1. Scott (7-3)

The Scott Eagles came into their own annual September Slam Tournament battle-tested in the first four games losing to Beechwood, St. Henry and Bowling Green.

Scott (7-3 overall) had to go three sets in the championship game to defeat the (Covington) Holy Cross Indians, who had won the tournament three straight years between 2021 to 2023, but managed to pull off the 2-1 (25-27, 27-26, 15-13) win when a Holy Cross shove landed just out of bounds near the right corner. Scott also survived a three-set win against Franklin County on Saturday.

“Holy Cross is a great program. (The Indians) do a good job. They’re quick, athletic,” Sullivan said. “They have a lot of weapons. I knew it was going to be a battle. It came down to the wire in all three sets so it was a matter of maybe we made a few more plays than they did, a few less errors. It was great.”

Scott returned senior setter Ryann Grigsby in addition to two-time region player of the year Milyn Minor at outside hitter along with senior middle blocker Morgan Justice and outside hitter Payton Grigsby. Sophomore Jacinda Campbell took some big swings for the Eagles to give them balance. The biggest question mark came at libero where sophomore Emory Sullivan has stepped in nicely.

“It just helps that (Ryann Grigsby) trusts me as a hitter even if I make a mistake. She’s not worried if on the next play, I’m going to get the ball in,” Justice said. “It really helps that we’ve been playing together since the sixth grade. It really helps build my confidence.”

During pool play, Scott knocked off Newport Central Catholic to help Coach Sullivan earn her career 500th victory. Emory Sullivan grew up in the gym with her mom.

“I’ve been in all the pictures such as the 100th win and now for win 500, I’m playing for her,” Emory Sullivan said. “She’s an easy one to love.”

Scott hosts Harrison County on Tuesday.

2. Montgomery County (6-4)

The main team expected to challenge Scott for the region crown in the Montgomery County Indians (6-4) also had a good tournament taking third with a 4-1 performance. The Indians lost to the Eagles, 2-0 (21-18, 21-14) Saturday morning in pool play.

“We’re off to a very good start,” said Bradley Craycraft, Montgomery County head coach. “We’re still feeling some things out, working with some rotations. Facing teams like Scott and Madison Central prepare you for the postseason where there’s not going to be any lulls or teams that are struggling. It’s a high level of volleyball that prepares you for runs in October.”

Montgomery County has seen Alexis White lead the way offensively with Erin Fawns, Baylee Warner, Janelle Miller and Avery Lewis give the Indians balance. Kate Conn switched to setter and Sophie Fouch switched to libero and the Indians have benefitted from those moves.

The Indians beat Paris and Bourbon County earlier in the week to start district seed play at 2-0. The lost to Lafayette on Thursday.

Montgomery County hosts Campbell County on Tuesday.

3. George Rogers Clark (7-2)

Following a 3-1 showing in the Seeds for Success Tournament at Fleming County, GRC lost to Henry Clay again on Tuesday, but rebounded to beat Breathitt County on Thursday.

Senior Teigh Yeast led the Cardinals in kills, digs and aces entering the Breathitt County game. Sophomore setter Anna Cooper continues to distribute balls well with sophomore Brooke Gough and Hollins Pumphery taking nice swings and sophomore Addison Palmer providing quality first touches.

The Cardinals host Paris on Tuesday to start district play.

4. Bishop Brossart (4-2)

The Mustangs won four in a row after opening with losses to Highlands and Holy Cross (Covington). Junior 6-2 middle blocker Callie Ritter is having a monster year controlling the net with 95 kills, 61 solo blocks and seven assisted blocks. They are receiving some balance from Hailey Heitker, Leah Robinson and two freshmen in Evelyn Laker and Emma Sheanshang. Junior setter Aubrey Rebholz and sophomore libero Grace Frommeyer are showing their experience leading in assists and digs, respectively.

Bishop Brossart hosts Beechwood on Tuesday.

5. Calvary Christian (7-1)

The Cougars are off to a nice start going 4-1 in the Ludlow Classic then going to Bracken County and knocking off the Polar Bears in the first game of the All “A” 10th Region Tournament before beating Grant County. Senior Anna Hickey is leading the way along with sophomore setter Natalia McGlynn. Sophomore Megan Arthur is also having a good season being second on the team in kills.

Calvary Christian hosts Augusta on Tuesday.

6. Bracken County (4-1)

The Polar Bears have quality wins over Montgomery County and Paris to start the season. They are receiving the balance on offense led by Macy Lucas and Jordan Ahrens they expected. Makenzie Rudd leads the way on defense with Rees Hargett leading the team in assists.

Bracken County travels to St. Patrick on Tuesday.

7. Harrison County (5-1)

The Fillies are off to a good start led by twins Lexie and Lauren Highlander. Audree Whitaker leads the way in blocks and kills with Shyanne Ross, sophomore Mae Heimlich and freshman Karsyn Bennett giving the Fillies balance.

Harrison County travels to Scott on Tuesday.

8. Mason County (5-7)

The Royals won twice earlier in the week before losing to Bracken County on Thursday in district play then to Rowan County in Class 2A Section play on Saturday. Junior setter Kyleigh Kirk and senior Halle Pfeffer lead the way with junior Emmy Henderson leading the way in kills.

Mason County travels to Lewis County on Tuesday.

9. Nicholas County (3-2)

The Jackets beat Robertson County and St. Patrick earlier in the week in region play before losing at Harrison County on Thursday in district seed play. Morgan Broderick and Kylie Earlywine lead the way in kills with Mackenzie Davenport and Sadie Vice leading in assists and digs, respectively.

Nicholas County host Fleming County on Tuesday.

10. Campbell County (1-7)

The Camels have struggled early, but did beat Dixie Heights to win once in the September Slam. They went three games in losses to Madison Central and Holy Cross (Covington) on Friday.

11. Bourbon County (2-5)

The Colonels are strong on defense led by senior Tiffany Setters and junior Izzy Jett, but the offense is struggling. Freshman Hailiey Stanfield has emerged to allow Marleigh Estes to take some swings. Regan Ring gives the Colonels size at the net.

The Colonels host Madison Southern on Tuesday.

12. St. Patrick (3-5)

The Saints won their All “A” 10th Region quarterfinal game at Augusta on Thursday. Seventh grader Eva Neeley leads the team with 64 digs.

St. Patrick hosts Bracken County on Tuesday.

13. Paris (1-3)

The Hounds have lost three in a row since opening the year with a win over Mason County. Freshman Mia Mason has 131 assists.

Paris travels to George Rogers Clark on Tuesday.

14. Robertson County (2-4)

The Devils beat Lewis County on Tuesday before losing to Harrison County on Wednesday in district play. Senior Mackenzie Massey leads the Devils with 24 kills.

Robertson County travels to Pendleton County on Tuesday.

15. Augusta (1-2)

The Panthers have a win over Pendleton County.

Augusta travels to Calvary Christian on Tuesday.

16. Pendleton County (0-10)

The Cats are taking their lumps in a rebuilding season. Promising eighth grade setter Hadley Spaulding leads the team in assists.

Pendleton County host Robertson County on Tuesday.