Season in Review: 11th Region

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2024 high school volleyball season in Kentucky's 11th Region was a spectacle of elite talent, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. This year, from seasoned powerhouses like Lexington Catholic and Paul Laurence Dunbar to rising contenders such as Great Crossing and Frederick Douglass, the season showcased why the 11th Region remains a hotbed for volleyball excellence in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a recap of the season's top teams, standout players, and dramatic storylines that defined the Region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Final 11th Region Rankings</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Lexington Catholic</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Paul Laurence Dunbar</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Frederick Douglass</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Great Crossing</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Franklin County</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Lexington Catholic - (Overall: 26 -7 Region: 14 -4 District: 5 -2)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Knights soared to historic heights in 2024, solidifying their place among the state's elite programs. With a deep roster combining experienced seniors and rising underclassmen, Lexington Catholic's balanced attack, which was virtually unstoppable, proved to be a force to be reckoned with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key moments included a dominant regular season, a 43rd District Runner-Up finish, and avenging their district loss to Paul Laurence Dunbar with a commanding victory in the 11th Region Championship—marking their <strong>first-ever regional title</strong> and snapping a 30-game losing streak against the Bulldogs. Their inspiring run ended with their inaugural trip to the State Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Record Highlights:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>43rd District Runner-Up</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>11th Region Champions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>First-Ever State Tournament Appearance</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["178869"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674b8fa0b931d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The senior became Lexington Catholic's <strong>All-Time Kills Leader</strong>, cementing her legacy as one of the program's greatest players. Her leadership and offensive firepower were pivotal to the team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["603863"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674b8fa0b93b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The sophomore setter showed poise well beyond her years, orchestrating the offense precisely and calmly under pressure. Hall's double-doubles in critical matches made her a cornerstone of the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535172"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674b8fa0b942b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A junior middle hitter whose strong offensive and defensive presence at the net played a crucial role. Duncan is poised to lead the Knights again next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Paul Laurence Dunbar - (Overall: 27-9 Region: 13 -2  District: 6-1)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Bulldogs continued their tradition of excellence in 2024, claiming their <strong>fourth consecutive 43rd District title</strong>. Their season was a testament to resilience, blending veteran leadership with emerging talent and inspiring all who witnessed their journey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dunbar's highlight came with a thrilling victory over Lexington Catholic in the district championship. Despite falling to the Lady Knights in the regional final, Dunbar's gritty semifinal win over Frederick Douglass underscored their status as one of the state's most consistent programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record Highlights:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>43rd District Champions (4th Consecutive)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>11th Region Runner-Up</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["198544"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674b8fa0b94a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The senior setter/RS was the team's engine, delivering clutch performances in high-stakes moments and precisely guiding the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["276177"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674b8fa0b950c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A standout middle, Stuart excelled on both sides of the net. Her slide swings and precise blocking made her a force to be reckoned with this season for Dunbar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frederick Douglass - (Overall: </strong>27 -7 Region: 12 -2 District: 6-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Frederick Douglass cemented its reputation as one of the Region's most dynamic teams, relying on athleticism and aggressive play to compete at the highest level. Their thrilling five-set regional semifinal against Dunbar was one of the season's most memorable matches, showcasing their grit and determination. With a young core and an experienced coaching staff, the Broncos are set to remain a contender for years to come.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record Highlights:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>42nd District Champions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>11th Region Semifinalists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Olivia Orr","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Frederick Douglass","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674b8fa0b95f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The senior setter was the driving force behind the team's offense, balancing precise ball distribution with defensive excellence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["204996"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674b8fa0b967a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A powerful all-around player, Jarvis led the Broncos with her offensive versatility and defensive consistency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Great Crossing - (Overall: 24 -13 Region: 10 -4 District: 5 -0)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warhawks continued their rise in 2024, proving they belong among the Region's top programs. Their strong fundamentals and team cohesion led to an impressive regular season and a hard-fought semifinal appearance in the regional tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record Highlights:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>41st District Champions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>11th Region Semifinalists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Players:</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["269734"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674b8fa0b96eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The senior setter, <strong>KVCA Ms. Kentucky Volleyball</strong> and an <strong>AVCA Honorable Mention All-American</strong>, was the team's heart. Rush's leadership and versatility were instrumental in the Warhawks' success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["479272"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674b8fa0b9750"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A dominant right-side hitter, Erwin's ability to transition seamlessly between offense and defense made her a game-changer in key moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Franklin County - (Overall: 27 -7 Region: 8 -4 District: 4 -2)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franklin County's 2024 season was marked by steady improvement and the ability to compete with the Region's best. Their offense-driven play kept them competitive, and they earned signature wins that solidified their status among the top five.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record Highlights:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>41st District Runner-Up</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top 5 in 11th Region</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2A State Runner-Up</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Players:</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["159328"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674b8fa0b97bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A dual-threat with milestone achievements in kills and digs, Dufour was the Lady Flyers' offensive engine and a cornerstone of their success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212394"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674b8fa0b9830"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A defensive specialist, Parker surpassed <strong>1,000 career digs</strong>, anchoring the backcourt and setting the tone for the team's defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Ahead</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2024 11th Region volleyball season was a testament to the incredible depth and talent across the Region. With Lexington Catholic breaking through to claim their first regional title, the balance of power shifts, setting up thrilling rivalries for the 2025 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As young stars develop and new leaders emerge, the 11th Region promises another year of unforgettable volleyball action. Will Lexington Catholic defend their crown? Can Paul Laurence Dunbar reclaim their dominance? Or will a rising program like Great Crossing or Frederick Douglass take the next step, promising an exciting and hopeful future for volleyball in the Region?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned—the 2025 season can't come soon enough</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->