2021 Rankings Update: Unsigned Middles

Kyp Harasymowycz August 6, 2020 @ 07:07 AM

We continue our parsing of the 2021 rankings update by breaking down the middles still available in the state of Indiana. It is important to note that although some middles have recently committed (congrats, [player_tooltip player_id="93746" first="Ligia" last="Williams"] and [player_tooltip player_id="85697" first="Delaney" last="Garner"]!), we still have a ton of talent, so here they are! #31: [player_tooltip player_id="85695" first="Kayden" last="Holcomb"], 5-10, Floyd Central This Union-trained kid is the prototypical Floyd/Union player; fast, high volleyball IQ, six feet and under, no-nonsense. It’s unfortunate that she’s stuck in a sectional that includes 4A #3 Providence, but that’s just the unfortunate nature of Indiana volleyball. Kayden’s lack of size is clearly made up by the fact that she can play multiple positions in the front row and her speed. #37: [player_tooltip player_id="93687" first="Anna" last="West"], 6-1, Greensburg I’m cheating a bit here, as Anna could easily be placed on either this list or the top five pin attackers list, to be released on August 8. Her length, natural athletic talent, and ability to be terminal on every contact makes her more of a middle at the next level. Her size and strength on the pins, however, could make her a three-rotation option for those that need an extra utility attacker. #40: [player_tooltip player_id="85700" first="Jaylynn" last="Dunsmore"], 6-0, Yorktown With a high contact point and speedy feet in transition, this is as natural of a middle as you can get. She can go behind or in front of the setter on the attack, but will probably pan out to an M2 at the next level because of how efficient and effective she is off of two feet. Her length is deceptive, too; I realize she’s 6-0, but is she still growing? She seems to be able to go over everyone and block everyone else. #47: [player_tooltip player_id="85705" first="Paris" last="Downing"], 5-9, Avon The shortest kid on this list is the highest jumper. Let that sink in. She’s fast enough to beat the lumbering middles and jumps high enough to go over them. Some may use her as a RS at the next level, but she would probably need a little position training. Her feet are so fast, she’d need to learn to slow down a bit for slower tempo sets. #53: Nicole Wilkinson, 5-11, New Castle The "other" middle at three-time defending state champion New Castle is not just the "other" middle. Long and wiry, Nicole is always up for a zero tempo in the middle, and her length on the block either blocks everyone or slows everyone else down. High contact points seem to be a training tool for Munciana, as she’s similar in her swing and transition off of two feet to Miss Dunsmore listed above. I say again, do not underestimate Miss Wilkinson. We’re talking about a multiple state champion, and she’s only getting better and stronger.