Which Middle Blockers Dominated at the GPR Bid Tournament?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Into the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yesterday, we kicked off our Bid Tournament player features by looking at a few of the event's <a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/04/savvy-setters-from-the-great-plains-region-bid-tournament/">standout setters</a>. This wasn't the only successful position group during Sunday's action, so we're back for more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle blockers are next in the spotlight. This group brought versatility, physicality, and a competitive edge across the age group spectrum. We have a lot of talented athletes to choose from.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["389079"],"_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":"You won't see many middle blockers like this one. Boeve is a 2026 prospect who plays up with [program_tooltip program_id='429192' first='MVP' last='United'] 17 Red, and it's easy to see why she makes the jump. She does more than you'd ever expect from a middle. Boeve plays all six rotations and is a prominent contributor in the serve receive pattern. Her unique role carries into the front row, as Boeve gets a high volume of swings on the left side in first-ball situations. She's way more than a middle blocker and is one of the Midwest's most exciting 2026s.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["389837"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"MVP 17 Red's middle blocker unit is so good that we had to double dip. Munch gives 17 Red some middle physicality across the dial and adds to the team's list of talented 2026s. Any good pass will allow Munch to make her mark in front of the setter. She can also split out to the pin in a similar manner to Boeve. Opposing teams have a lot to think about when scouting this MVP squad. This is a GJNC title contender yet again.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["209291"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Hart has separated herself as one of Premier 17 Gold's most formidable attackers. She can run some traditional middle blocker routes, but Hart's true value materializes when she's allowed to be creative along the net. Her two-footed takeoffs on the right pin have been effective this season. Hart can also be a left-side hitter to get a crucial sideout. GPR's 17s age group gave us so much variety at this position.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["269910"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Here's another well-rounded middle blocker for your list. Schmidt has already cemented her spot as one of Nebraska's most efficient middles with Omaha Concordia High School. That dominance carries right over to the club stage with Premier 17 Red, where Schmidt brings a wide-ranging impact to the floor. We even saw her collect some solid transition digs in her serving rotation, so 17 Red can be comfortable with its middle blocker in the back row.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["253934"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Erwin keeps proving that she can thrive in any venue. She made a lasting impression when she participated on the Prep Dig Showcase circuit, and that led to a big 15s season with Premier Nebraska. This Millard South prospect climbed to Premier 16 Black this year and is getting even better in this age group. Erwin is developing into a terrific slide hitter and lifted 16 Black to a dominant Bid Tourney outing. She's ready for Nationals.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_5_player_details_player_name":"Jaida Barrow","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_5_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_5_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_5_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_5_player_details_school":"Unity Christian","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_5_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='429192' first='MVP' last='United'] 16 Red","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_5_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Let's return to the [program_tooltip program_id='429192' first='MVP' last='United'] camp. 16 Red clinched a GJNC spot as Barrow heated up along the net. She has a large attacking window and drives through the ball with tremendous power. MVP made a lot of first impressions at last weekend's event, and the middle blockers consistently caught our attention.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["298712"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Rowe was crucial to [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 16 Elite's comeback bid at the Bid Tourney. She spread the court with her lateral quickness and was the go-to option on the slide. The Columbus native is good at working off hands, an underappreciated skill for middle blockers. GJNC will bring another chance in the spotlight for Rowe and her 16 Elite squad.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["396748"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"MacLeod continues to elevate her game in the Banzai VBC gym. We've seen what she can accomplish in the front row, so her standout performance at the GPR Bid Tournament was no surprise. The Bennington athlete hits with a ton of heat while also having enough range to keep teams guessing. In clutch moments, you could also see MacLeod on the left side. She'll find a way to deliver.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["349416"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Larsen is an outstanding u0022change-upu0022 hitter for Premier 16 Red. It's hard to assign a single position to Larsen, as her role evolves from one rotation to the next. She does most of her damage behind the setter, whether it's on the back-quick or as a right-side hitter. This is a true middle-opposite hybrid who will has plenty of highlight moments to come throughout her prep career.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["518585"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Quattrocchi recently climbed into our 2026 watch list and has kept that momentum going. She terminates well on Premier 16 Silver's 'gap' plays that allow the middle blockers to operate away from the setter. Of course, Quattrocchi can also take swings right next to her setter and is effective at finding the deep corners of the court. 16 Silver has a lot to build upon after some late-season heroics.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_10_player_details_player_name":"Taylor Reimer","_player_evaluations_10_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_10_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_10_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_10_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_10_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_10_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_10_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_10_player_details_school":"Beatrice","_player_evaluations_10_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_10_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 16 Lime","_player_evaluations_10_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_10_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_10_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"Reimer brings one of volleyball greatest rarities: a left-handed middle blocker. It's a unique challenge given that the ball needs to travel across the middle's body on quick sets. Many left-handed players get slotted into the right-side hitter role, and Reimer has seen reps at that position. But her stint at middle blocker for the Great Plains Region Bid Tournament was a fascinating sight that gave [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 16 Lime's offense a different look.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["493656"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"Frontcourt length was a huge factor in MVP 15 Red's rise to the top of the GPR race. Vander Pol chips in with her superior reach from the middle blocker spot and is a strong in-system option for 15 Red. She smothered overpasses throughout Sunday's competition and made stellar blocking reads to boost the defense. MVP's middles can do it all.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_12_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='591588' first='Ava' last='Katzberg']","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_12_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_12_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_12_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_12_player_details_school":"Adams Central","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_12_player_details_club_team":"South Central NE 15 Black","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_12_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_12_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"Adams Central High School is an important feeder program for South Central NE's club efforts. That's where we find Katzberg, a middle blocker poised to make some big headlines throughout her prep career. She showed a knack for sealing blocks from pin to pin and contributed to 15 Black's runner-up effort in the Bid Tournament. GJNC could be the launching point for a special sophomore campaign.","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_player":["521177"],"_player_evaluations_13_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"Premier 15 Silver impressed us this year with their physical lineup, and Love stands tall in that discussion. She produced plenty of positive touches at the net last weekend, allowing 15 Silver to set up its offense in transition. Love is progressing as an attacker and is good at finding open seams between defenders. Middle blocker depth is no problem at Premier Nebraska.","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":14,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66295b4ac0bd2"} /-->