My Favorite Middles From The Freshman Showcase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a record-breaking number of participants, the PrepDig Freshman Showcase went off with a bang, showing off a ton of talent from four different courts. Today's version of our positional breakdowns from the class of '28 includes the middles that should make a major difference as they enter high school. In no particular order, here they are.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='579943' first='Mia' last='Harlan'], 5-10, Roncalli</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing longer and taller than her 5-10 frame would allow, Mia showed out when game time came. She's projecting to be more of an M2 at the next level because of her transition and two-footed availability in front of the setter, with a possibility of working towards M1 status with more work on her one-footed attacks. I like her defensive coverage, and her long strides will her her cover from pin to pin with ease.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='569786' first='Paityn' last='Lauck'], 5-11, Carroll</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Fort Wayne product showed up with a bang. With a quick transition and a whip of an arm, Paityn pounded her way into getting noticed on a bigger level. She was also very vocal in calling for every ball from every setter on every set. Easily one of the more polished middles in this class, it was fun watching her put balls away regularly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='523245' first='Finley' last='Smith'], 5-11, Indy Genesis</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest surprise for me in this class was this young lady's reclassification to the class of '28 from the class of '27. As part of a very accomplished 14-1 squad at Circle, Finley is a gem to have in this, or any, setting. Tough both in front of and behind the setter, Finley's an M1 in the making. Developing a little breadth in her block should be part of her development moving forward, but for now her offense will carry her into prime recruiting time next spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Karleigh Smith, 6-0, Hamilton Southeastern</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As if the Royals needed MORE size, speed and skill, here comes Karleigh. With length and strength for days, this young lady has power in her shoulder and hits all angles with pace. Ready to play from the first toss, Karleigh will be a nice addition to a full cupboard of players at HSE.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Celeste Wiegman, 5-11, Hamilton Heights</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spending last spring playing club at Monon Select, this diamond in the rough is an under-the-radar pickup for anyone interested in quickness, a solid attack and length in the middle. I liked how she was always up and available to swing, which is a trait even older middles don't know until too late.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->