Five High-Impact Class of 2029 Players

Record numbers in volleyball have not stopped certain eighth graders from making major contributions on the varsity level in the state. Kentucky allows seventh and eighth graders to play varsity in every sport except football and soccer. These five made big impacts and not all of them came at small schools.    Wilkinson (pictured) has turned into a solid, aggressive player at the net. The sky is the limit for Wilkinson. Wilkinson takes short sets at the net and pounds them to the back row and the lines. It is hard for defenders to tell where balls are going because she makes great mid-air adjustments. Wilkinson also forms solid double blocks and uses her athleticism well to record solo denials. Wilkinson had 111 kills and led the Raiders with 33 assisted and 22 solo blocks, helping Ryle to a 24-9 record, another 33rd District crown and a spot in the region semifinals.     Hunt is trying to set her own mark with the Indians and got off to a good before hitting high school. Hunt split the season between setter and outside hitter, gaining valuable experience after seeing limited varsity action as a seventh grader. Hunt does a good job seeing the floor and has learned when to pound balls and when to take things off them to land in between hitters. Hunt also does a good job passing the ball and putting hitters in great position to put balls down in addition to turning into a valuable server. Hunt had 230 kills, 332 assists, 231 digs and 53 aces for the Indians this past fall.     Breitling tasted varsity action as a seventh grader and her kill numbers exploded this year. Breitling can smack balls hard from every place at the net, especially on the short sets. Breitling can take things off balls when needed to land them. Breitling showed she can hit balls past solid blockers this season. Breitling finished second with 238 kills for Villa Madonna, helping the Vikings make the region tournament for the first time since 2015 and post a solid 22-8 record.     Carroll has a bright future ahead of her after making an impact from the outside for the Redhounds this past season. Carroll makes good passes on defense then quickly transitions to offense. She can hit balls hard on one play then off blockers and out of bounds on the next play. She constantly finds creative ways to put balls down. Carroll had 223 kills, 233 digs and 60 aces, leading the Redhounds to a 28-8 record, a 50th District championship and 13th Region runner-up finish.     Curry does a great job reading plays and tracking down balls. She dives forward to dig up softer hits and provides great net coverage. Curry puts herself in position near blocks to pick up balls. Curry had 161 digs, helping Corbin go 28-8, win a 50th District title and finish 13th Region runner-up.

Record numbers in volleyball have not stopped certain eighth graders from making major contributions on the varsity level in the state. Kentucky allows seventh and eighth graders to play varsity in every sport except football and soccer. These five made big impacts and not all of them came at small schools.