Nationals Preview: 2026 Open-Level Middles
In this article:
D’Aira Whitner – AVE CLE 15 RedOne of the most explosive prospects in this class in Ohio, Whitner is impressive. Her athleticism makes her activity around the court look effortless, especially on the offensive side as she is quick off…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingD’Aira Whitner – AVE CLE 15 Red
One of the most explosive prospects in this class in Ohio, Whitner is impressive. Her athleticism makes her activity around the court look effortless, especially on the offensive side as she is quick off the floor with big elevation. She creates a high contact point that can beat most blocks and has increased her range with improving vision and awareness to adjust in the air to the space she identifies around the opposing block. Not the biggest middle in this class regarding height, she more than makes up for any limitation there with her physical tools and the great skills she continues to grow as a middle hitter. She and her team will be competing at the GJNC this summer in Chicago.
Alia Schoonover
Alia
Schoonover
6'0" | MB
Buckeye Valley | 2026
State
OH
– Mintonette m.51
One of many options for this team offensively, Schoonover is their best middle threat given the depth of her tools to swing through quick options and overhead off of one foot. She has great mechanics through a slide option as she builds momentum well to get ahold of the ball that is dished with tempo that typically affords her great space to swing aggressively. She is very active on both sides of the ball and is a capable scorer that needs to be respected, which lends a lot of space to her pin-hitting teammates and their attacking opportunities. This squad will enter as one of the 15 Open favorites at the upcoming GJNC.
Kendall Bosse
Kendall
Bosse
6'1" | MB
Ross | 2026
State
OH
– Tri State Elite 15 Blue
Bosse is a 6’1 athlete with good athleticism that benefits her well as both an attacker and blocker at the net. She plays with a very aggressive style in her opportunities to score as she drives well through her lift off the floor that leads to a big arm swing at the top of her jump. She closes well to the ball when swinging and has strong hand penetration defensively that can apply a lot of pressure to opposing hitters. This team will close our there season at AAU nationals in Orlando with a good opportunity to earn a medal.
Gabby Semona
Gabby
Semona
6'3" | MB
St. Ursula Academy - Cincinnati | 2026
State
OH
– Tri State Elite 15 Blue
At 6’3, Semona has the best length for this team, which is a big factor given the tandem she and her teammate Bosse create in the middle phase of the game. She has certainly increased the effectiveness and impact of her arm over the course of the season as her footwork, timing, and arm speed have all improved. She can generate a lot of pace upon contact and combined with her reach she can be a tough match-up to slow down. Her length is also a big factor on the defensive side as she can put up a huge block.
Audrey Dyas – NKYVC 15-1
Dyas came to NKYVC last season and has steadily become one of their most reliable options offensively while also growing her tools to contribute on the defensive side at the net as well as at the service line. She has good length as part of her physical frame and has increased her speed and mobility through all options offensively to be a factor through a variety of attack points. Her contributions have elevated this team’s competitiveness over the most recent two seasons as evidenced by their success at some of the season’s biggest events.