High School News: Big Block Energy~Middles Owning the Net

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas   This week we're turning the spotlight on the middle blockers—one of the toughest and most demanding roles on the volleyball court. Middles are the anchors of the front row, tasked with reading setters, closing seams, and getting touches at all three blocking spots. They're expected to move laterally with speed, track quick-tempo attacks, and put up a wall that alters hitters' decisions. It's a position that requires timing, footwork, and relentless effort every single rally.   So far this season, we've seen a handful of middles who are on fire, consistently shutting down swings and changing the momentum with their presence at the net. These athletes aren't just blocking balls—they're dictating the game by forcing hitters out of their rhythm.   I've got five middle blockers who have been making their mark early and proving they're players to watch. Who are they? Let's check them out    [player_tooltip player_id='819732' first='Taylor' last='Knutsen'] – Middle Blocker – Senior – Northern Freeze Co-op Knutsen plays with veteran poise. What impressed me most this week was her ability to read the setter's hands early and close the seam with perfect footwork. She doesn't just put up a wall; she funnels the ball straight into her defenders, making the back row's job easier. She consistently took away cross-court swings, forcing hitters to go high hands or risk getting stuffed. Her presence alone makes opponents second-guess their shot selection. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     Lanee Hams – Middle Blocker – Sophomore – East Grand Forks Hams may be younger, but her timing is far beyond her years. She shows patience on the block—waiting until the last possible second before committing, which keeps hitters guessing. This week she was especially sharp in transition, closing blocks pin-to-pin after quick offensive plays. Her ability to adjust mid-air and press over the net created several roof blocks that had the crowd buzzing. She's quickly becoming the defensive backbone at the net for her team. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='811160' first='Ashlyn' last='Pfeiffer'] – Middle Blocker – Senior – Mountain Lake Area-Comfrey Pfeiffer brings strength and presence every time she's in the front row. She doesn't just get touches; she makes them meaningful. Against strong outsides, she stayed disciplined with her hands, eliminating tooling opportunities. What stood out most was her communication—constantly calling out tendencies, helping her pin blockers stay aligned. That leadership, paired with her ability to seal off the line, makes her a complete net defender. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='643679' first='Ava' last='Haack'] – Right Side – Sophomore – Lake of the Woods Haack's blocking on the right pin was a game-changer. She shut down cross-court swings from opposing outsides by pressing hard with her inside hand and taking away angles. Her lateral quickness allows her to close with the middle, and when isolated one-on-one, she doesn't back down. She showed a knack for reading hitter approach angles, putting herself in the perfect position to redirect balls back onto the ten-foot line. For a sophomore, her block discipline is elite. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='221905' first='Kinley' last='Soiney'] – Middle Blocker – Senior – Mabel-Canton (Committed to University of Jamestown) Soiney is the definition of a Division I-level blocker. Her footwork is clean, her penetration over the net is textbook, and she brings a physicality that shifts matches. What I noticed most this week was how she tracks the ball from setter to hitter—her eye work is sharp, allowing her to be one step ahead on most plays. Even when she didn't record a stuff block, her ability to get strong touches and slow down attacks changed the rhythm of opposing offenses. Jamestown is getting a middle who knows how to control the net at a high level. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2>   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas

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