2025 National Rankings Highlights: Memorable Moments from Middles
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This one’s for the middle blockers. All the recent flurry of activity surrounding the Class of 2025 made me realize that I have a few more memories in the bank regarding our 2025 national rankings. As I peruse the list,…
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Continue ReadingThis one’s for the middle blockers.
All the recent flurry of activity surrounding the Class of 2025 made me realize that I have a few more memories in the bank regarding our 2025 national rankings. As I peruse the list, a few more middle blockers stand out. These players have made huge splashes at venues I’ve visited over the past few years, and this is a good time to relive those good times once again.
Here are a few more memorable middles to follow from this star-studded class.
Dunkle looms large on an intimidating Circle City lineup. Her lateral quickness makes her particularly difficult to defend, as Dunkle often finds open net before opposing blockers can close the gap. This also helps Dunkle be a shutdown blocker who can move from pin to pin with ease. I’ve had this middle blocker on my radar at a variety of major tournaments since last year. She has always delivered.
Pitcel’s career progression has been something to behold. She stood out even when she was playing up an age group. Now she’s back with the 16s in 2023 and anchoring a brilliant MKE Sting net presence. Sting has become known for its physical middle blockers lately, and Pitcel has certainly kept that pipeline alive. Prep Dig Circuit events have given us so many glimpses at the high-end potential that Pitcel brings—and the best is yet to come.
I’ve run into HJV 16 Elite a couple of times this year, and Collins has always been that player to keep an eye on. She’s the ideal middle blocker for the M1 spot with her incredible range and effortless athleticism. Collins tested some of the best defensive teams at Triple Crown NIT, but she didn’t stop there. I ran into 16 Elite again at Windy City, where Collins built on her ever-expanding highlight reel.
Blackshear got a brief mention from me earlier this week, but a more in-depth look is warranted. Surfside 16 PV Legends undoubtedly stole the show at Triple Crown NIT, and Blackshear deserves a lot of credit for the incredible breakthrough. Her blocking instincts were remarkable on that big weekend. Moreover, Blackshear’s ability to mix up shots often confounds teams trying to figure out which angle to take away. Even with an outstanding field of California pin hitters in the 2025 class, we can’t forget about the middles.
Highlights
Gillen-Malveaux remains an incredible force in the Drive Nation gym. The most exciting aspect of Gillen-Malveaux’s game is that she hasn’t even reached her full potential yet–but she’s get closer all the time. Her explosiveness off of one foot has taken off in the 2023 season, offering further evidence that Gillen-Malveaux can be an impactful M1 at the next level. Triple Crown NIT has given us a collection of memorable moments from this middle, and another big stage awaits at GJNC.
Highlights
Schmidt has shown us that rare combination of length and coordination that college recruiters covet from middle blockers. Her ascent with Northern Lights has shown in the team’s recent results, highlighted by a 16 Open championship at the Show Me Qualifier. Whenever Northern Lights needs a clutch sideout, you can count on Schmidt getting her share of attempts.
I’ve been lucky enough to get a long, thorough look at Grenadier’s game at a couple of different events. Perhaps we’ll start all the way back to last year, when Grenadier started surging at one of our Prep Dig Circuit events in Cleveland. Her stock has kept rising since then, and I was able to put Legacy’s 16s squad under the microscope during this year’s NIT. Grenadier is a scoring threat no matter the route, tempo, or rotation.
A fast-rising star was brought to our attention at last year’s NLQ. Minor lit up the scoreboard in 15 Open competition and helped Houston Skyline complete a flawless weekend. Fast forward over a year later, and Minor’s game has become increasingly powerful and refined. Aside from a runner-up finish at Triple Crown, I’d tan the bid-earning triumph at Windy City as a major highlight for Minor and her team.
Greenberry has long been a trendsetter for HPSTL. I remember watching her dominate at the 15 Open level when her team took on the Show Me Qualifier. 2023 has offered further testament of Greenberry’s dominance. HPSTL has even figured out how to harness this middle blocker’s physicality with some designed swings on the left. Look for this versatility to play out again in Chicago