A Look at the Top 5 Middle Blockers in the 2026 Class: Michigan

<h6 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Be sure to follow @lshotvb on Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter for all things volleyball!</em></h6>   <h6 class="wp-block-heading">–</h6>   <p>The latest rankings update is up and LIVE!</p>   <p>For the class of 2026, we are coming into a HUGE year. Not only do we have the sophomore year of club on the horizon, but even further in the distance, we have that illusive June 15th date that every prospect looks to. June 15th is when the floodgates of recruiting go live, and this class is up next. 2023 was a pretty big year for these prospects, but 2024 will be even bigger!</p>   <p>With all of the excitement from 2023 coming to a close, let's take a look at the top 5 middle blockers in the rankings.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 1 [player_tooltip player_id='226909' first='Kayla' last='Nwabueze'] - Bloomfield Hills/Legacy</h2>   <p>There is nothing subtle about this player's game. And she's not our number ranked prospect for no reason. In a pretty stacked group of athletes, [player_tooltip player_id='226909' first='Kayla' last='Nwabueze'] cements herself head and shoulders above the rest. A dominating presence at the net, Nwabueze is absolutely relentless. An attacking dynamo, she can run all the shots and with some serious heat. What may be most impressive is her already such developed blocking prowess. </p>   <p>Nwabueze is coming off of a big time high school season. Showing off that she is not just some big bully at the net, Nwabueze popped off in the back court for Bloomfield Hills. Not only was she named a MIVCA First-Team All-State, but she was a Prep Dig First Teamer as well.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 3 [player_tooltip player_id='226875' first='Ella' last='Andrews'] - Mercy/Legacy</h2>   <p>If it's not Nwabueze terrorizing opponents at the net, it's [player_tooltip player_id='226875' first='Ella' last='Andrews'] on the club scene. [player_tooltip player_id='226875' first='Ella' last='Andrews'] is much more expected on the prowess side, given her huge stature, standing at 6'3. Tall, lengthy and yet so agile and effective on just about every shot in the book. Andrews is as versatile as they come as well, being able to play a myriad of positions at a high level. Yet, she thrives greatly in the middle. </p>   <p>This coming club season is going to be a big one for Andrews. After having to sit the entirety of the fall camp due to MHSAA Transfer regulations, Andrews has to be bursting at the seams to show herself off. While not on the court, I can tell that Andrews proved to be huge in Mercy's state final run this past November with her presence in the practice gym.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 12 [player_tooltip player_id='446691' first='Taliyah' last='Hanks'] - Loy Norrix/Dead Frog</h2>   <p>This is going to be one deadly player to keep an eye on throughout the club season. [player_tooltip player_id='446691' first='Taliyah' last='Hanks'] really caught a lot of eyes in the previous club season with her outing with Dead Frog's 16 Black team. A squad that is keeping things hot in the Kalamazoo-Area, they went on to place Top 5 at AAU Nationals in the Premier Division this Summer. Since then, we haven't heard much from Hanks and her HS team, but I am sure that this is going to be changing very soon.</p>   <p>Hanks is one of those players that is so athletic, yet so raw. Her ceiling is virtually unforeseeable, that's what also makes this club season so exciting for the burgeoning star. Be on the look out for Hanks with Dead Frog this Winter. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 18 [player_tooltip player_id='226899' first='Cree' last='Hollier'] - Mercy/Michigan Elite</h2>   <p>I'll say it once. And I'll say it a million times more. Don't sleep on this kid! She may be the smallest middle in the game currently, but I'd argue that [player_tooltip player_id='226899' first='Cree' last='Hollier'] can be one of the most effective! I especially stand by this after her highlight performances in the Division I Final Four this past November. Her quick-twitched nature is almost too fast for even the stoutest of defenses to handle. She's up and then's already crushed the ball. Hollier is a tons of fun to catch in action.</p>   <p>Hollier will be projected to have another big club season this year with Michigan Elite's 16 National.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 19 [player_tooltip player_id='487356' first='Lucy' last='Monahan'] - Bedford/L2</h2>   <p>Much like Hanks, I would highly recommend that scouts and opponents stay on high alert when it comes to this athlete. Last club season, [player_tooltip player_id='487356' first='Lucy' last='Monahan'] played up an age group to play with L2's 162. This team went on to be L2's first ever Top Ten finishing team, regardless of divisions/ages, at AAU Nationals. Monahan was CRUCIAL in this history. Fast forward to the fall, Monahan had some serious competition in the Bedford gym with the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='288945' first='Victoria' last='Gray'] (Indiana) and <strong>Kadie Morse</strong>. While her court time was limited, it was impactful when she stepped on.</p>   <p>This club season Monahan is projected to remain at the 16s, but get the call up to L2's 161 under HC <strong>Eric Lindstrom</strong>. We got a little preview of what Monahan was cooking up at the Prep Dig Top 250 a week ago and man, y'all ain't ready for this! </p>