Reinforced Net GHSA State Tournaments Dominant Middles

Depth defines dynasties — and this year's Georgia champions proved that dominance at the net didn't stop with the starters. Behind every explosive kill and acrobatic dig stood a wall of middles who anchored rotations, shut down top scorers, and turned defensive moments into game-changing momentum. Whether seniors closing out storied careers or freshmen stepping into the spotlight, these athletes embodied control, timing, and relentless intensity at the net.    Ave' is a natural athlete with elite vertical ability. She closes blocks with lightning speed and uses her length to dominate the middle. Her presence frees up her hitters to swing aggressively, knowing she's there to clean up any deflections. Expect her to headline Woodward's front line again next fall. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Cali's presence in the middle was a quiet but constant weapon for Walton. Her blocking reads were sharp, and her discipline in transition gave the Raiders one of the most stable front lines in the state. She reacts fast to setters and adapts mid-rally — an invaluable skill in tight sets. Calm under pressure, Cali set the tone defensively and helped Walton dictate tempo in key moments of their championship run. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Few players in Georgia command the middle like E'mariona. Her 64 blocks and 1.8 kills per set reflect not just her dominance but her intelligence — she knows when to swing with power and when to redirect for precision. A true leader, she kept her team emotionally grounded, using her presence to rally teammates when momentum wavered. Her ability to turn defensive stops into scoring opportunities was the heartbeat of Morgan County's title-winning formula. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Alexis may be young, but her impact is undeniable. With her natural timing and confident footwork, she handled varsity-level speed with remarkable maturity. She isn't afraid to challenge older, taller hitters — instead, she thrives on the competition. Playing key minutes on a championship roster as a freshman will accelerate her development, making her a cornerstone of Oglethorpe's future. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Katie brought balance and versatility to Marist's front court, rotating seamlessly between middle and outside positions. Her six blocks only tell part of the story — her leadership and calm under pressure anchored Marist's system in big moments. She reads hitters well, adjusts to the set, and communicates constantly to keep her block aligned. Katie's adaptability and composure make her one of those players who quietly elevates everyone around her. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Scarlett's control and discipline made her a steadying force in Walton's championship defense. She contributed 7 blocks and countless touches that slowed down opposing offenses. Her communication and energy lifted her team in tight moments. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast    Championship banners aren't just won by the stars who score the most points — they're secured by the players who protect the net when it matters most. This group of middles exemplified that truth with every block, read, and rally they controlled. Their combination of timing, toughness, and trust made them the glue of Georgia's most dominant teams, ensuring that when the ball crossed the net, it didn't come back easy.   Note to GA Athletes: If I didn't get the chance to write about you this week — I see you and I appreciate your game! I covered as many players as I could at AAU Nationals, but with limited time and so many talented athletes, I couldn't feature everyone. If you'd like to be considered for future coverage, please send me your high school season schedule and share a little bit about yourself so I can come support you and share your story. Let's keep building Georgia volleyball together! Fill out the "Cover My Game" Link in my bio @benchtobeast on IG   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following<a href="https://www.instagram.com/benchtobeast/"> BenchtoBeast</a> for exclusive Georgia content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</h3>   We're on a mission to spotlight talent, uplift families, and bring the volleyball community closer than ever! Huge shoutout to our amazing subscribers — you're the heartbeat of this movement. Thank you for your help growing the game, and making every moment unforgettable. The best is yet to come — let's get it!   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   Building bridges between hustle and opportunity — that's the power of this community! ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast

Depth defines dynasties — and this year's Georgia champions proved that dominance at the net didn't stop with the starters. Behind every explosive kill and acrobatic dig stood a wall of middles who anchored rotations, shut down top scorers, and turned defensive moments into game-changing momentum. Whether seniors closing out storied careers or freshmen stepping into the spotlight, these athletes embodied control, timing, and relentless intensity at the net.