5 Show Stopping 2021 Middle Blockers From The Showcase

[caption id="attachment_106241" align="alignright" width="200"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-106241" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/08/25-Julianna-Schmidt-2-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="80827" first="Julianna" last="Schmidt"][/caption] <p>Many middles get stuck in the mindset that their role is “just blocking”, but there is so much sophisticated technique to mastering the skill.  And blocking can provide a team with a huge momentum shifting point or give their defense a break by getting a block touch.  A great middle can bring more to the table than just blocking. A strong middle can take over a match and lead her squad to victory. Here are some 2021 middles from our Summer Showcase who have a remarkable amount of talent. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="80827" first="Julianna" last="Schmidt"] – 6’0 – Brookfield Central</strong><strong><em> </em></strong></p> <p>Schmidt is an incredibly highly underrated middle blocker.  Her initial swings at the showcase screamed “offensive powerhouse”.  She consistently had a high contact point and fast swing. almost putting the ball through the floor. Brookfield Central should be absolutely stacked in 2020.<em> </em>Schmidt is incredible at shutting down tips and setter dump attempts. She has a very quick approach, which does not allow the opposing block to set up. Schmidt may have been one of the most terminal attackers in her age group at the Showcase.  </p> [caption id="attachment_106242" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-106242" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/08/5-Lauren-Coshun-2.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> Lauren Coshun[/caption] <p><strong>Lauren Coshun – 5’11 - Tremper</strong><strong><em> </em></strong></p> <p>Coshun has a variety of shots, including a ruthlessly sharp cross-court shot that is extremely tough to defend. She has collected 196 kills to go along with nearly 76 career blocks with the Trojans.  When Coshun goes back to serve, she comes in and plays efficient defense.  She has 41 digs recorded while just in the back row for that half rotation.<em> </em>Coshun can stay disciplined and read what her opponents are doing before her lateral agility helps bring her close the block. </p> [caption id="attachment_106244" align="alignright" width="200"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-106244" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/08/13-Molly-Lawlis-6-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="80729" first="Molly" last="Lawlis"][/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="80729" first="Molly" last="Lawlis"] – 5’10 - Pacelli</strong><strong><em> </em></strong></p> <p>Lawlis is such a fun player to watch. She has an amazing spark that fires up any team she is on.  It really is no wonder that she was her conference player of the year in 2019 as a junior.  Lawlis has an explosive approach and swing, as well as the ability to slice the ball to get a great cut shot.  She is also very vocal on the court, always calling for a set, as well as the team’s emotional and vocal leader on the court. Lawlis may only be 5’10, but she definitely plays much higher than that. She hit a solid .239 as the primary attacker in her junior season.  </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="78482" first="Olivia" last="Peterson"] – 6’0 – Columbia (IL) </strong></p> <p>Peterson provides an offensive option and an intimidating block. She has a high contact point and her cross-body swings leave defenders feeling defeated and helpless. When Peterson goes up against an opposing hitter, she creates a wall with her strong press into the opponent’s court space. She really gives hitters something to think about before they attempt to pound a ball cross-court. Peterson hit a productive .303 hitting efficiency in her junior season, and her polished footwork gives her the opportunity to hit several different shots.  </p> [caption id="attachment_106246" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-106246" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/08/24-Robyn-Ryan-2.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="80752" first="Robyn" last="Ryan"][/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="80752" first="Robyn" last="Ryan"] – 6’0 - Waunakee</strong><strong><em> </em></strong></p> <p>Ryan puts up a big block and gets a ton of touches.  She is on the verge of being an absolute shutdown blocker.  Ryan also showed off her offensive skills that could completely dominate a match. When she gets a hold of a ball, she has a heavy arm and she runs a superb back-1. She has 105 career blocks so far for Waunakee high school. When she runs a fast tempo approach and gets set a 1 ball, she is unbeatable. There is little time to react to her because by the time the ball leaves the setter’s hands, it’s slammed down on the floor.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>