Donna Mayer Bid Event – Top 2028 Middles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Donna Mayer Gateway Bid Event was played over the last two weekends, with [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 15 Elite taking home the top prize, going 5-0. A ton of volleyball was played with countless top players up and down the 15s division. Here are some of my top picks for middles over the past weekend.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='729576' first='Mia' last='Fleming'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='729581' first='Taylor' last='Watson']</strong> – [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 15 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 15 Elite won the Bid Event this weekend and received big plays from their middles. Both players came up with some key blocks in their wins over Blue Steel 15 Black in the finals, 25-27, 25-23, and 16-14. This matchup was a rematch from earlier in the day, where [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] pulled out another three-set win, 25-19, 17-25, 25-18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545001' first='Zoey' last='Zweifel'] – 6'0” – [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 15 Navy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zoey had a big weekend helping her team finish in the top 3 of the Bid Event. Zoey, a 6'0” middle, also had a big year at Summit in her first season. A skilled middle who is solid off one foot behind the setter, has a long reach, and is quick to the pins. Her transition footwork is solid and will become a big-time middle. RT Navy would lose their first match on Saturday, but found a way to make it to the semifinals before losing to a tough Blue Steel 15 Black team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='778330' first='Lila' last='Roth'] – 5'10” – [program_tooltip program_id='428797' first='Pursuit' last=''] 15 National</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lila was one of my favorite middles to watch over the weekend. Her improvement during the club season is noticeable. When I watched Lila, she was a six-rotation middle who was the team's primary passer and middle back defender. She has a motor that never slows down, plays excellent defense, and plays well above her listed height of 5'10”. Lila will be a force this fall at Farmington.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='730124' first='Aleah' last='Filer'] – 5'10” – [program_tooltip program_id='428797' first='Pursuit' last=''] 15 National</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another [program_tooltip program_id='428797' first='Pursuit' last=''] player who had a solid weekend is [player_tooltip player_id='730124' first='Aleah' last='Filer'], a 5'10” middle schooler&nbsp;from Ste.&nbsp;Genevieve High School. Aleah's potential is off the charts. She is still raw but possesses a lot of natural talent that will make her into a beast. Her vertical is solid, and&nbsp;she's quick in transition with a fast approach and whip of an arm swing. She will become one of the top returning players for the Dragons this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hanna Maddock – 6'3” – HPSTL 15 Orange</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hanna has the height needed to play at the next level, and her skill set will help her get there. A big middle with fluid footwork to close to the pins, excellent penetration on her block, and quick transition to make herself available on offense. A big gamer who also has a very nice serve. Keep Hannah down on your list of up-and-coming middles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->