2024 Rankings Update: Top Middle Hitters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our latest <a href="https://prepdig.com/michigan/rankings/2024-rankings/">Class of 2024 Player Rankings</a> came out this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The middle hitter position is strong in this class, with five ranking in our top 15 and eight in the top 25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It could be the strongest collective position in this Class of 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's get a closer look at the top 10 middles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110282' first='Mallory' last='Bohl'], Saline/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bohl had her prep season cut short by a knee injury, but her abilities are pretty clear. The Notre Dame commit had a big club season with Legacy and remains one of the fiercest blockers in the Midwest. As a sophomore she had 107 blocks in 100 sets for Saline. I would expect more of the same in her senior season, where she will be motivated to help Saline build off a D1 semifinal appearance in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>2. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110287' first='Kaela' last='Chingwa'], North Branch/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chingwa was a key piece for North Branch and its D2 title run. The 6'3” middle gave the Broncos the size at the net to be a blocking force, while also finishing at .344 clip offensively. She tallied 117 blocks with 249 kills and proved to be a standout athlete that can make a big impact at the college level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>3. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110305' first='Kendall' last='Hopewell'], FH Northern/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":277465,"width":222,"height":264,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/12/9-Kendall-Hopewell.jpg?w=859" alt="" class="wp-image-277465" width="222" height="264" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='110305' first='Kendall' last='Hopewell']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hopewell was the compliment in the middle to a pair of standout outsides at Northern. Her 6'1” size, combined with quick feet and athleticism, makes her a difficult player to compete against. This fall Hopewell recorded 215 kills with 46 blocks. She also showcased a balanced defensive game with 248 digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>4. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110296' first='Ellie' last='Fles'], South Christian/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fles helped South Christian reach the Division 2 semifinals, while also being the offensive leader in the semifinal contest with North Branch. Fles had all-around abilities, finishing the season with 328 kills, 310 digs, 78 aces and 46 blocks. Fles is active at the net and able to play the middle or the outside. As she continues to improve, she is showing that she may have more outside potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>5. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110315' first='Avry' last='Nelson'], Northville/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nelson had a bit of a breakout season this fall for Northville. While already showcasing a high ceiling, Nelson actually played to that potential and moved her ceiling even higher. The 6'3” Nelson was just what the Mustangs needed to compliment a dominant outside in [player_tooltip player_id='66325' first='Abigail' last='Reck']. This fall, Nelson had 249 kills with 99 blocks while hitting .309. Her attacks were as powerful as they come for the D1 runner-up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>6. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110328' first='Johanna' last='Tillman'], Dakota/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":157811,"width":218,"height":290,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Dakota-Tillman.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-157811" width="218" height="290" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='110328' first='Johanna' last='Tillman']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tillman proved to be one of the best middle finishers in the state this fall, hitting an impressive .404 for Dakota as part of a deep bench of hitters. She finished with 143 kills and 47 blocks, but the next year will be a chance for her to really shoulder more of a load for the Cougars. A tireless player, Tillman has the athleticism and drive to be a successful college middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>7. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110321' first='Piper' last='Risdon'], Lowell/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Risdon became the next Lowell middle to make a name for herself in 2022. She stepped up to a bigger role this fall and passed with flying colors. Risdon recorded 310 kills while hitting .331. She also added 48 blocks and 45 aces. Risdon is a multi-sport athlete that uses her quickness and instincts to come through offensively and defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>8. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110314' first='Carissa' last='Musta'], Cadillac</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Musta proved she can be a dominant force in Division 2, as she led the Vikings to the state semifinals. The 6'3” Musta had 505 kills on the season while hitting .341. She also had an eye-popping 189 blocks. Musta is well one her way to being one of the top block leaders in MHSAA history with 432 already through three seasons. Musta has great instincts and a great motor at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>9. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110308' first='Mila' last='Kavara'], FH Central/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kavara is a middle that has also been able to slide to the OPP position. Her hitting has been a work-in-progress at times, but she's already got great blocking skills. Kavara was an important piece to Forest Hills Central's season from a defensive standpoint, as she made life a lot easier for her passers. Offensively, Kavara brings a lot of explosion and pop, but needs to find a little more consistency with her finishing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>10. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176600' first='Kate' last='Maley'], Skyline/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maley was the compliment on offense for [player_tooltip player_id='66319' first='Harper' last='Murray'] at Skyline this fall. She put together 291 kills this fall while slightly improving on her finishing rate. She remained solid with her blocking, tallying 61. Maley also had to play a bigger role on the defense and finished with 121 digs. This past season showed more of Maley's all-around ability and her growth as a presence at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->