No Entry Zone: Right Sides Controlling the Block

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The right side might not always get the same spotlight as the outside, but make no mistake — it's one of the most crucial positions in the modern game. The right-side hitter is the first line of defense against the opponent's strongest attacker and often the player who controls the net with their blocking presence. From closing blocks to reading setters, these athletes must combine timing, strength, and instinct to shut down scoring lanes. Offensively, they're also relied on to deliver out-of-system swings, score from the pin, and provide balance to the offense. The right side truly does it all — defending the team's honor at the net while being a reliable offensive weapon in transition. This group of players has turned their side of the court into a no-entry zone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["722410"],"_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-68ee62de47977"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='722410' first='Cora' last='Metcalf'] has become a difference-maker on the right pin with her ability to close blocks and read the hitter's approach. Her timing on the block has disrupted opposing outsides, turning potential kills into transition points. Offensively, she's shown great court awareness — using the high hands swing to score in tight rallies. Metcalf's ability to adjust tempo with her setter and stay patient in long rallies makes her a trusted option when her team needs a steady side-out. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["728072"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":892368,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-68ee62de47a73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='728072' first='Karsyn' last='Halvorson'] has proven how valuable a versatile right side can be. Her strong cross-body swing and ability to tool the block have given her team consistent momentum in tough rotations. One of her most impressive executions this season came when she sealed the line perfectly, shutting down an outside who had been scoring freely all match. Halvorson plays with confidence and composure, using her block reads and quick transitions to make smart, game-changing plays. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["725174"],"_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-68ee62de47af8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='725174' first='Makenzie' last='Walsh'] brings energy and precision to the right side. Her fast arm swing and ability to hit off one foot in tempo plays have made her an unpredictable offensive threat. Walsh has also shown great discipline in her blocking form — maintaining strong hand positioning and closing the seam effectively. In key moments, she's been able to convert off high sets and out-of-system balls, showing her ability to execute under pressure and keep the offense alive. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["747883"],"_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-68ee62de47b75"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='747883' first='Rehgan' last='Broderick'] continues to impress with her poise and technical skill at the net. Her ability to read the setter's shoulder and close quickly on the block has been a standout defensive attribute. Offensively, Broderick has been executing well on the slide and right-side quick, catching defenses off guard. Her smooth approach and ability to score off broken plays demonstrate her volleyball IQ and instinctive feel for the game. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["778895"],"_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-68ee62de47bef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='778895' first='Maycey' last='Gwin'] has elevated her play by owning the block. Her presence at the net has changed the momentum in several matches, especially when she's matched up against top outsides. Gwin's execution on the block — sealing tight and pressing over early — has led to clean stuffs and forced errors from opponents. Offensively, she adds a heavy swing that can terminate from deep zones, giving her team a key outlet when in need of a kill. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["745307"],"_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-68ee62de47cbc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='745307' first='Brooklyn' last='Pudwill'] plays with confidence and control, bringing a strong blocking game and efficient attacking style to the right side. Her ability to recognize the setter's pattern and adjust her block positioning has made her an anchor on defense. Pudwill's swing selection — mixing line, tip, and roll — shows her maturity as a hitter. She consistently executes at a high level, turning broken plays into scoring chances with her smart shot placement. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["724936"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":892368,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-68ee62de47d59"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='809780' first='Mae' last='Thompson'] has quickly made her presence known on the right side with her athleticism and aggressive play. Her execution on transition attacks has been exceptional — getting her feet to the ball and swinging high through the seam. Thompson's block timing continues to stand out, particularly in tight matches where her reads have shifted the flow of play. She brings a competitive energy that raises the level of those around her, making her a name to watch as she continues to develop. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>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.</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a>&nbsp;With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->