Five Middles I Like From The Class Of 2028

This year's freshman class is like no other. Each and every position is well represented from around the state, with kids that have size, speed, a high volleyball IQ and a relentless nature about them. The "bigs" in this class are no different. Here are five middles I like from around the state from five different clubs.    Reclassified into the class of '28, Finley is a springy and quick middle that is adept at terminating both in front of and behind the setter. Also, her length to defend from pin to pin is smooth and mature for her age. Now that I think about it, she's smooth in most parts of her game, as opposed to the newborn giraffes that populate most of the middle positions in the freshman class. With Circle's top team in the 15s age group this year, she should see a plethora of open-level middles to go against to REALLY see how she stacks up.     Big and physical, Jordyn is a recent transfer from Tennessee. Her size alone is intimidating, but her balance, athletic acuity and strength complete the package that make her more than capable of holding her own on Munciana's top 15s squad. I haven't seen too much of her attacking behind the setter, so we'll stick to M2 projections for now. With Munciana training and a ton of talent around her, we should see this young lady's stock rise quickly this coming club season.     Rachel took on all comers this season and turned her epic rookie campaign into a state championship. Rachel is a fluid and smart attacker that can put balls away quickly. She's also more than capable of putting her team on her back, as she did against Center Grove last fall. Broad-shouldered with a quick arm, I haven't put a club team for her yet, but I assume you can find her on Cougar, where she's more than capable to play any of the front row positions and terminate at will.     Our second state champ on this list, Paityn is a quick and athletic middle that can be an M1 or an M2 at the next level. I like her motor---that constant, go-go-go mentality you don't see too much from middles at any age in high school. She really showed out against her age and older competition at our Top 250 Expo earlier this month, and earned herself a solid spot among the best at the Expo.     After dominating her own age group at our Stock Up Showcase in August, Karleigh had a solid freshman campaign at HSE this past fall. Tucked away on TI's 15.2 squad, Miss Smith has arms that make her look taller than she is, and uses them wisely on both defense and offense. I like the smoothness that she displayed when we had her at our showcase. To me, that shows an athletic acuity that's either coming, already here, or ready to advance to faster and more athletic movements. No matter what you think of her, you're getting a fluid, long and lean middle that's getting better with each practice.

This year's freshman class is like no other. Each and every position is well represented from around the state, with kids that have size, speed, a high volleyball IQ and a relentless nature about them. The "bigs" in this class are no different. Here are five middles I like from around the state from five different clubs.