2025 Standouts- Elite Middle Blockers

The first line of defense at the net is the middle blocker and we are always on the lookout for dominating forces at the net. At every level, middle blockers make their presence known by shutting down their opponents before they even cross the net. Let's meet a few of the players who are beyond impactful at the net!    [player_tooltip player_id='296228' first='Gia' last='McGrew'] is one of the most versatile middles on Oklahoma scene right now. Although she identifies as a middle blocker, she is consistently used on the right side. Her fast and broad transition makes her an ideal candidate to put on the pin. When swinging, Gia displays a fast and powerful snap and follow through that makes her swings impossible for defenders to play. When swinging out of the middle, Gia is terminal by tooling off her blockers hands, turning the ball to the opposite side, or throwing in an off speed shot. Gia's speed and energy set her apart from most and make her a top athlete that you will want to continue to watch.       Making her presence known on the court, Juliana utilizes her quick arm swing at the net consistently to be a powerhouse for her team. Juliana makes herself available in quick transition plays by utilizing her fast approach off the net. Borchers is dynamic at the net, running a plethora of different tempo sets to cause confusing for her opponents. In addition to being dynamic at the net, Borchers exhibits a high IQ on the court by finding holes on the court and serving her opponents with an off speed shot, tip, or finding weakness in the blockers across the net and tooling them. Borchers is effective in the middle but she showcases her talents by being just as powerful on the right side. While on the right side, she is sure to utilize different shots, adjusting to sets well, and finding a clean kill down the line consistently. Her abilities don't stop with her hitting, Juliana also plays phenomenal off blocker defense, helping set her teammates up for success in different plays. Juliana brings intensity to the court, high energy, knowledge, and is someone to keep on your radar!     Jaya is currently ranked 7th best overall prospect in the 2025 class according to Prep Dig Oklahoma State Rankings. She makes her presence known by showcasing her dominating vertical on the court. Tarver utilizes her vertical by seemingly becoming a brick wall to her opponents, making it almost impossible to score around her hands at the net. Not only is Tarver terminal in blocking, she exhibits quick footwork on and off the net, making herself available in almost every play. When she swings, she exudes knowledge by tooling the block, utilizing deep corner shots, and quickly changing the direction of her swing- leaving the opposing teams' defense confused. Tarver's presence on the court is surely one to keep your eyes on in the future.       She is always hunting for that block, taking advantage of every opportunity to shut her opponent down. Being aggressive at the net, Byers is not afraid to go 1-1 with a blocker in front of her and completely fly past their block by showcasing a wide range of versatility in her swings. Byers appears to be such an impactful middle blocker because she utilizes her toolbox of sets that she makes herself available for. Just when you think you know what she is going to run, she will switch it up and impose confusion on her opponents. In addition to being terminal at the net, Byers will throw in an off-speed shot, catching her opponent complexly off guard. Georgia's versatility definitely makes her a player that you will want to keep on your radar!     Coming in ranked at 22nd best overall in the 2025 Prep Dig Oklahoma rankings, [player_tooltip player_id='250518' first='Vanessa' last='Fisher'] continues to prove why she deserves that ranking. Fisher will demand your attention if you pass her court with her infections energy. Aside from her energy, Fisher's speed will keep your eyes glued on her. She is fast on and off the net, exhibiting a quick and dominating swing every time she goes up. Her speed alone consistently causes splits in the block from her opponents and Fisher finds that split with her swing every time. Fisher will blast the ball on the 10-foot line but she is also exceptional at finding the deep corners. Middle blockers who make themselves available and demand the ball are fun to watch, and that is exactly what Fisher does. As a setter, she makes it easy by being vocal and versatile. [player_tooltip player_id='250518' first='Vanessa' last='Fisher'] is going to go far and definitely an athlete to keep your eyes on.    Stay tuned for more articles on your favorite athletes! If you have anyone that you think we should keep an eye out for, please e-mail me at coachkidriss@gmail.com. You can help these athletes out by sharing our articles with your friends to get them more exposure. Helping them is simple, repost this article or share on your social media!

The first line of defense at the net is the middle blocker and we are always on the lookout for dominating forces at the net. At every level, middle blockers make their presence known by shutting down their opponents before they even cross the net. Let's meet a few of the players who are beyond impactful at the net!