Block Leaders: Top 2025 Blockers In Kansas

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nothing quite fires up a volleyball team like a well-timed block.  A big block to finish a long rally can provide all the momentum needed to win a close match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at five Kansas seniors providing blocks for their respective clubs early in the prep season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All stats were found on Max Preps. I can't emphasize enough that if teams don't use Max Preps they can send me stats at <a href="mailto:deckscoutks@gmail.com">deckscoutks@gmail.com</a>. Also, coaches should include player heights with their stats. I won't feature athletes I can't find a height for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='628254' first='Makenzie' last='LaRue']</strong>, 5'10”, S, Erie, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LaRue is an unranked prospect from Erie. She currently leads the Devils with 32 kills in 11 sets. She is listed as a setter on Max Preps, but she must be hitting some for Erie. She has 19 kills and nine assists. Erie has started the season 2-3 and played two matches last night against Caney Valley and Cherryvale.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='493513' first='Alana' last='Mader']</strong>, 5'9”, MB, Iola, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mader has collected 26 blocks in 11 sets for the Mustangs and 40 kills for Iola. Prep Dig ranks her No. 82 overall in the Kansas Class of 2025. I haven't seen Mader play since February 2023. Back then, I described her as "a raw talent with a physical frame."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='493398' first='Sophia' last='Thompson']</strong>, 6'1”, MB, Beloit, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thompson is currently ranked No. 6 overall in the class of 2025. The Beloit senior has verbally committed to play for Wichita State University after graduation. She has racked up 24 blocks in 14 sets for the Trojans. I saw her play against Ellinwood last week. She is powerful which helps her finish blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='628251' first='Stella' last='Kitt']</strong>, 5'11”, MB, Eisenhower, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kitt is a solid blocker for the Eisenhower Tigers. She has 15 total blocks in 18 sets played. She also has 19 kills for Eisenhower. I last saw Kitt play in February 2023 in the Coyote Classic at Kansas Wesleyan University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219951' first='Katja' last='Blanchat']</strong>, 6'0”, MB, Smoky Valley, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blanchat is one of the top uncommitted middles in the class of 2025. She is ranked No. 22 overall by Prep Dig. She has 15 blocks and 84 kills in 18 sets for the Vikings. Smoky Valley has started the season with a 3-5 record with two losses to Hesston and Rock Creek.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->