SEC: Top Middle Hitters Returning

<p>The Super Essex Conference has plenty of talent throughout so we are going to give some notice to those who will be returning for this Spring 2021 season. This next group of girls’ are able to make massive impacts offensively or defensively. They have all the shots and are creative to ensure their team is able to score. Let’s take a look at the top middle hitters returning. </p> <p><strong>Seniors</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Ada Ojukwu (Livingston)</strong></em></p> <p>Ojukwu was the top option for a Livingston squad that finished around .500 in 2019. She will be looked upon to be a leader on the court for them. She had a great season with 116 kills. She is one to watch with her creativity hitting on angles and don't be surprised if she starts wracking up blocks as well. </p> <p><em><strong>Cybel Cobbinah (Belleville)</strong></em></p> <p>Cobbinah was a number 3 option offensively for Belleville last season and was also splitting time in the middle. She does have great athleticism in the middle and finished with 54 kills and 22 digs last season. She's stepping up to the second option for Belleville this season so expect a breakout year. </p> <p><em><strong>Adrianna Maragh (Payne Tech)</strong></em></p> <p>Maragh is one who was the focal point of the Payne Tech offense even with a squad that rotates in so many middle blockers. Her versatility is what makes her dominant as she will go out and play opposite along with being willing to play the back row. She finished with 107 kills, 13 blocks and 82 digs. </p> <p><em><strong>Damiyah Davis (Montclair Immaculate)</strong></em></p> <p>Davis was one of the few bright spots on a Montclair Immaculate squad that struggled a year ago. She finished with 66 kills and 32 blocks. Her ability to effect the game on defense is what I like out of her game as even if she does not get the block, she will force opposing hitters into errors. </p> <p><em><strong>Raya Happonen (Montclair)</strong></em></p> <p>Happonen is the number 2 option for the Montclair offense. She finished with 65 kills, 38 digs and 26 digs last year. Watch for her to have a monster season this year as she is able to effect the game offensively and defensively. </p> [caption id="attachment_125099" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-125099" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/01/Ashley-Duhaney-300x218.png" alt="" width="300" height="218" /> Photo: <a href="https://njpowerranking.com/2020/10/01/senior-ashley-duhaney-powers-veronas-attack/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Jersey Power Ranking</a>[/caption] <p><strong>Junior</strong></p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="99855" first="Ashley" last="Duhaney"] (Verona)</strong></em></p> <p>Duhaney will be looking to build off of her sophomore season where she had 171 kills, 47 blocks and 48 digs. She was lethal and her athleticism on offense and defense make her difficult for opposing teams to prepare for. She’s a force to be reckon with in the middle. </p> <p><strong>Sophomore </strong></p> <p><em><strong>Bridget Lonergan (Mount St. Dominic)</strong></em></p> <p>Lonergan was the focal point of a Mount St. Dominic squad that struggled last season. As a freshman, she stepped right in and took control of the offense finishing with 90 kills and 42 blocks. She is one to watch for years to come as she grows. </p> <p>These ladies are great in the middle and make an impact offensively and defensively. Their ability to play both allows them to not drop their heads because even if their offensive game is struggling, their defense could be thriving. Watch for these ladies to be battling it out for first team honors.</p>