Prep Dig E-Learning Study Guide - Iowa Class of 2021 Middle Blockers

Students are heading home for E-Learning, online learning, whatever cuddly verbiage you want to use to during this time while students try do their best to make progress to keep up with their difficult AP classes, or find a way to video a workout and post to social media. Well, we all love a study guide don’t we? And here we have a chance to learn about more players, keeping our thoughts organized, and therefore achieving learning about these athletes who will definitely find their way to the next level. Again, just like any time of stress, let’s say for example, a test - a study guide always helps us prepare and ease anxiety. Here what to know about the Iowa Class of 2021 middle blockers. The Fast Twitch, Speedy Middles I always think there are a few ways to categorize middles. Some are undersized, but really quick. Others may be longer, taller, and more physical. While there are a few who are a little bit of everything - which always makes it exciting. Here are some that have the fast-twitch and speed to really get from pin to pin. [player_tooltip player_id="17246" first="Layanna" last="Green"] - Iowa Power Plex 17 Black - Waukee Green has athleticism that may be one of the tops in the state. She’s a state high jump champion and on the volleyball court her leaping ability translates into elite athleticism where she can attack off one foot and really close from pin to pin being active on the net. [caption id="attachment_86423" align="alignright" width="383"] [player_tooltip player_id="41330" first="Macey" last="Tisue"][/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="41330" first="Macey" last="Tisue"] - CIA 17 Black - Dunkerton Small high school, big time hops, Tisue is able to get to the ball quick and connects well with her setter, [player_tooltip player_id="41254" first="Taylor" last="Grinley"] for their CIA 17 Black team. She is athletic in the fact where she could score points from the middle or I could even see her swing on the right side. Was overall really impressive at the Tour of Iowa Showcase. Johanaizjha Angel - Iowa Select 17 Mizuno - Bettendorf Angel has the speed and athleticism to really be a force at the net. From when I saw her as a 16 to where she is now as a 17, her overall physicality and action at the net has really improved where she is so close to being a really elite point scorer and defender.   The Strong, Athletic, and Physical They own the net with their physicality and athleticism. They power their way through the block and can really get over and reach to shut down the attackers. Here are some athletes who are a real physical presence across the net. [caption id="attachment_86421" align="alignright" width="278"] [player_tooltip player_id="41246" first="Lauren" last="Havlik"][/caption] <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Doing my best to help athletes and coaches out during this time. Here are video clips I have from our events the past two months of the Iowa Class of 2021. Feel free to tag and share! <a href="https://t.co/9HbNOpQNZJ">pic.x.com/9HbNOpQNZJ</a> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1240342498498797568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2020</a></blockquote> [player_tooltip player_id="41246" first="Lauren" last="Havlik"] - Iowa Power Plex 17 Black - Dowling Havlik was ultra impressive at the Northern Lights Qualifier, getting from pin to pin, and also being able to score points from a variety of tempos. She is strong, she’s much improved from her 16s to 17s and has a really solid upside to her game. [player_tooltip player_id="79019" first="Sydney" last="Mosinski"] - IPVA 17 Black - Nevada Her athleticism is up there among the best and was a key piece to the puzzle for Nevada on their way to the state tournament. She’s strong, an aggressive attacker, and can score off one foot that makes her lethal in so many ways for her team. [player_tooltip player_id="61558" first="Jenna" last="Brown"] - Flight 17U - Don Bosco Brown is so strong, everything she does - the other side of the net has to be aware. She is a major force defensively where she is laterally quick and she can play high and with her strength not get tooled with her block. She can attack in front or behind the setter and knows how to put it in the deep corner to score points.   The Hybrid - The Middle, Right Side Combo A lot of athletes have a preference, however being versatile is so valuable for athletes at any level or whatever team they are on. With different personnel or injuries, athletes need to be able to step in and contribute on a positive way. McKenna Scheib - Six Pack 17U - Ankeny Scheib came on really strong this past high school season playing for Ankeny High, advancing to the state semifinals. I’ve seen Scheib play both positions and she is highly effective no matter where she is on the court. She can put up a big ball and she’s able to swing or throw to the open spot from the middle or right side. A major upside and versatility to her game. [caption id="attachment_70736" align="alignright" width="267"] Natalie Welch[/caption] Natalie Welch - Adrenaline 18 Austin - Mount Vernon Since the high school season, Welch has been playing on the right side where she was part of a state title team. She is a big block, but also has a real strong sense of the game where she can adjust. With the background playing middle and the right, she has the ability to contribute to her team in multiple ways, including a dirty serve that scores points as well. Reece Martin - Flight 17U - Independence Martin has a really fast arm where she is done swinging before the block is even up. She is tough to defend because she gives setter plenty of options from being able to score off a shoot, quick, or from behind the setter. She can be so key in plenty of free balls and an outlet out of system on the right side. Other Middles To Know [player_tooltip player_id="41279" first="Hailey" last="Halupnick"] - Iowa Select - Pleasant Valley [player_tooltip player_id="79031" first="Kacy" last="Nevitt"] - Club Ignit - Perry [player_tooltip player_id="79062" first="Ella" last="Pettinger"] - Adrenaline - Linn-Mar [player_tooltip player_id="41287" first="Leah" last="Moeller"] - Iowa Rockets - Dubuque Hempstead Emma Wagler - Club Ignit - Roosevelt