Top Ten Middles in the Class of 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best position we save for last. A position few players love to play. Whenever you run clinics and you want to play sixes middles are the hardest position to fill. You usually have to rotate in pin hitters to cover the position. While the bros may be under appreciated there are still plenty who want to play the position. The pin hitters get most of the sets and the glory while the middles perform the hard work by providing the decoy for drawing the middle blocker away from the pins. Even their blocks are shared with the pins when they are done in tandem.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the setter is the quarterback of the team the middles are the offensive linemen that give the running back (pin hitters) the glory with the big yardage. Below are my top ten pin hitters to watch in the class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["238341"],"_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":"Early in her career she preferred to hit the pins.  Last year she was used as a right side by [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''].  As a frosh she started in the middle for Bishop O'Connell, but also saw some pin action.  She finished the season with 30 blocks.  Her sophomore year she remained at the middle and more than doubled her block production with 69, one behind the team leader.  She has improved her penetration over the net, leaving less of a window between the net and her block.  At 6'2u0022 with long arms she can cover a lot of territory.  She also has a quick wrist snap that can put the ball to the floor quickly.  Tea earned a spot on the VISAA first team.  She also ranks number 4 in our class of 2025.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f479c6ed0a8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["325603"],"_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":"While she lists at 6'2u0022 she appears taller than that.  She plays for Hedgesville High in West Virginia, leading the team in blocks and hitting percentage while finishing second in kills.  Musselman and Morgantown tend to be the two AAA powerhouses in the state but Hedgesville is making some noise.  They took Musselman to five last year in the semi-final.  Parker finished with 15 kills and five blocks in the match.  Last year Parker played for Liberty.  This year she looked for more of a challenge and switched to [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''].  She has the ability to dominate the game at the net.  Parker currently ranks tenth in our class of 2026 but could move up.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f479c6ed124"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["325599"],"_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":"Of the three middles on [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''], at 6'0u0022 Raegan stands the smallest on the team.  Her quickness and athleticism may make her the best.  Those atributes also benefit her as an outside where she plays for Whitman, though she is also listed as a middle/outside.  [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] also uses her on the right side.  She shows great tempo for the quicks in the middle which makes her difficult to block.  Even if she doesn't get set middles have to respect her otherwise she will bury the ball to the floor.  I have not seen a lot of her pin hitting, but she does not appear to have issues timing the higher sets.  She appears to have the athleticism to play the back row if given that opportunity.  Raegan ranks number seven in our class of 2026.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f479c6ed181"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238850' first='Sydney' last='Bennett'] </strong>(Virginia Juniors/Patriot) - At 6'2" Sydney is another player who can dominate at the net. Last year she played for American, which put her under the radar a bit. Virginia Juniors may put her more in the spotlight. For Patriot high school she led the team in blocks while finishing third in kills. Patriot lost in the class 6 Region B first round to Colgan. Sydney earned a spot on the all region second team while also finding a place on the first team for the Cedar Run District. She covers a lot of area when she puts up a block in the middle. Sydney ranks at number 15 in our class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='320815' first='Tenley' last='Mattison'] ([program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']/James Woods) - At 5'10" she might be considered small for a middle. Last year was her first appearance on the James Wood roster, joining <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</strong> to lead James Wood to their second state championship. She led the team in blocks and sat at number two in hitting percentage while replacing senior graduate <strong>Ella Kelchner</strong>. In the finals of the state class 4 championship she finished with five kills and four blocks. She also blocks middle for [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'], dispensing for the most part with the quick sets and hitting predominately twos in the middle. Her athleticism allows her to move quickly on the court, moving from pin to pin to put up a good block. Tenley ranks number 31 in our class of 2026, this after appearing as one of our biggest climbers from our last ranking, rising 30 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["333653"],"_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":"Elizabeth seems to have sprouted three inches since the last time I recorded her height, going from 6'0 to 6'3u0022.  This may not be her last growth spurt.  I have been told her father is 7'3 and an ex-basketball player.  As a sophomore for Colgan she was their top blocker.  Her efforts earned her an appearance on the second team in the Cardinal District.  She also switched clubs to play for [program_tooltip program_id='489547' first='540' last='Volleyball Academy'].  They are the top ranked team in the Old Dominion Region.  They finished first at the Charm City Challenge playing in the Premier Division.   Elizabeth lists as a right side for Club 540 as they already have two talented middles in u003cstrongu003eJasmine Williamsu003c/strongu003e and class of 2027 u003cstrongu003eAlyssa Kumah. u003c/strongu003e This past weekend at the Shamrock tournament she helped her 16 team win the 17/18 open while playing right side.  She ranks number 31 in our class of 2026.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f51d2ea3759"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["397397"],"_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":"First saw her play at the Prep Dig DMV expo, which put her on my radar.  She was one of 14 players named as a top performer.  What impressed me most about her was her defensive play when she played in the back row after serving the ball.  She earned a second team appearance on the All Commonwealth District team.  Jasmine brings quickness and athleticism to the court, which makes up for what many would consider her small 5'11u0022 height.   At the Shamrock tournament she led her 16 team to a first place finish in the 17/18 open, beating a strong [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] 18 team.   She sits at number 49 in our class of 2026.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f51d2ea37b8"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["229773"],"_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":"When I watched her play at Capital Hill Classic a couple years ago she was a tall girl who did not completely follow through with her swing.  She has grown a couple inches since then and from watching video the swing looks more complete.  She plays for a small Virginia high school Liberty Christian Academy.  She finished second on the team in blocks and third in kills.  She commutes to North Carolina to play for Academy, who recently participated in the Triple Crown.  They are currently ranked number 34 in the country.  She has also played some right side for Academy, in addition to her middle play.  Evie currently ranks number 50 in our class of 2026.  Certainly shows a dedication to the sport of volleyball.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f5c3fd84e37"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["321679"],"_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":"Last year she played for Metro's regional team.  While she stands just 5'9u0022 her vertical and timing for the middle allows her to complete a number of blocks against the much taller competition.  Metro travel chose to add her to the roster despite having a trio of middles who can play the position.  Simone plays for power house Urbana where she led the team in kills while compiling a hitting percentage of .356.  She also led the team in blocks.  For Metro playing time could be a challenge.  She brings to the court the athleticism to play outside but Metro carries five pin hitters already.  Simone ranks number 46 in our class of 2026, but she was one of our biggest climbers from the last rankings, climbing from 92 to 46..","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f5c3fd84e98"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["472234"],"_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":"Tessa is another player who stood out at our first DMV Expo.  During our drills the setters were having difficulty hitting the middles with their sets.  Tessa seemed to have the ability to adjust to the sets and hit the quicks regardless of where the sets were placed.  She was one of the key players to allow Georgetown Day to win a second straight DC state championship.  While she listed only fifth on the team in kills her hitting percentage was a team best .342.  She also finished third on the team in blocks.  Recently watched her play in the Shamrock and she showed quick movement and athleticism in the middle.  Tessa ranks number 51 in our class of 2026, one of our new additions to the rankings.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f5c3fd84eec"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Middles to Put on the Radar</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["498420"],"_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":"Paramount lists her at 6'2'.  My first look at her came at the Volley by the James tournament.  Meisha can be a force at the net.  She joined the 10 foot club last year when she played for St. James.  With Meisha and [player_tooltip player_id='325603' first='Parker' last='Sutherland'] available at middle it gives [player_tooltip player_id='325599' first='Raegan' last='Lentz'] more opportunity to hit outside.  Meisha has yet to be ranked in our class of 2026 but that should be rectified when rankings are updated in April.  A powerful force in the middle.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f5c3fd84f33"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["479659"],"_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":"At 6'1u0022 Eliza is another force at the net.  Her number 89 ranking in the class of 2026 could climb.  For a big girl she moves around the court quickly. She also impressed at our Prep Dig Expo 250 event, enough to make her debut in our 2026 rankings.  She plays for MVSA Sparks   They recently competed in the Mideast Qualifier in Saint Louis and will play at the Chesapeake Bid qualifier this weekend.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f5c3fd84f77"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='355124' first='Fiona' last='McDermott'] (Georgetown Day/Virginia Elite) - Another taller middle at 6'2". She is one of three middles on this list who play for the D.C. State champion Georgetown Day. She works better as a blocker in the middle as opposed to a hitter. For the Mighty Hoppers she finished 8th in kills, but number four in blocking. She sits at number 57 in our class of 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='321676' first='Gabrielle' last='Wigglesworth'] (Georgetown Day/Metro) - A third Georgetown Day middle who stands just 5'9". But like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='321679' first='Simone' last='Assasie']</strong> she has great timing in jumping up with the hitter. Despite that lack of height she ranked number one on the Mighty Hoppers in blocks. It does not matter how high you jump but your timing on the jump. Getting her hands in the air and forming a nice wall with no open gaps create opportunities for a monster block. For Metro she remains one of their top middles. Gabrielle ranks number 63 in our class of 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->