New Additions: 2026 Rankings-Middles
In this article:
The class of 2026 rankings feature a deep, tall, and talented group of middles. The new additions have 3 spots in the top ten in the rankings, and we will cover those players in a future article. Here are several…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe class of 2026 rankings feature a deep, tall, and talented group of middles. The new additions have 3 spots in the top ten in the rankings, and we will cover those players in a future article. Here are several profiles from the next group of middles, featuring players from across the state. These players will be counted on this fall to do the thankless work of getting the block up and being available in transition no matter the situation.
The Puyallup Junior middle puts up a strong block, and when she gets her hands on a swing she can put down a block with force. As powerful a blocker as she is, her movements on the court are measured and smooth, and she slides her hands over over the net keeping them pressed as long as possible before sliding them back. Alefaio was a problem as a blocker for anyone PJVBC played, she will rack up blocks during the school season.
Highlights
Neilson was part of the Renovators 15’s during the club season after seeing time on the court for a talented Mt. Spokane team during her freshman year. She has excellent vision and a feel for scoring, whether it’s a big swing or poking the ball to the empty spot on the court. She was featured on the outside for RVC Jake, and that move paid dividends by taking advantage of her quick transitions and natural swing. Neilson was just as effective a blocker on the outside as the middle, she can play either position at a high level.
The Dakine and Gig Harbor prospect has grown taller, now checking in at 6’1 with a good reach. She will run excellent routes behind and in front of her setter and is able to turn the ball to score around the block. Artman handles jousts and messy situations at the net well, she can go up strong with two hands and quickly put the ball to the floor.
Highlights
Stephen stands 6 foot 2 and has a strong presence in the middle as a blocker and attacker. Excel NW Lux found swings for the Camas middle from the right side as well as out of the middle, and Stephen hammered balls off the block or to the floor. She can adjust on sets to drop over a soft tip or sweep a ball down to score.
Highlights
Tornow is a terrific athlete and showed big growth as a prospect from her freshman year on the Hanford varsity to the end of the season with the Shockwave 15 team. She held her own against tough competition from across the state, battling against other high level middles from quality 15 and 16 teams. Tornow is instinctive with a strong swing, and this season her transitions have become more urgent and precise, allowing her to be available as an option for her setters.
Highlights
Terry ran the middle for SVA during club but may be moved along the front line for Rogers this fall. SVA pushed a near-zero tempo for the middles, and when Terry was able to connect with her setters it was electric. She continues to be a terrific athlete and has improved her passing and eye work when identifying the opposing attackers to set up her block.