Four Eastern Kentucky Teams On the Rise

<p>Heading into the 2020 high school volleyball season, Eastern Kentucky features several improved teams. </p> <p>Here are four Eastern Kentucky volleyball teams on the rise. </p> <p><strong>Betsy Layne:</strong> Under the direction of first-year head coach Dwayne Johnson, Betsy Layne finished runner-up to county rival Floyd Central in the 58th District and advanced to the 15th Region Tournament during the 2019 high school volleyball season. Betsy Layne registered a 17-19 record in 2019. Seniors Maddie Duff (635 assists, 128 digs) and Katie Kidd (172 kills, 182 blocks) and junior Madison Hamilton (277 kills, 307 blocks) are among the top players due back for Betsy Layne in the upcoming campaign. </p> <p><strong>Hazard:</strong> On its way to compiling an 11-13 record during the 2019 high school volleyball season, Hazard finished runner-up to Leslie County in the 54th District and advanced to the 14th Region Tournament. Several experienced players are slated to be back on the court for the Bulldogs. Senior Aniyah Miller (109 kills, 84 blocks) is among the top players due to return for the Hazard volleyball team. </p> <p><strong>Jackson City:</strong> Following a loss to crosstown rival Breathitt County (defending 14th Region champion) in the 55th District Volleyball Tournament, Jackson City ended the 2019 season 18-8. Senior [player_tooltip player_id="68109" first="Cristiana" last="Turner"] is nearing the start of her final prep season for 55th District member Jackson City. As a junior in 2019, Turner posted a team-leading 206 kills, 208 digs and 49 service aces for the Tigers. </p> <p><strong>Martin County:</strong> Showing much improvement throughout the 2019 high school volleyball season, Martin County compiled a 23-12 record. Martin County missed out on advancing to the 2019 15th Region Volleyball Tournament but built momentum. The Cardinals put together the fifth-best record in the 15th Region in 2019. Seniors Jenna Grayson (469 digs) and Lakyn Porter (152 kills, 83 digs, 89 service aces) are poised to lead Martin County in the 2020 season. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>