Freshman Middles on Fire at the Prep Dig Exposure Tour: Dallas

<p>The skill level from the freshman class of middles at the Prep Dig Exposure Tour in Dallas was insane. In volleyball, few positions dictate the rhythm and momentum of a match quite like the middle blocker. They erase overpasses, close seams, stuff attacks at the pin, and terminate quick sets before the defense even knows what happened. A great middle can flip a rally, energize a team, and shut down an offense with a single touch.</p>   <p>This freshman group did exactly that and then some. Their athleticism, timing, and natural instincts were far beyond what you typically see from first-year high school players. Let's take a look at the next generation of dominant middles and what makes each of them special.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='848551' first='Shachi' last='Mani']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/64-Shachi-Mani.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-860348" style="width:166px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='848551' first='Shachi' last='Mani'], 2029.</figcaption></figure>   <p>Mani is a 5'9" middle blocker from Round Rock High School, class of 2029. She plays fast and fearless, reading hitters early and getting into the air before attackers are even fully committed. Mani's quick jump and strong hand contact make her a threat in transition and an automatic presence at the net.</p>   <p></p>   <p></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='903378' first='Azaria' last='Johnson']</h2>   <p>Johnson is a 5'7" middle blocker from Waxahachie High School, class of 2029. What she may lack in height, she more than makes up for in explosiveness. Johnson gets off the ground quickly, has sharp instincts when closing blocks, and finds smart angles when attacking.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='906301' first='Lyric' last='Peeler']</h2>   <p>Peeler is a 5'10" middle blocker from Cedar Hill High School, class of 2029. She is long, fast, and brings a high-contact swing that makes her dangerous in front of any setter. Peeler's footwork stands out as clean, efficient, and perfect for running quick attacks.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jordan Matlock</h2>   <p>Matlock is a 5'10" middle blocker from Casady High School, class of 2029. With a smooth approach and natural timing, she glides into her jumps and hits hard without forcing it. Matlock's blocking discipline also separates her as she stays square and patient, making her extremely reliable against strong hitters.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='907242' first='Laila' last='Fields']</h2>   <p>Fields is a 6' middle blocker from Allen High School, class of 2029. Fields has the size, presence, and athletic ceiling that coaches dream about. She gets great penetration over the net and uses her length to take away huge sections of the court. Her potential is sky-high.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='770386' first='Bailey' last='Shelvin']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/6-Bailey-Shelvin.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-860287" style="width:167px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='770386' first='Bailey' last='Shelvin'], 2029.</figcaption></figure>   <p>Shelvin is a 6' middle blocker from Lonestar High School, class of 2029. She is a force when she's in the air with a big swing, strong shoulders, and the ability to redirect the ball with purpose. Defensively, she closes gaps quickly and makes smart reads on hitters, allowing her to block exceptionally well. </p>   <p></p>   <p></p>   <p></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='908494' first='Karmon' last='Turner']</h2>   <p>Turner is a 6' middle blocker from Poteet High School, class of 2029. With her combination of height, power, and coordination, Turner is already playing like an upperclassman. She hits with authority and blocks with intention, making her one of the most impactful middles in the gym.</p>   <p></p>

The skill level from the freshman class of middles at the Prep Dig Exposure Tour in Dallas was insane. In volleyball, few positions dictate the rhythm and momentum of a match quite like the middle blocker. They erase overpasses, close seams, stuff attacks at the pin, and terminate quick sets before the defense even knows what happened. A great middle can flip a rally, energize a team, and shut down an offense with a single touch.