Who’s Next? Looking Past The Top Five Middles In The Class Of ’27

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We spend a lot of time talking about the top players in each division, but EVERYONE knows about them. What about the under-the-radar athletes? Here are five middles from five different clubs from around the state that might not be getting as much publicity, but should be.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='481214' first='Marley' last='Vanwanzeele'], 6-0, Mooresville, Circle City</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Long and strong, Marley is a multi sport athlete that uses both sports' training to excel in each. Easily the biggest varsity volleyball player for the Pioneers, Miss Vanwanzeele has more than held her own playing open-level ball at Circle. She's more of an M2 right now, but with that basketball background, I would not be surprised if she's developed (or at least practiced) going behind the setter off of one foot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='443858' first='Milana' last='Mays'], 6-2, Fishers, Munciana</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Long, lean and light-footed, Milana makes jumping look easy. She goes over most blocks with a wingspan that exceeds her 6-2 frame, and can transition quick enough to beat any block that's her size. Also receiving a ton of open-level training at Munciana, miss Mays is a star in the making, and it's only a matter of time before colleges come calling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='435854' first='Avery' last='Little'], 5-9 MB/RS, North Posey, Metro</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over time, Avery should move out to the right pin because of her height, upper body strength and jumping ability. From our freshman showcase last year to now, however, Miss Little has anchored her place as a front-row terminator from anywhere, including the middle. Because of her physicality and willingness to play just about anywhere, Avery is a highly coachable kid that would be a nice addition for anyone that has her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='494420' first='Kenley' last='Mitchell'], 6-0, Heritage Christian, Rev</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Strength and jumping ability are calling cards for Miss Mitchell. An M2 in the making, Kenley goes <em>over</em> a lot of blocks when she attacks, and scores regularly when given the opportunity. I'd like to see her get the ball more in regular play, but for a kid terminating at close to a 50% kill rate, I'll take what I can get.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='504731' first='Rylie' last='Albright'], 6-1, John Glenn, Dunes</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From way up north, Rylie is a big and physical middle that is a definition of diamond in the rough. Having length for days, she can block any tempo ball, and her two-footed attack elevates over smaller blockers. She looks somewhat new to upper-level training---a little coaching this past club season has done a TON for her ability and confidence. I can't wait to see what next fall brings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->