Middles Still Available From The Class Of ‘26

Of all of the positions still available for commitment here in the state of Indiana, it seems that the middles are the least represented on our uncommitted list. Mostly required to do the dirty work both on offense and defense, and without all of the accolades other than being the “big” for the three rotations they're on the court. Here are five “bigs” well worth the price of admission, and what each of their unique qualities could bring to a college program in need.    It's hard to believe that a two-time 4A state champ starting middle is still available at this time of year, yet here we are. Addi is a springy and terminal middle that takes advantage of her speed and explosiveness against bigger blockers. She's smart too—-on some occasions, when the set isn't perfect, she “betters” the ball by placing her attack into an open space. This low-risk, high-reward middle can add to a middle hitting positional group at the next level immediately, and would be a steal for anyone needing just that.     A longer-than-she-looks M2 for the next level, Emerson comes from central Indiana's equivalent of Middle Blocker High School. The Eagles have a seemingly endless supply of long and lean middles that are exceptional attacking high and showing above average skill as a defender. Emerson's long arms make her a plus net defender, while her two-footed attack looks primed for an immediate plug-and-play option for a smaller school looking for an M2.     More of a middle than a right side for the next level, Adele's ability to read and react to plays defensively sets her apart from the others on this list. Her blocking is terminal—-in other words, she ends plays with her block, which shows her ability to penetrate deep into the opponent's court when they attack. On offense, she has some of the quickest footwork in transition, allowing her to be available to hit regardless of where the pass is. She's an M2 for the next level ONLY because she's so good at zero-tempo sets in front of the setter.     Playing much bigger than her frame might indicate, Annika's attack touch is close to (if not already at) ten feet. Able to put balls away in front of and behind the setter, she can play either middle position at the next level. On the block, her shoulders appear a bit narrow, but reads the attacker so well that it doesn't seem to matter. She's terminal in-system and smart when she has to be, and can “see” the block and defense on each and every attack.     Now part of Circle's cadre of middles, Makenzie is the rare left-handed middle that is tough to defend. I'm guessing she was placed in the middle because of her defensive size, as she takes up a ton of space on the block, making her tough to go against when attacking. If setters (and by extension, coaches) can get creative by moving Miss Creviston around on the attack, the mismatches created ALONE should open up things for the pin attackers, at the very least. I'm looking forward to how her upcoming club season will turn out now that she's playing tougher competition day-in and day-out.

Of all of the positions still available for commitment here in the state of Indiana, it seems that the middles are the least represented on our uncommitted list. Mostly required to do the dirty work both on offense and defense, and without all of the accolades other than being the “big” for the three rotations they're on the court. Here are five “bigs” well worth the price of admission, and what each of their unique qualities could bring to a college program in need.