations to the floor. Maxwell makes nice adjustments on redirected balls. She is consistent on defense and serve receive. Maxwell forms nice walls around balls to jumpstart the Merrol Hyde offensive rhythm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["984929"],"_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-6ad6e1735ec5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bonner has built off what she did as a freshman, running a smooth offense. She distributes balls well putting the hitters in great position to terminate balls. She has improved her touch and decision making. Bonner does not hesitate to find the hot hitters. Bonner makes nice passes and is helpful with the Eagles at the net with her size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["815054"],"_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-6ad6e7b87ce20"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Angel gives the Warriors great balance. Angel tips over blocks to shallow zones and tools blocks. She takes quality out of system swings for Bledsoe County. Angel has a nice wrist snap to put cut shots away from double blocks. Angel also makes quick first touches then gets into attack position to send nice off shots to open back lines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1021620"],"_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-6ad6e7b87ce4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bailey has stepped in and made sound contributions in the back row for the Rebels. Bailey does not hide behind blocks. She steps to balls and uses a good platform to jumpstart the South Greene offensive rhythm. Bailey provides quality net backup and makes nice out of system sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for two and a half years and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigkentucky/#">prepdigkentucky</a>, @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigtennessee/#">prepdigtennessee</a> 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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->