NJIC: Top Middle Blockers Returning

<p>The NJIC is extremely deep with 36 teams and plenty of talent coming back. I’m going to be detailing the top returners at each position. Let’s look at the top middle blockers returning this season. </p> <p>Seniors</p> <p>Madison Szabo (Park Ridge)</p> [caption id="attachment_123900" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-123900" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/12/madison-szabo-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> Photo: <a href="https://www.ncsasports.org/womens-volleyball-recruiting/new-jersey/park-ridge/park-ridge-high-school/madison-szabo2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Next College Student Athlete</a>[/caption] <p>Szabo was a key piece for Park Ridge in their 2019 fall campaign. She was lethal in the middle and her ability to hit angles in the middle gave her an advantage every time she went up for a kill. She finished last season with 145 kills, 77 blocks and 58 digs. </p> <p>Elaine O’Boyle (Secaucus)</p> <p>O'Boyle is one of the few returners for Secaucus this season. As a junior, she finished with 88 kills, 28 blocks and 29 digs. </p> <p>Maryann Ijeh (Lyndhurst)</p> <p>Ijeh was a focal point of the offense last season for Lyndhurst. But her true knack was defense when she finished with 71 blocks last season. Her athleticism to get across for blocks forced their opponents to attempt more tips or going down the line forcing errors. She also had 70 kills on the season. </p> <p>Juniors</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="99859" first="Hope" last="Lagemann"] (Glen Rock)</p> <p>Lagemann is very versatile for Glen Rock where she primarily played middle blocker last season. She is currently 12th in our PrepDig rankings for 2022 in the state of NJ. She showcased her versatility by playing on the outside for her club team. She will be playing both this season for Glen Rock so her numbers will be absurd this year. She finished with 95 kills, 19 blocks and 24 digs a season ago. </p> <p>Brianna Kirkland (Lodi-Immaculate)</p> <p>Kirkland helped keep Lodi-Immaculate around .500 last season who were very young playing a lot of underclassmen. However, as a sophomore she showcased her talent and took on the challenge of being the number 1 option. She will only thrive this year being in this role for a second consecutive season. She finished last year with 70 kills, 10 blocks and 42 digs. </p> <p>Sophomores</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="99875" first="Ashanna" last="Caviness"] (Bogota)</p> [caption id="attachment_123890" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-123890" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/12/ashanna-caviness-300x205.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="205" /> Photo: <a href="https://njpowerranking.com/2020/09/12/ashanna-caviness-hidden-gem-in-bogota-success/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Jersey Power Ranking</a>[/caption] <p>Ashanna was a consistent presence in the middle for Bogota, and her numbers showed it. Her 72 blocks were 10th in the state (2nd in her class of 2023) and coupled with 74 kills, she was a formidable weapon in the Bogota arsenal. Considering she was a freshman on a team that is a dominant force. She is going to be phenomenal this year. </p> <p>Sierra Addy (Leonia)</p> <p>Addy is one to watch out for the next couple years as she continues to grow into her own. She was sitting behind a couple middle blockers last season but was still able to showcase glimpses of her ability by having 47 kills and 21 blocks. This year as the number 1 at middle on a solid Leonia squad, she will wreck havoc in the NJIC. </p> <p>These ladies are dominant foes playing offense and defense. The length middle blockers have create numerous problems for opposing offenses and compliment that with their hitting ability. Don't be surprised if these girls rack up huge numbers this season. </p>