Prep Season Preview: 6A Top Returning Middles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Not a subscriber? Use the code ADAMS30 for 30% off!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High school season is right around the corner. Tryouts were the week of August 14th, and league play starts the week of September 4th. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As usual, Prep Dig will be following the action. But until it starts, we will highlight the top players returning in each position.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up, the top middles from the 6A classification. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["126196"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6ead9a9c84"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adamo was a steady contributor last season for Oregon City High School, receiving Three Rivers Second Team All-League. Her play in the middle was vital in the Pioneer's long State run. Playing club for Excel 18-1 Lux, she showcased her versatility and physicality as an attacker, taking a different role as a pin hitter. With Adamo and [player_tooltip player_id='126054' first='Brooke' last='Williams'] returning for their senior campaigns, the pair will make for a relentless combination.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["267159"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6ead9a9d06"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Akpan made huge waves during her freshman season for South Medford, receiving Southwest Second Team All-Leauge accolades. As a dominant middle blocker, she was a key piece in their success last season. Also juggling basketball this season, she chose to play for a local club team that did not participate in Power Leagues, so we did not get a chance to watch Akpan play. But there is no question she will be a significant impact for the Panthers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["249606"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6ead9a9d6f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson is another freshman that proved to be a big difference maker for Jesuit High School, making Metro Third Team All-Leauge. Although undersized for a middle, standing at 5'9”, she makes up for it with her impressive vertical jump, touching 9'10. Playing club for OJVA 15-1, she primarily played as a right side, so she will come into high school season with some high-level experience as a pin hitter. Given her newfound versatility, it will be exciting to see where the Crusaders utilize Johnson.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["267158"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6ead9a9dd6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kincaid was a major component in Central Catholic's lineup last season, garnering a Mt. Hood Second Team All-Leauge nod. She was an offensive weapon from the middle and played a key role in their blocking success. However, she spent the past club season with OJVA 15-1 as a six-rotation outside hitter. Her attack from the pin was lethal, and she grew her attacking range significantly.  So it will be interesting to see where Kincaid is used this upcoming season for the Rams. With pin hitter Sofia Cooper, Hawaii Pacific, graduating last season, there is a definite hole in the lineup that Kincaid could very well be able to fulfill. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["126070"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6ead9a9e39"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lansing has been an integral piece of Jesuit High School's success the past two seasons, receiving Metro First Team All-Leauge accolades. For Jesuit, she has been dominant in the middle. But this past club season, with Athena 17-1, she spent most of the season mastering the right side. She puts up a massive block and can annihilate the ball down the line. With both Ceanna O'Loughlin, CSU Pueblo, and Isabel Patterson, University of Oregon, graduating, there will be a big hole that could be Lansing's for the filling.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["236033"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6ead9a9e9c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mathis was a huge piece of South Salem's success this past season as a middle blocker, receiving Central Valley Second Team All-League accolades. During this past club season, she played for NPJ 17-1, seeing court time primarily as a middle with some time on the right side. She has an explosive approach and a quick arm. With outside's Kayleigh Carpenter, Boise State, and Brooksie Isham, Air Force, graduating this past year, the Saxons will be looking to Mathis for her offensive power.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["161891"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6ead9a9f00"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madsen did not receive any All-League or All-State honors last season. However, having had the opportunity to watch her play a few times this club season, it is safe to assume she will be a big factor for the Westview Wildcats this upcoming season. Playing club for NPJ 16-1 this season, she was a blocking machine for this team. After graduating 10 seniors last season, they will need the few returning athletes to take on a bigger role this season. And that definitely includes Madsen!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Carly Straub","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Ida B. Wells","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"MAC 18-1 Elite","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6ead9a9fda"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Straub was a critical piece of Wells High School's success last season, in which the team made it to the 2nd round of State playoffs for the first time in a long time. She was named to the PIL First Team All-League and Wells Offensive Player of the year. Playing club for MAC 18-1, she got lots of playing time as their middle blocker. She can execute a powerful slide attack. The Guardians will be needing Straub's dominant play in the middle this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["249298"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":249106,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6ead9aa059"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pernsteiner was a big factor in St. Mary's success last season, being awarded Three Rivers First Team All-League. Her play as a middle was critical in their advancement to the 2nd round of State and the best season the Blues have seen in years. She spent the club season with Excel 18-1 and saw a lot of court time as a right side. With Mia Fedota, University of Puget Sound, graduating, the Blues may rely on Pernsteiner back in the middle. But she could also sneak her way to the pin, so it will be exciting to see where she is utilized. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["161843"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6ead9aa0be"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Troche did not receive All-League honors last season. However, Lake Oswego High School will definitely be needing Troche's capabilities this season. Spending her club season playing for Athena 16-1, she quickly rose to the top of her class, now ranked the #5 middle in the state. Her attacking became so much more aggressive, and she became a demanding presence on the court by the end of the season. The Lakers will need Troche's offensive power and formidable blocking this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["126054"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6ead9aa120"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams, who recently committed to play for Seattle Pacific University, was vital in Oregon City, finishing 4th in the 6A State tournament. She received Three Rivers Second Team All-League for her dominant play. Competing with OJVA 17-1 this past club season, she continued to improve her skills in the middle. Her blocking, specifically her speed laterally and press over the net, has improved dramatically. There is no doubt the Pioneers will be needing Williams in the middle for this upcoming season.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->