Inaugural Class of 2027 Rankings: Five Middle Blockers to watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle blockers often set tones at the net. They can be used to dominate opponents if they have a huge size advantage. These five are some to watch out for this next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535272"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67832f474325b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Newcomb is a force all over the net for the Redhounds. Newcomb constantly angles balls off defenders for kills and sends a number of shots over the net including cutters. Newcomb is not afraid to let up and shove balls off blockers for kills. Newcomb works well with teammates on double blocks. Newcomb finished the season with 195 kills, 25 solo blocks and 14 assisted blocks, helping Corbin go 28-8, win the 50th District championship and finish 13th Region runner-up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["484324"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67832f47432f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Weiter may not be able to play club ball this spring nursing an injury, but she hopes to return for her junior year at Assumption and become the force the Rockets are used to seeing at that position. Weiter consistently calls for balls and finds different ways to put them down. Weiter hits balls all over the court, often making quick adjustments in the air. Weiter also has great timing on her blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["603333"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67832f474335b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lanz played a big role in the 11-win improvement for the Banshees this past fall. Lanz lands a variety of hits from the middle, pins and creases including hard shots to the back line and soft taps to the shallow lines. Lanz can power balls through double blocks. Lanz is also a sound blocker and server for the Banshees. Lanz had a team-high 267 kills to go with 60 aces, 82 solo blocks and 11 assisted blocks, helping Bethlehem go 17-11 and make it to the 5th Region semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["603805"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67832f47433c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Warner made some nice contributions for the Indians as a freshman and followed that up with a nice sophomore season. Warner pounds balls to different parts of the court in the middle for the Indians. She mixes in soft touches to open shallow parts of the court to throw off defenders. Warner also made a big presence at the net using her size to record a number of blocks. Warner had 135 kills, 74 solo blocks and 44 assisted blocks, helping the Indians go 26-13, win the 40th District championship and drive to the 10th Region semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535262"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-678333f10f50d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Baldridge is a sound six-rotation player for the Warriors. Baldridge constantly moves her feet, making plays all over the court, defensively and offensively. She makes crisp passes then quickly transitions to offense finding different ways to land balls. Baldridge makes a lot of things happen out of system. Baldridge is also a sound server. Baldridge had 335 kills, 272 digs and 52 aces for the Warriors this past fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from the Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for nearly a year and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage, please email Mike at pnmikeg@yahoo.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->