Under-the-Radar Middles from New 2023 Rankings

<p>Time to wrap up our tour of the 2023 rankings before we turn our focus toward the 2024s!</p> <p>Today, we're taking a quick look at some under-the-radar middle blockers in the 2023 class. There's a lot to choose from. Better yet, there's still plenty of time for 2023s to improve. New rising talents will emerge.</p> <p>For now, here are a few names to keep an eye on.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_101481" align="alignright" width="225"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-101481" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/07/Jessalynn-Hudson-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Hudson[/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="102192" first="Jess" last="Hudson"] - 6’2 MB/RS - BDS</strong></p> <p>Hudson has been a part of BDS’s frequent success over the past couple of years, and she has a chance to expand her role even more in the coming season. Her combination of size and athleticism has led to plenty of winning moments in multiple sports for the Eagles. Whether Hudson plays in the middle or on the right, she looks poised to lead BDS to another postseason appearance.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="103103" first="Laney" last="Kathol"] - 6’0 MB - Hartington Cedar Catholic</strong></p> <p>Kathol was one of Nebraska’s most productive and efficient middle blockers last season. She’s just getting started, too. Much of Kathol’s effectiveness comes from how difficult it is for opposing blockers to track her along the net. She moves incredibly well and can put herself in gaps that throw her foes off balance.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="103100" first="Arynn" last="Spence"] - 5’10 MB - Stanton</strong></p> <p>Here’s a middle blocker with a unique set of skills. Spence puts up a stout block in the middle, can swing from the pin, and is even a primary passer in the backcourt. Six-rotation middle blockers are rare at any level, but Spence is skilled enough to be an exception. She’ll simply do anything necessary to help her team win, and her passion shows every time she’s on the floor.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="104592" first="Avery" last="Couch"] - 5’10 MB - David City</strong></p> <p>Couch is yet another middle on this feature who uses her lateral quickness and impressive vertical to dominate at the net. She just showcased her abilities with VCN during this year’s club season, and it’s fair to expect more big accomplishments with David City in the fall.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="103084" first="Josie" last="Bentz"] - 5’9 MB - Columbus Lakeview</strong></p> <p>It doesn’t matter if Bentz is in the middle or on the pin. She’s going to terminate. After putting down over 150 balls last fall, this rising junior is in a great position to help lift her Columbus Lakeview team back to the state championships in 2021.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="103077" first="Rachel" last="Goodon"] - 6’3 MB - Adams Central</strong></p> <p>Goodon will look to unlock her full potential with Adams Central this fall. She's a long, physical athlete who has thrived on a variety of different courts over the years. Goodon can swing from the middle or on the right pin, which helps her contribute in a variety of ways. Those contributions should continue to grow as her career goes forward.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="122755" first="Sydney" last="Davis"] - 5’11 MB - Centura</strong></p> <p>Centura is fortunate enough to see Davis's talent flourish in both track and field and volleyball. As a middle blocker, Davis brings a terminal swing and infectious energy to her team. As she continues to develop, she can help put her Centura squad on the map.</p>