The Road to Hot Springs: 2A, 3A and 4A Regional Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's postseason time in Arkansas, and the stakes just got a whole lot higher. The regional tournaments are where the pressure starts to build. Across the 2A, 3A and 4A classifications, we've seen some impressive individual performances, players stepping up in big moments and teams battling to extend their seasons. While team success gets most of the attention this time of year, several players deserve individual recognition for what they've brought to the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some of the players who caught our attention during regional tournament play as the road to Hot Springs continues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A East Piggott Over Palestine-Wheatley 25-11 | 25-20 | 25-13</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["815837"],"_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-6ada2250e9f5e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700","anchor":"acf-block-6ada2250e9f5e"} --> <p class="text-gray-700" id="acf-block-6ada2250e9f5e">I had a chance to watch the regional championship game online, and I have to say, thePiggot Lady Mohawks looked pretty dominant in their three-set victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One player who really caught my attention was [player_tooltip player_id='815837' first='Libby' last='Brantley']. Brantley is someone I haven't covered before, but in my ongoing search to identify talent across Arkansas, she certainly stands out. She finished with 13 kills and 3 blocks in the championship match, following an even bigger performance in the semifinals against Corning, where she hammered down 19 kills and added 6 blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What impressed me most wasn't just the production. Brantley moves well around the court and looks comfortable handling several aspects of the game. She's athletic, active and has a good feel for what's happening around her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One thing I particularly liked was her blocking technique. Rather than simply getting her hands on the ball, Brantley showed the ability to direct her blocks toward open areas of the court. That's a skill that can turn a good defensive play into an immediate point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>32 kills and 9 blocks in two regional tournament matches is certainly enough to get my attention. Libby is someone I'll be keeping an eye on as the Lady Mohawks head into the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A North-Cotter wins 3-1 over St Josephs 25-17,25-22, 14-25, 25-22</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1046675"],"_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-6ada2250e9fa6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1046675' first='Lily' last='McNutt'] has been on a tear lately. Actually, she's been doing it all season. The Cotter freshman came up big in the 2A North Regional championship, with 24 kills to lead the Lady Warriors past a strong St. Joseph team in a five-set battle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing a legitimate 6'4", McNutt is one of the tallest players in Arkansas high school volleyball. She commands attention at the net, and the scary part for opposing teams is that she's still learning the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite being just a freshman, McNutt has already piled up 530 kills and 136 blocks this season, setting Cotter school records for both categories. That's some serious production from a player who still has three years of high school volleyball ahead of her. But this isn't just about one player. Cotter spent the offseason challenging itself against tougher competition, preparing for moments just like these. That work is paying off, and the Lady Warriors aren't heading into the state tournament just happy to be there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With McNutt leading the way, Cotter looks ready to make a serious run at a state championship in Hot Springs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["883421"],"_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-6ada6a9b5b68a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You can't talk about Cotter's regional championship without talking about big sister [player_tooltip player_id='883421' first='Myah' last='McNutt'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While younger sister Lily was putting up monster numbers, Myah was doing her part, finishing with 17 kills and 10 digs in the Lady Warriors' five-set victory over St. Joseph.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And Myah has been making some history of her own. According to the <em>Baxter Bulletin</em>, she moved into second place on Cotter's all-time career kills list Wednesday, passing Kenna Collins' previous mark of 584.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've been able to watch some of Myah's play early in her high school career, and one thing that stood out, even as a freshman and sophomore, was her ability to get on top of the ball. She does a great job adjusting to sets that aren't always perfect and still finding a way to put the ball down with authority.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's also a tremendous all-around athlete. Away from the volleyball court, Myah is an accomplished softball player and an outstanding pitcher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best part for Cotter? Myah still has another year of high school volleyball ahead of her, and the Lady Warriors aren't losing much from this year's roster.I'm looking forward to seeing how Myah performs against strong competition at the state tournament. Cotter has put together an impressive season, but the road won't be easy. A tough Mansfield squad is lurking on their side of the bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And one more milestone worth mentioning: Coach Guthrie picked up her 125th career victory as Cotter's head coach. Congratulations, Coach!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm excited to watch the McNutt sisters and the rest of the Lady Warriors when state tournament play gets underway next week in Piggott.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A Northwest Hackett over Mansfield 3-0 25-16 | 25-23 | 25-17</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- 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-6ada6a9b5b6ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='749847' first='Ryleigh' last='Decker'] led Hackett with 13 kills as the Lady Hornets swept Mansfield 3-0 to claim the 2A Northwest Regional championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two teams split their regular-season meetings, but Decker and the Lady Hornets have now taken both the district and regional titles from last year's 3A state champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Decker delivered early to get them going with 6 kills in the first set of the match, helping Hackett secure a No. 1 seed for next week's 2A State Tournament in Piggott.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A South Taylor over Columbia Christian 3-0 28-26 | 25-21 | 25-23</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1001572"],"_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-6ada6a9b5b6b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1001572' first='Kendall' last='Hamlin'] led the way as the Taylor Lady Tigers roared through the 2A South Regional, defeating Columbia Christian to claim the championship. The senior was a force throughout the tournament, piling up 38 kills, 8 aces, 10 blocks and 29 digs across three matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a great all around effort with Kallie McHenry dishing out 94 assists and 24 digs, Macy Downs with 20 kills and an astounding 20 aces, and Carsyn Grant added 16 kills with 30 digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Hamlin leading the charge, the Lady Tigers head out on a long journey north to the state tournament with a No. 1 seed and plenty of momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3A East CRA over Harrisburg 3-0 25-12 | 25-15 | 25-21</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1008471"],"_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-6ada2250e9fcd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1008471' first='Tenley' last='McMillon'] showed exactly why she's in the conversation for Prep Dig Arkansas Player of the Year! With a regional championship on the line, McMillon delivered 16 kills on .308 hitting and 13 digs to help Crowley's Ridge Academy take down Harrisburg in the 3A East Regional final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McMillon has been a big part of the Falcons' success all season, and she came through again when the stakes were high. That is what you expect from a Player of the Year candidate, and McMillon delivered with a regional title at stake. On to Hot Springs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1053673"],"_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-6ada2250e9fef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1053673' first='Ryan' last='Gramling'] kept the Falcons' offense rolling in the 3A East Regional championship, dishing out 32 assists in the win over Harrisburg.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the hitters lined up, Gramling made sure the Falcons had plenty of opportunities to attack. She directed the offense through a championship match and helped Crowley's Ridge Academy secure the regional title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gramling's 32 assists were another strong performance from a setter who has been instrumental in CRA's success this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3A North- Charleston over Paris 3-2 17-25 | 20-25 | 28-26 | 25-21 | 16-14</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1045216"],"_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-6ada2250ea00f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Charleston has won seven of its last eight matches, including three straight to capture the 3A North Regional championship. After finishing fourth in the 3A-1 conference at 7-5, the Lady Tigers have caught fire in the postseason, rallying from two sets down to defeat host Paris 3-2 in the regional final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore co-captain [player_tooltip player_id='1045216' first='Anna' last='Kate Lovett'] has been a big part of that run. She leads Charleston with 221 kills, averaging 5.1 per set, while adding 25 aces, 147 digs and 173 receptions this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lovett has taken on a major role despite being just a sophomore, and the Lady Tigers are playing their best volleyball at the right time. They'll look to keep that momentum rolling Tuesday at the 3A State Tournament in Quitman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>3A South Fountain Lake over Conway Christian 3-2</strong> 21-25 | 13-25 | 28-26 | 25-16 | 15-10</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- 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-6adb8f56b8d96"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a comeback by Fountain Lake! Down two sets to Conway Christian in the 3A South Regional championship, the Lady Cobras battled back to pull off the reverse sweep, including a 28-26 thriller in the third, to claim the title. They were one point from going home!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aliyah McKellar played a big role in the comeback, finishing with 7 kills, 20 assists, 20 digs and 7 service points. McKellar's versatility was on display throughout the match, contributing as both a setter and attacker while putting in plenty of work defensively. Her all-around performance helped Fountain Lake complete the reverse sweep and secure the regional championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>4A East Brookland over Westside <strong>3-2</strong> 17-25 | 25-21 | 27-25 | 21-25 | 15-1</strong>2</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1008021"],"_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-6ada2250ea03d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1008021' first='Lynley' last='Seyler'] came up big when Brookland needed her most, putting down 20 kills and collecting 33 digs in a five-set battle against Westside for the 4A East Regional championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Bearcats had to fight for every point, eventually pulling out a 15-12 victory in the deciding set. Seyler's offensive production and work on the back row were key in getting Brookland across the finish line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finley Lawless provided plenty of help, adding 14 kills on .263 hitting as Brookland secured the regional title and a No. 1 seed heading into the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>4A North Pottsville over Harrison</strong> 3-1 25-15 | 25-19 | 24-26 | 25-20</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1041480"],"_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-6ada2250ea06d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a bit of a surprise, Pottsville knocked off Harrison 3-1 to capture the 4A North Regional championship, and [player_tooltip player_id='1041480' first='Ella' last='Drown'] was right in the middle of it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Drown delivered 15 kills on .303 hitting, adding 3 blocks, 15 digs and 15 receptions. She went toe to toe with Harrison standout middle [player_tooltip player_id='749870' first='Grace' last='Jennings'] (15 kills, 4 blocks,2 aces). Ella contributed across the board, giving Pottsville production at the net and steady play in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Apaches took the first two sets before Harrison fought back to win the third. Drown and Pottsville finished the job in the fourth, securing the regional title and a No. 1 seed heading into the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>4A South Bauxite over Harmony Grove</strong> 3-1 </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- 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-6adc0cee9f086"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perry has been filling up the stat sheet all season, and the regional tournament was no different.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bauxite junior and Prep Dig Player of the Year candidate hammered down 50 kills, averaging 4.5 per set while hitting .333. She also handed out 45 assists, picked up 32 digs and added 6 blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Asa has ability to do just about everything on the court. But overall it's her passion for the game that shines. All the physical tools and the leadership to go with it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other standouts were sophomores, Libero Ellye Bowman with 41 digs and DS Ema Ellington with 33 digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["764421"],"_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-6adc0cee9f0dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't overlook what [player_tooltip player_id='764421' first='Rylee' last='Ferrell'] did for Bauxite during regional tournament play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The junior finished with 30 kills, 55 assists, 24 digs and 6 blocks. That's a lot of production from a player who shares both the setting and attacking responsibilities with [player_tooltip player_id='769825' first='Asa' last='Perry'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I really like the flexibility Bauxite has with these two. Both can set, both can attack, and neither has to come off the court to make the offense work. Ferrell led the team in assists during the tournament while still putting down 30 kills of her own. Having two players who can produce those kinds of numbers gives opposing defenses plenty to worry about.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other standouts: Middles sophomore AJ Barnes with 23 kills and 9 blocks and junior Arabella McClure with 13 blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The playoffs are set, the road to Hot Springs is Mapped out. Sites all across Arkansas are about to showcase some top-shelf Volleyball. Piggott is hosting 2A state, Quitman is hosting 3A, Bauxite is hosting 4A, Farmington is hosting 5A and Northside is hosting 6A. All roads lead to Hot Springs!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Robert Birch, Scout-Prep Dig Arkansas. Reach out to me at <a href="mailto:bdsrecruiting10@gmail.com"><strong>bdsrecruiting10@gmail.com</strong></a> or connect with me on <strong>X</strong> (@predigRob) <strong>Tik Tok</strong>(@prepdigrob) and <strong>Instagram</strong>(@prepdigarrob)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->