10th Region Preview: Scott, Montgomery County lead contenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As long as [player_tooltip player_id='808054' first='Milyn' last='Minor'] wears their uniform, the <strong>Scott Eagles</strong> (31-12 last year) will be a threat to win the region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior outside hitter is the region's two-time defending player of the year and she helped the Eagles drive all the way to the state semifinals last year. The dynamic hitter consistently finds ways to beat teams such as her thumbs down shot. Minor primarily played defense during club season and made strides there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles graduated four seniors including libero Elise Manhardt and hitter Brooklyn Helm, who took her talents to Thomas More University. However, they do return strong senior blocker [player_tooltip player_id='586599' first='Morgan' last='Justice'], senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='500587' first='Ryann' last='Grigsby'] and senior all-around [player_tooltip player_id='604595' first='Payton' last='Grigsby']. Sophomore Emory Sullivan stepped into the libero spot in the Bluegrass Games. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='586657' first='Reagan' last='Cummins'] is another option on the outside with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='734852' first='Jacinda' last='Campbell'] playing outside hitter and defensive specialist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Veteran head coach Andrea Sullivan said the Eagles need to play solid defense to be successful. If [player_tooltip player_id='500587' first='Ryann' last='Grigsby'] gets her hands on balls consistently, Coach Sullivan said the team can run a fast-tempo offense with the crafty hitters. Coach Sullivan added the team needs to continue to serve aggressive and be creative with the lineups to match up to bigger teams at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scott travels to Beechwood on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since 2012, only one region winner has not come from the 37th District. That was <strong>Montgomery County</strong> in 2021. The Indians (26-13) could challenge this year, especially with the size at the net. The Indians feature two six-footers in senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='829206' first='Alexis' last='White'] and sophomore middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='755626' first='Erin' last='Fawns']. Junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='809538' first='Baylee' last='Warner'] is 5-11 and sophomore outside/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='508423' first='Anna' last='Allison'] is 5-10.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It will be a matter of making first touches so those hitters can get their swings. Head coach Bradley Craycraft and staff moved senior [player_tooltip player_id='397723' first='Kate' last='Conn'] to setter in Montgomery County's 5-1 attack and junior Sophie Fouch to libero. Craycraft also said to watch out for six-rotation senior [player_tooltip player_id='831743' first='Ellie' last='Lewis'] at outside hitter and senior Janelle Miller at middle/opposite hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Craycraft said two big keys to success for the Indians will be becoming a more solid blocking team and not shying away from huge moments. Craycraft said the team has to stay aggressive when down late in a match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indians play at Frederick Douglass on Aug. 20.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>37th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bishop Brossart (26-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs have some question marks on the outside with the graduation of Kate Neltner and junior Chloe Hershey transferring out of the school. Those two led the team in kills last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop Brossart still has the sound 6-2 middle blocker Callie Ritter. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='809742' first='Leah' last='Robinson'] could also help in the middle with senior Madison Dozier taking swings from the outside. Junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='484451' first='Aubrey' last='Rebholz'] is back for her fourth season on varsity to guide the offense and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='587827' first='Grace' last='Frommeyer'] is back at the libero spot. Junior Josie Reckner returns with defensive specialist experience and senior Payton Marshall will play defensive specialist or setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs play Highlands on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Campbell County (7-21)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Camels endured a rough season just one season after winning the region tournament. They did not have the size they had in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two seniors saw extensive action on that 2023 team in setter [player_tooltip player_id='212251' first='Hope' last='Hamilton'] and outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='749992' first='Faith' last='Whitford']. Two junior opposite hitters in Lydia Fry and Amerie Mullins return along with senior [player_tooltip player_id='809239' first='Sydney' last='Lyons'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Mikah Freppon has seen the returning players try to bounce back by being present in every drill and giving it everything the have. Freppon said the players have been working in the weight room on the track and in the gym since February. Freppon said it can be seen how much they want to succeed from the time they enter the gym and leaving it all at practice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Campbell County hosts Beechwood on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Calvary Christian (12-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars may not always be the most deep or talented in the region, but head coach Becky Stelzer and staff consistently get the most out of the players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars feature two sound outside hitters in senior [player_tooltip player_id='829564' first='Anna' last='Hickey'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='779514' first='Megan' last='Arthur']. Stelzer also said to watch out for freshman Madison Stelzer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Stelzer said two mindsets will be keys to success this year in growth and all in. The team has a number of freshmen filling half the roster. She said the team has to be willing to grow each practice and games and lay things on the line in games no matter the opponent to help push toward goals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Calvary Christian plays Bellevue and Grant County in the Ludlow Invitational on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>38th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Harrison County (23-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Fillies are going though another big transition with the graduation of eight seniors. Senior twin sisters Lexie Highlander at setter and Lauren Highlander at outside and opposite hitter return with experience along with junior 6-2 middle blocker/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='532789' first='Audree' last='Whitaker'] and senior outside hitter Shyanne Ross.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Bill Faulkner said he hopes the returning players will lead the inexperienced players. He added if they do, the younger players can learn discipline and enthusiasm in the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harrison County hosts Augusta on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nicholas County (15-15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Kim Denkins said she told the girls there no reason why they can't win the district if they play together and keep everyone's spirits up. While she noted certain teams may get in their heads, she has noticed a different attitude from the players in open gyms.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Denkins said she would not mind going to a 6-2 attack. The Jackets tried it last year and have been practicing well with it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior 5-11 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='765664' first='Morgan' last='Broderick'] gives Nicholas County size. She played club ball at Alpha with junior setter Allison Reid. Senior Kylie Earlywine will play outside hitter and senior Sadie Vice will play libero. Denkins also said to watch out for sophomore middle blocker Danica Amburgey because Amburgey can flat out jump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nicholas County travels to Lewis County on Aug. 21.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pendleton County (22-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cats made a surprising run winning the district championship for the first time since 2012. However, it will be a challenge to repeat with the graduation of five seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Marian Rice said it will be a rebuilding year, thus the focus will be on team bonding and finding a groove on the court. She wants to turn weaknesses into strengths. Rice also wants to see the team have fun, work hard, do the best possible and see where things go.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rice listed four key players to the team. They are senior middle blocker Gracie Cotterman, senior defensive specialist Isabella Roberts along with junior middle blocker Pypr McCloud and junior right side Madison Gosney.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cats travel to Dayton on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Robertson County (12-19)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Devils have had the same head coach for more than 20 years in Anne Grause. They graduated four players including the all-around Emma Adamson, but do return senior libero Irene Dischar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robertson County hosts Bracken County on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>39th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bracken County (25-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bears continue to trend up once again breaking the school record for wins and claiming a second straight district championship. They graduated five players from that team, but return a good core.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bears return two sound senior hitters in outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='835244' first='Macy' last='Lucas'] and middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='594471' first='Jordan' last='Ahrens']. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='595949' first='Baylee' last='Wilson'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='535232' first='Rees' last='Hargett'] return after sharing the setting duties and senior [player_tooltip player_id='600935' first='Makenzie' last='Rudd'] returns after playing defensive specialist. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='804632' first='Ashley' last='Stafford'] is a key outside hitter/defensive specialist and sophomore Izzy Godman looks to produce on the outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bracken County head coach Julie Krift said the Bears have focused on improving the serve receive and defense including blocking to try to get to the next level and be able to beat bigger, more experienced teams. Krift added she'd like to see points increased while serving and get significant contributions from several hitting spots. Krift said the setters have the training to run a more complex offense to help against bigger blocks. She also wants to see an aggressive approach to every opportunity and play with an expectation to win every point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bracken County travels to Robertson County on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Augusta (6-21) </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Former player Paige McCord, a 2015 graduate, takes over the program and has switched offensive formations from the 5-1 to the 6-2. McCord said she wants to see the passing improve and see players adjust to different positions after four seniors graduated.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior [player_tooltip player_id='828741' first='Adalen' last='Gilliam'] returns after finishing second in digs last year. Junior Natalee Roberts played the libero position in the Rowan County scrimmages with senior [player_tooltip player_id='212171' first='Isabella' last='Schweitzer'] playing a defensive specialist role. Schweitzer also did some setting along with freshman Kahghan Hinson. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='816626' first='Makayla' last='Woodruff'] hopes to contribute in the middle and other places. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='812494' first='Claire' last='Elliott'] and freshman Aryanna Davis aim to take swings in the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Augusta travels to Harrison County on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mason County (12-19)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Royals hope to improve with the return of experienced players at every position. Junior Hayley Allison returns at the libero spot along with senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='832566' first='Halle' last='Pfeffer']. Junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='603851' first='Kyleigh' last='Kirk'] runs a nice offense and senior middle blocker Makaylynn Crabtree returns after recording 141 kills last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach uses the word chaos to describe the keys to success. They are good communication, court awareness, coverage, hard work, nice assists and anticipation, sound off net passes, but in front of the 10-foot line and sound swings and serves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mason County travels to Paris on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>St. Patrick (2-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Saints won the district championship in 2022, but struggled last year. Caitlyn Gallenstein takes over the program hoping to change that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Saints return some experienced players. They include senior outside hitter Lillian Klee and eighth grader Mia Neeley.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Patrick travels to Robertson County on Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record in State Tournament Since 2003 when state tournament split from eight to 16 regions:</strong>&nbsp;18-22</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most Region Crowns since 2003:&nbsp;</strong>Newport Central Catholic with seven. (Note: NewCath moved to the 9th Region in 2012.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["586599"],"_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-689ebb66abce7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Justice has been a solid blocker since her sophomore year and will continue to bring a nice net presence. She takes good swings at the pins and the middle. With the team around her, Justice hopes to put together a solid senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["603805"],"_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-689ebf2062943"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Warner (pictured) gives the Indians great team size at the net. She smacks balls to all six zones on the court with both hard and soft touches. She also helps control the net with sound timing on her blocks. Warner will get a number of good touches if the Indians consistently get in system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["569742"],"_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-689f244a70271"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reckner goes all out to get balls staying under control to make smooth passes. She brings back a lot of experience and it shows on the court. She also does a good job lifting up the spirits of her teammates on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from the Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for one year and a half and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky rankings, please email Mike at pnmikeg@yahoo.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->