Simon Kenton boys volleyball exceeds expectations with cousin power

1 / 19Ryle hosts Simon Kenton in boys volleyball | PhotosThe 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.In the second season since the Kentucky High School Athletic Association sanctioned boys volleyball, Simon Kenton was one of the schools to add the sport to its athletic program, a decision that quickly paid off.Simon Kenton's first season has seen the Pioneers start with an 8-2 record, including a 7-0 start where the team dropped just a single set.AdvertisementHead coach Lacey Maley, a 2018 Simon Kenton grad and the junior varsity coach in the girls program, has led the Pioneers in their first season.Maley's team has just 12 players, with three having prior volleyball experience. As of games played on April 21, they're the No. 14 team in the KHSAA by RPI.More: Covington Catholic adding boys volleyball program in spring of 2027"Hard work," Maley said when asked how her team has adapted to a new sport so quickly. "A real big want to win and compete and a want to get better. I've had several players make drastic improvements already over the season.Advertisement"I think having the three club players helps us. They're able to spread their knowledge and wisdom with the boys while on the court playing and in practice."Senior Nehemiah Kaai, junior Henry Alo and freshman Nicholas Nartker are the three with volleyball experience.Nartker has led the team in digs while cousins Kaai and Alo run the offense.Alo, the setter, has had over 150 assists this season, mostly to Kaai who has over 120 kills.Simon Kenton senior Nehemiah Kaai has over 120 kills for the Pioneers."They've grown up with each other and they're a volleyball family," Maley said. "I think they've been able to build that connection over time and experience. I think that's how any team is able to run those quick, fastbreak plays and volleyball is just timing and connection with your setter.Advertisement"They know each other front and back. In the middle of a play, they know how to get it to each other."Simon Kenton setter Henry Alo frequently connects with cousin Nehemiah Kaai on attacks.Since Simon Kenton's 7-0 start, the Pioneers were swept by North Oldham, swept Scott for the second time this season and lost to defending regional champion Ryle in four sets on April 21.Ryle improved to 11-3 with the win and is the top team in Region 6. Ryle's program has existed for several years and predates the KHSAA sanctioning of the sport. Ryle beat Simon Kenton 23-25, 25-18, 25-20, 25-23, but taking a set from the Raiders and being competitive throughout the match was a welcome ending.Advertisement"I'm very, very proud of my team for taking a set," Maley said. "There's many programs who have been around a lot longer than us and haven't even come that far, so I think it speaks volumes to my boys and how much effort and hustle they're willing to put in."Didn't get the result I wanted, but beyond proud of the result I got."This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Simon Kenton boys volleyball succeeding in Pioneers' first season