1. (tie) Corbin (5-2 overall)
We figured we need to explain why we went with the three-way tie, so here we go. North Laurel beat Corbin, and then the Lady Jaguars lost a five-set heartbreaker to Whitley County, who then proceeded to beat Corbin, but then lost to the Lady Redhounds in five sets this past week.
We are going to let this play out, and eventually the three teams should find some separation.
Coach Vanessa Ross has done a fantastic job with her Corbin players. The Lady Redhounds have improved each game, and find themselves back at the top of the rankings.
Darcie Anderson leads Corbin with 69 kills while Caroline Combs follows with 65. Ava Maguet leads the Lady Redhounds with 157 assists while Combs also has a team-best 92 digs.
1. (tie) North Laurel (10-6)
The Lady Jaguars have played 16 games already after posting a 2-2 mark in this past weekend’s Rockcastle County Invitational.
North Laurel picked up two big regional wins this week over South Laurel, and Clay County.
Jane Locke leads the Lady Jaguars with 74 kills (four games haven’t been reported to the KHSAA) while Alicia Parker has 211 assists. Maria Yount leads North Laurel with 273 digs.
1. (tie) Whitley County (6-1)
The Lady Colonels were close to keeping the top ranking to themselves for a second straight week but lost a heartbreaking five-setter to Corbin.
Whitley County managed to beat Knox Central in three sets last week before falling to the Lady Redhounds.
Marissa Douglas lead the Lady Colonels with 45 kills (two games haven’t been reported to the KHSAA) while Katylynn Collier’s 93assists, and 75 digs lead the way as well.
4. South Laurel (2-3)
It was an interesting week to say the least for the Lady Cardinals. Former coach Jamie Clark stepped down while former Lady Cardinal player Shelley Nunley took over as coach and guided the Lady Cardinals to a three-set victory over Williamsburg — her first match as head coach.
Caroline Curry leads South Laurel with 12 kills (two games haven’t been reported to the KHSAA) while Jenny Sharp leads the way with 32 assists. Brooklyn Dugger’s 42 digs is a team-best.
5. Bell County (7-2)
The Lady Bobcats are a team that no one wants to play once postseason begins. They are talented, and good.
Bell County fought to a 3-2 win over Harlan County this past week while their lone losses have came against Corbin.
Gracie Joe Wilder leads the Lady Bobcats with 128 kills while Autumn Brock has 70 assists and Jordan Muncy has a team-best 101 digs.
6. Knox Central (4-2)
The Lady Panthers are another team to keep an eye on. Knox Central’s lone losses have came against Bell County, and Whitley County.
Madison Jones has totaled a team-best 67 kills, and 56 digs while Loretta Mills has 107 assists.
7. Harlan County (3-2)
The Lady Black Bears have turned some heads, and moved up a spot after picking up a win over Middlesboro while dropping a five-setter to Bell County.
Lindsay Hall’s 32 kills are best on the team while Destiny Cornett has 65 assists. Kylee Hoiska and Ashton Evans each have 42 digs apiece.
8. Williamsburg (3-4)
The Lady Yellow Jackets are hovering close to the .500 plateau after sweeping two games from Jellico, Tenn. Williamsburg has hopes of knocking off South Laurel last Thursday but lost in three sets.
Hannah Creekmore, Grace Abbott, and Lylah Matting each lead the Lady Yellow Jackets with 27 kills apiece (one game hasn’t been reported to the KHSAA). Creekmore also possessed a team-best 77 assists, and 56 digs.
9. Harlan (3-3)
After dropping three straight games, the Lady Green Dragons responded with an impressive three-set win over Pineville.
Ella Farley, and Tess Bryson each possess a team-best 18 kills. Emma Owens’ 16 assists leads the team along with 20 digs.
10. Pineville (4-6)
It’s not time to hit the panic button yet for the Lady Mountain Lions but they’ve dropped two three-setters in a row, and needing a win in the worst way.
Pineville has Lynn Camp,Harlan, and Harlan County coming up on their schedule.
McKenzie Widener leads the Lady Wildcats with 80 kills while Kamryn Biliter and Mallory Caldwell each have 72 assists apiece. Kailey Napier leads the team with 59 digs.
