Late-Season Stat Stuffers: 2022 Middle Blockers

<p>Let’s talk about more stat stuffers!</p> <p>We’re closing in on the end of the regular season, but we’ve still got plenty of time to highlight more players who have had a standout 2021 campaign. It’s been a lot of fun to cover so many talented classes and position groups during this action-packed year of high school volleyball, and it will be exciting to see these athletes face off at the state championships in early November.</p> <p>Today, the topic is senior middle blockers. These veteran leaders have had a huge impact on their respective teams, and that influence shows up on the box score. So, let’s spotlight a few of these big achievers.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Katelynn Oxley - 6’3 MB - Lincoln Lutheran</strong></p> <p>Oxley’s dominance from the middle blocker spot has not gone unnoticed, as she just committed to a DePaul program that is steadily rising in the Big East. She’ll bring a multitude of skills to the next level, including the ability to stuff balls down at an incredible rate. Oxley is one of Nebraska’s top blockers and adds some solid offense to the mix, too.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="37536" first="Emma" last="O’Neill"] - 6’0 MB - Papillion-La Vista South</strong></p> <p>O’Neill has been making valuable contributions to the Papio South program for a long time now. It shows up everywhere on the box score. She’s hitting about .350 on the season and is incredibly efficient at stuffing some of the best hitters in the state. This veteran middle blocker is clearly set on capping off her career with a state title.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="58778" first="Bianca" last="Martinez"] - 6’2 MB - Omaha Central</strong></p> <p>Martinez is one of the most imposing middle blockers in the state. This Nebraska Elite product has impressive offensive range and uses her great length to hit indefensible angles. When she’s not roofing balls to the floor, Martinez is constantly generating positive touches for her team in transition. She’s a multi-sport athlete who can simply do it all.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Chloe Mader - 5’8 MB - Grand Island Northwest</strong></p> <p>This senior middle blocker has been a key part of GI Northwest’s success over the past few years. Mader has easily surpassed 100 kills this year and is even chipping in with some great balls from the service line. She jumps well above her frame and has become a blocking force to be reckoned with in Class B.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Lily Knull - 5’8 MB - Battle Creek</strong></p> <p>Battle Creek has had a solid 2021 season with Knull leading the way at the net. She’s posted double-digit kills in several appearances this season and has added nearly a block per set for good measure. Knull’s well-rounded team should continue to claw up the Class C1 hierarchy.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="58822" first="Grace" last="Williams"] - 6’1 MB - Fremont</strong></p> <p>Williams is an impressive athlete who combines technique and physicality to dominate at the middle blocker spot. She has eclipsed 200 kills this year and has also surpassed a .300 hitting efficiency in her final year with the Tigers. Her senior-laden team is always a treat to watch.</p>