Ryle boys volleyball team has made history by advancing to the KHSAA state quarterfinals. They achieved this milestone after a match against Simon Kenton Pioneers on April 21, 2026.
Key points
Ryle boys volleyball team advances to KHSAA state quarterfinals
Match against Simon Kenton Pioneers on April 21, 2026
Historic achievement for Ryle boys volleyball
Match held at Ryle High School in Union, Kentucky
Henry Alo served the ball for Simon Kenton
Mentioned in this story
Union, Kentucky
Ryle RaidersSimon Kenton PioneersKHSAA state quarterfinals
The Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers face-off against each other in a high school boys volleyball game, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Simon Kenton Pioneers Henry Alo (30) serves the ball in the first set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Ryle Raiders Ryota Kondo (11) serves the ball in the first set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Ryle Raiders Max Kidd (21) hits over Simon Kenton Henry Alo (30) in the first set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Q&A
What date did Ryle boys volleyball play against Simon Kenton Pioneers?
Ryle boys volleyball faced Simon Kenton Pioneers on April 21, 2026.
What is the significance of Ryle boys volleyball reaching the KHSAA state quarterfinals?
Reaching the KHSAA state quarterfinals marks a historic achievement for the Ryle boys volleyball team.
Where did the Ryle boys volleyball match take place?
The match took place at Ryle High School in Union, Kentucky.
Who served the ball during the match between Ryle and Simon Kenton?
Henry Alo from Simon Kenton served the ball during the first set of the match.
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Simon Kenton Pioneers Henry Alo (30) sets the ball up for a hit in the first set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Simon Kenton Pioneers Nehemiah Kaai (23) hits the ball in the first set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Simon Kenton Pioneers Collin Mcculley (10) hits the ball over the net in the first set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Ryle Raiders Ishan Senthil (12) dives for the ball in the second set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Simon Kenton Pioneers Nehemiah Kaai (23) and Nicholas Nartker (15) collide in the second set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Ryle Raiders Andrew Stropko (10) bumps the ball in the second set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Simon Kenton Pioneers head coach Lacey Maley calls out to players in the second set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Simon Kenton Pioneers Nicholas Nartker (15) dives for the ball in the third set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Ryle Raiders Andrew Stropko (10) and Max Kidd (21) miss the block on a hit from Simon Kenton Pioneers Christian De La Cruz (11) during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Ryle Raiders head coach Heather Kidd speaks with players in a huddle during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Simon Kenton Pioneers Mitchell Ball (7) and Nehemiah Kaai (23) miss the block on a hit from Ryle Raiders Ryota Kondo (11) in the third set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Simon Kenton Pioneers Henry Ali (30) bumps the ball in the third set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Ryle Raiders Oliver Breckenridge (23) and Collin Kemper (18) miss the hit on the ball in the fourth set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Ryle Raiders Collin Kemper (18) bumps the ball in the fourth set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
Ryle Raiders Ryota Kondo (11) spikes the ball to score on the Simon Kenton Pioneers in the fourth set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
1 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
The Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers face-off against each other in a high school boys volleyball game, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
1 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
The Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers face-off against each other in a high school boys volleyball game, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
2 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Simon Kenton Pioneers Henry Alo (30) serves the ball in the first set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
3 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Ryle Raiders Ryota Kondo (11) serves the ball in the first set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
4 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Ryle Raiders Max Kidd (21) hits over Simon Kenton Henry Alo (30) in the first set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
5 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Simon Kenton Pioneers Henry Alo (30) sets the ball up for a hit in the first set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
6 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Simon Kenton Pioneers Nehemiah Kaai (23) hits the ball in the first set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
7 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Simon Kenton Pioneers Collin Mcculley (10) hits the ball over the net in the first set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
8 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Ryle Raiders Ishan Senthil (12) dives for the ball in the second set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
9 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Simon Kenton Pioneers Nehemiah Kaai (23) and Nicholas Nartker (15) collide in the second set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
10 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Ryle Raiders Andrew Stropko (10) bumps the ball in the second set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
11 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Simon Kenton Pioneers head coach Lacey Maley calls out to players in the second set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
12 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Simon Kenton Pioneers Nicholas Nartker (15) dives for the ball in the third set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
13 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Ryle Raiders Andrew Stropko (10) and Max Kidd (21) miss the block on a hit from Simon Kenton Pioneers Christian De La Cruz (11) during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
14 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Ryle Raiders head coach Heather Kidd speaks with players in a huddle during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
15 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Simon Kenton Pioneers Mitchell Ball (7) and Nehemiah Kaai (23) miss the block on a hit from Ryle Raiders Ryota Kondo (11) in the third set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
16 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Simon Kenton Pioneers Henry Ali (30) bumps the ball in the third set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
17 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Ryle Raiders Oliver Breckenridge (23) and Collin Kemper (18) miss the hit on the ball in the fourth set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
18 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Ryle Raiders Collin Kemper (18) bumps the ball in the fourth set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
19 / 19
Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | Photos
Ryle Raiders Ryota Kondo (11) spikes the ball to score on the Simon Kenton Pioneers in the fourth set during a boys high school volleyball game between the Ryle Raiders and Simon Kenton Pioneers, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ryle High School in Union, Ky.
The Raiders, champions of the 6th Region, faced Eighth Region runner-up Powell County at home on May 11, dispatching the Pirates in a 25-5, 25-8, 25-11 sweep.
The win was historic for Ryle and Northern Kentucky boys volleyball teams. The Raiders made the inaugural KHSAA state tournament last season, but fell to Louisville Trinity in the opening round. The victory this season over Powell County was the first in the KHSAA tournament by the Raiders or any Northern Kentucky team.
Ryle (18-3) enters the state quarterfinals with an 11-match winning streak. Their opponent, however, is a giant.
Louisville St. Xavier (27-0) has won 58 consecutive matches, last falling to Cincinnati St. Xavier to open their 2025 season. The Tigers went on to win the inaugural KHSAA state title last year and are the favorites to do so again. St. Xavier this year beat Cincinnati St. Xavier, Elder and Moeller consecutively from March 13 to March 18 and swept Ryle 25-13, 25-15, 25-20 on March 28. The Tigers have dropped just two sets all season to Elder and Indianapolis Roncalli.
First-year Ryle head coach Heather Kidd was named the KVCA Coach of the Year on May 12.
First-year Ryle head coach Heather Kidd was named the KVCA Coach of the Year on May 12.
"It's really important (to play Louisville teams)," coach Heather Kidd said after beating Simon Kenton on April 21. "One, it gives you an idea of where you need to be if you want to compete for a state title. Two, it gets us the competition we need so that it can prepare us for our region play.
"I would rather play a good team and lose to get that competition and the experience for the boys."
Ryle is now in full state competition mode and prepared to face the Tigers. Through the Sixth Region final, Max Kidd leads the Raiders with 157 kills and 47 total blocks. Ryota Kondo paces the team with 327 assists and 54 service aces, while Andrew Stropko has 217 assists. Collin Kemper is one of four Raiders to have triple-digit digs, leading with 174.
The Raiders and the Tigers face off at 11 a.m. at George Rogers Clark on May 15. The winner advances to the semifinals against either Louisville Trinity or Oldham County at 11 a.m. on May 16. The state championship follows at 7:30 p.m. the same day.
Head coach Heather Kidd named Kentucky Coach of the Year
The Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association announced its awards and all-state selections on May 12. Eight Northern Kentucky players were named all-state and Ryle's Coach Kidd was named the KVCA Coach of the Year.
Max Kidd and Ryota Kondo of Ryle and Nehemiah Kaai of Simon Kenton were voted first-team all-state. Simon Kenton's Henry Alo, Walton-Verona's Tristan Clifton and Shawn Sinkhorn, Calvary Christian's Thomas Getsy and Ryle's Andrew Stropko were named to the second team.
The KVCA named Louisville St. Xavier's Briley Codey Mr. Kentucky Volleyball and Oldham County's Wyatt Bourke the Defensive Player of the Year.
