The 5 Masters of the Middle in 2023

<p>The Class of 2023 is a promising one in the state of Michigan.</p> <p>When it comes to the middle, there is a lot of potential for breakout stars in this class. Each has a lot of room to grow and should only get better from here.</p> <p>Let’s take a look at five middles that have shown they already are playing a step above.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66321" first="Aubreigh" last="Oswald"], Lowell/FaR Out</strong></p> <p>As if Lowell didn’t have enough hitting, the Red Arrows found a real Class of 2023 gem in the middle in Oswald. The 6’1” talent can also play OPP right now, but is finding her groove at the middle of the net. She started to really turn things up toward the end of the season and is set to be a big contributor in the 2020 prep season for the Red Arrows. This club season, Oswald has been getting stronger and making a lot of progress as a dominant middle.</p> <p><strong>Abby Reck, Northville/Legacy</strong></p> <p>Reck is a 6’1” middle that Northville has to be excited about for their future. Reck has made some big improvements over the club season while playing with Legacy 15-1 Adidas, the nation’s top-ranked 15’s team. She sees the court very well and her footwork was getting better with each practice. She can put up a strong block while finishing at a high level when her number is called.</p> <p><strong>Neele’ge’ Sims, Corunna/Michigan Elite</strong></p> <p>Sims has been able to compete in a lot of high-pressure matches already, joining the Corunna varsity squad as a freshman. She was one of the kill and block leaders for the team, competing with Miss Volleyball finalist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="49389" first="Elizabeth" last="Norris"]</strong>. Sims is building toward a complete game, showcasing an improving serve and pass game. Still, her strength remains at the net where she can terminate at a high level and put up a big wall defensively.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66291" first="Laurece" last="Abraham"], Detroit Country Day/Legacy</strong></p> [caption id="attachment_88877" align="alignright" width="225"] [player_tooltip player_id="66291" first="Laurece" last="Abraham"][/caption] <p>Abraham could be in the discussion for one of the most improved 15’s during the club season. Abraham was someone that could have gotten lost in the shuffle of a deep roster for 15-1 Adidas, but she has made sure to carve her own spot and shine when she is on the court. The 5’11” middle plays with a lot of intensity and fire, which is contagious for her team. She’s explosive and has a long reach. Abraham is really going to be a star of the class if she continues to improve like she has.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66302" first="Olivia" last="Gardner"], Dakota/Michigan Elite</strong></p> <p>Gardner is a standout for Michigan Elite 15 Mizuno and is a future star for Dakota when she gets her chance to compete at the varsity level. Gardner has good size and length, which you always look for in a middle. She has been able to do a good job of adjusting her swings on the fly and still getting finishes. Gardner is improving her timing on her block attempts and will be a standout in the very near future.</p>