Rankings Breakdown: 2020’s top 5 middle hitters

<p>A strong middle can turn around a volleyball match very quickly. In the <a href="http://bit.ly/2vi6oeR">Class of 2020</a>, middle hitters comprise four of the top 11 spots in our Michigan rankings. Here’s a closer look at the top 5 middles in this class.</p> <ol> <li><strong> Elizabeth Ruprich, 6-3, Groves/Michigan Elite:</strong> Standing 6-foot-3, Ruprich is hard to miss on the court. Her length makes it difficult for opponents to get the ball past her without a touch and when on the attack, Ruprich brings plenty of power. An All-OAA selection in the 2017 fall season for Birmingham Groves, Ruprich is now having a strong club season for Michigan Elite 16 Mizuno. Heading into her junior year, Ruprich will be able to give Groves a lot to work with.</li> <li><strong> Kendall Murray, 6-2, Ann Arbor Skyline/Legacy: </strong>Already a commit to play at the University of Michigan, Murray is part of the very talented Legacy 16-Elite team. This past fall, she led Ann Arbor Skyline with over 400 kills. Along with her strong play at the net, Murray has shown the ability to be an all-around player. She had over 250 digs in 2017 and took on the second-most serves of anyone on the team. As Murray continues to develop the next two years, she will certainly be difficult for others to defend.</li> <li><strong> Maggie McCrary, 6-2, Traverse City Central/FaR Out: </strong>A top talent from the Northwest of state, McCrary is coming off a strong showing at Motor City Madness where she led FaR Out 17 Gold to the <a href="http://bit.ly/2HBvmf5">17 Open semifinals</a>. A Miami (Ohio) commit, McCrary had 322 kills and 83 blocks for Traverse City Central in the fall of 2017.</li> <li><strong> Natalie Foster, 6-5, Mattawan/FaR Out: </strong>A teammate of McCrary on FaR Out 17 Black, Foster has tremendous length with her 6-5 frame. Currently uncommitted, that won’t be the case for long as her size and skill make her a definite next-level player. This past fall for Mattawan, Foster had over 400 kills while hitting .531 on her attacks. She also added over 80 blocks and 80 aces.</li> <li><strong> Clare McNamara, 5-11, Northville/Michigan Elite: </strong>Teaming with Ruprich on Michigan Elite 16 Mizuno, McNamara may not have the height of some of her fellow middles, but she still gets the results. McNamara earned All-State Honorable Mention honors for Class A in the fall season at Northville. She led Northville in kills while hitting .468 on her attacks and also led the team in blocks.</li> </ol>