2023 GJNC Top Middle Blockers – 17 Open

<!-- wp:heading {"level":6} --> <h6 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Be sure to follow&nbsp;<strong>@lshotvb&nbsp;</strong>on Instagram and Twitter for all things volleyball!</em></h6> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":6} --> <h6 class="wp-block-heading">–</h6> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No better way to end the club season than with the illustrious USA Girls Junior National Championships every year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With some of the best talents from across the country on tap, the gym is red hot with top notch competition. This year was no different for the championships, upsets galore, heavy weights falling and fresh faces atop the podium. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at some of the best of the best throughout the field. Starting off with the middle blockers in 17 Open.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='333734' first='Ameena' last='Campbell'] - Mizuno Long Beach</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's quick off the ground and gives a lot of spice when she plays. Ameena Campbell is one of the go-to's in this Mizuno Long Beach offense for good reason. She has a lot of pop to her game and puts the ball down big time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='180295' first='Ryla' last='Jones'] - Metro</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metro had a real nice run going into the final day of the USAV Tournament. Ryla Jones had much to thank for that. The Pittsburgh bound blocker was a force at the net. Stuff blocks left and right and a killer cut on her shots to put the ball away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='142220' first='Favor' last='Anyanwu'] - TAV</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From one power house middle to the next, Anyanwu leaves you in awe every time you watch her play. Or at least she does that to me! The athlete is a total tank on the court. Strong legs come with a high reach on the ball, whether with her blocking or her attack - neither of which you want to come in contact with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='124153' first='Jaela' last='Auguste'] - Houston Skyline</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Houston Skyline made some big waves throughout the Girls Junior Nationals behind the net play of this player. Auguste is as athletic as they come and so formidable at the net. With her length at the net and fast pop off of the ground, she's so effective.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->