2026 – Class 2 Monster Middles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 middles coming in from Class 2 are some outstanding players. I see many of them going on to make big impacts in their club season, and reaching the next level is achievable. Some on the list might choose a different sport to play at the next level, but all listed could play volleyball as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>59. [player_tooltip player_id='237648' first='Jaden' last='Jenkins'] - Russellville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaden ranked the highest of Class 2 middles after putting down 313 kills this year, a 115-kill improvement. I expect that number to increase even more next season. A tall 5'10" with a nice vertical and a high contact point allows Jaden to hit over the block. She has a quick approach and&nbsp;a great swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>72. [player_tooltip player_id='735227' first='Katie' last='Sego'] - LeBlond</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since Katie started in the middle for the Eagles, they finished third and second in Class 2. Katie finished 2nd in blocks last year and 1st in blocks this season for LeBlond. Katie has 132 career blocks in her first two years, and her Eagles have a great group returning next year, so her third straight trip to the final four is a strong possibility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>73. [player_tooltip player_id='237008' first='Ashlynn' last='Helton'] - Miller</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashlynn finished the season with 520 kills, which was good for 2nd in Class 2 for 2026 players. The SWC POY was a force in the middle and had 1005 career kills. Ashlynn will play at the next level, and her options are open, as she has top-notch abilities in both volleyball and basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>78. [player_tooltip player_id='490122' first='Rachel' last='Nunez'] - Miller</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rachel is the second part of Miller's dynamic duo. The gifted athlete excels on the volleyball and basketball courts and has been selected for the Academic All-State team. She has a career kill total of 773 and 849 digs in just two seasons as a starter. Rachel will have a choice to play either volleyball or basketball at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>79. [player_tooltip player_id='702778' first='Ashlyn' last='Hughes'] - Hermann</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In last year's final four, Ashlyn played her best two matches of the season and was a massive contributor in the state title match loss to Fair Grove. She followed that up with a 4th place finish this season, hitting .357 with 275 kills. Coming from Hermann, Ashlyn will be well-prepared&nbsp;for the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>99. [player_tooltip player_id='490127' first='Tymber' last='Pinon'] - Skyline</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Skyline is known for its girls' basketball program, but Tymber is helping the volleyball program gain attention. Tymber is one of the top blockers in Class 2. The 5'11" middle has 832 career kills and has been recognized for all-conference and all-district work.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>108. [player_tooltip player_id='735531' first='Alexis' last='Letts'] – Sarcoxie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You won't find many 6'2" middles in Class 2 that can cause havoc like Alexis can—a monster of a blocker with great vertical, reach, and penetration. Alexis has all the tools to play at the next level. She has 198 career blocks and 705 career kills. She can bounce the ball, and her power is deadly for a defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>160. [player_tooltip player_id='490134' first='Sophie' last='Frank'] – Lafayette County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From day one, Sophie has been one of the top players at Lafayette County. She has a high volleyball IQ and sees the court exceptionally well. She will nitpick the defense to death. If you want to stop Sophie, you must put up a double block. Her mighty swing and big block have earned her All-Conference and All-District honors, and she&nbsp;currently has 744 career kills and 192 blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>182. [player_tooltip player_id='666303' first='Kalen' last='Post'] – El Dorado Springs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kalen is tough! She plays bigger than 5'10" because of that massive vertical, gets on top of the ball, and can pound it. She increased her kills by 116, finishing the season with 219. Mark it down: Kalen will be a force for the Bulldogs that could lead them back to the state playoffs next season. A fascinating player to watch hit the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>185. [player_tooltip player_id='490214' first='Alayna' last='Backes'] – Fatima</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top blockers in Class 2, with 238 in just two seasons, is impressive. Another player plays above the net with great footwork to the pins, transitions fast, and is deadly with her quick one-step approach. She will wear out the defense by&nbsp;slamming balls, and once they dig in, she tips it over the block for points. She has a lot of potential that hasn't been reached yet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->