Blackburn, Little named All-State Honorable Mention

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PAINTSVILLE — Paintsville sophomores Bella Blackburn (setter) and Hailey Little (middle blocker) have earned All-State Honorable Mention recognition from the Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association (KVCA).

Blackburn and Little helped to lead Paintsville to the 2020 15th Region volleyball championship. Paintsville returned to the top in the 15th Region after pushing rivals throughout the 2019 high school volleyball season.

In 21 matches, Blackburn recorded 591 assists, 134 digs, 49 service aces, 16 kills and 11 blocks.

Leading Paintsville at the net, Little registered 266 kills, 41 blocks, 41 digs and 50 service aces in 21 matches.

Paintsville posted a 19-3 record during the 2020 high school volleyball season. The Lady Tigers outlasted Pikeville 3-2 (25-27, 25-22, 25-20, 21-25, 15-10) in the 2020 15th Region volleyball title match.

Russell, the champion out of the neighboring 16th Region, shut out Paintsville 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-19) in the opening round of the KHSAA Volleyball State Tournament.

Paintsville will enter the 2021 high school volleyball season looking to repeat as the 15th Region champion.