Tour of Oregon: Top Middle Blockers from Bend

As we tour the state of Oregon, we will be making many stops throughout this great State. We will be stopping by cities big and small, highlighting the best athletes in those places. Third stop: Bend! Here are the top five middle blockers: 2021 [caption id="attachment_127611" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_AzBhyO7qlHGjlnubdJExQ"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-127611" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/01/harper-j-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Photo: OSAA[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91113" first="Harper" last="Justema"], 6’2", MB, Summit High School, North Pacific Juniors, Columbia University Justema had a breakout junior season helping the Summit High School Storm secure a sixth-place finish in the 6A State tournament this past season. A two-year varsity starter for the Storm, she was awarded Mountain Valley First Team All-League for her exceptional play. She is a quick and athletic middle, who hits a slide with insurmountable force attacking down the line and cross-court. She is a strong blocker and moves well laterally. She is a year young for her grade, so even though she was a junior last club season, she played for North Pacific Juniors 16-A Bend due to her birthday cut-off. She will be returning to NPJ this upcoming club season. She recently committed to play at Columbia University [caption id="attachment_127612" align="alignleft" width="150"]<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-127612" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/01/makenna-nelson-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /> Photo: OSAA[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91151" first="Makenna" last="Nelson"], 5’8", MB/RS, Bend High School, North Pacific Juniors Nelson had a dominant junior season helping the Bend High School Lava Bears finish 13th in the 6A State tournament. A two-year varsity starter, she has an insanely high vertical and uses this to her advantage. While trained in the middle, she also plays on the right side. Last club season she played for North Pacific Juniors 18-A National team.   [caption id="attachment_127614" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11879713/Sophie-Silva"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-127614" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/01/sophie-silva-headshot-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Photo: OSAA[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91159" first="Sophie" last="Silva"], 5’8", MB, Sisters High School, Central Oregon Volleyball Club Silva had a standout junior season for the Sisters High School Outlaws, helping them secure a second-place finish in the 4A State tournament. A Varsity starter since her freshman year, she is key to their success and a go-to attacker for the team. For her play, she was awarded Oregon West Second Team All-League. She has an explosive approach with an insane vertical. Her great court sense and volleyball IQ make her an indispensable player. She can also be seen playing on the outside and is often found in the back row given her solid ball handling. Last club season she played for Central Oregon Volleyball Club 18-1 and will be returning for COVC this upcoming club season. 2022 [caption id="attachment_127615" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://www.connectvolleyball.com/profile/MarleyH12"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-127615" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/01/marley-h-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Photo: NPJ[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91226" first="Marley" last="Hardgrave"], 6’3", MB, Bend High School, North Pacific Juniors Hardgrave had an outstanding sophomore season playing middle blocker for the Bend Lava Bears, helping them finish 13th in the 6A State tournament. Making her way into the starting lineup early on in the high school season, she made her presence known. She is an athletic player and does a great job making herself available in transition. With her 6’3’’ stature, she puts up a strong block her opponents struggle to get around. She brings a positive energy to the court that is infectious. She also plays on the lacrosse team for the Lava Bears. Last club season she played for North Pacific Juniors Bend 16-A and will be returning to NPJ this upcoming club season. 2023 [caption id="attachment_127616" align="alignleft" width="150"]<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-127616" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/01/allison-danner-headshot-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /> Photo: OSAA[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91333" first="Allison" last="Danner"], 5’9", MB/OH, Mountain View High School, North Pacific Juniors Danner had a solid first season on Varsity as the lone freshman on the Mountain View High School Cougars roster. Although playing in the middle for most of her career, she can also be found on the outside. Last club season she played for North Pacific Juniors Bend 15-A and will be returning to NPJ this upcoming club season.