North Dakota’s 2026 Middles Who Completed the Top 10

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   Middle blockers carry some of the sport's most complex and demanding responsibilities. They must close blocks with precision, read setters in real time, run fast-tempo routes, transition faster than anyone on the court, and finish plays with authority. They are the heartbeat of the front row—quietly doing the gritty work that changes the entire rhythm of a match.   The middle blockers rounding out North Dakota's Top 10 in the Class of 2026 represent the definition of growth, toughness, and discipline. Each has elevated their technique this past year—whether in footwork patterns, timing, blocking reads, slide efficiency, or transition speed. They've become anchors, tone-setters, and culture drivers for their programs.   Here are the middles who cemented their place among the best.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 4 — [player_tooltip player_id='726034' first='Aspyn' last='Prien'] | Central Cass</h2>   Few middles in North Dakota made a bigger jump in overall impact than [player_tooltip player_id='726034' first='Aspyn' last='Prien'], who elevated herself into one of the most reliable and disciplined front-row forces of the 2026 class. What makes her special is how complete her game has become. Prien runs a true dynamic middle offense—clean footwork on the quick, explosive separation on the slide, and the ability to hit off one foot or two with equal confidence.   Her blocking IQ skyrocketed this season. Prien sees the setter early, reads hitter shoulders, and closes seams with a level of precision that shut down some of the state's best attackers. She doesn't just touch balls—she controls them, pressing over with strong hand position and turning touches into transition points.   Where she has grown the most is in her tempo. Prien stays loaded in transition, beats blockers up the middle, and gives her setter a constant high-efficiency option. She has become a true centerpiece for Central Cass—steady, competitive, and unshakably disciplined.   Aspyn isn't just a middle who filled a role. She became the middle who redefined what Central Cass could run offensively, and she stamped herself as one of the state's most complete players at the position.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 5 — [player_tooltip player_id='828255' first='Jordyn' last='Rood'] | Bismarck</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='828255' first='Jordyn' last='Rood'] used this past year to sharpen every part of her middle game. Known for her length and raw power early in her career, she developed into a technically sound blocker who reads the game at a higher level. Rood's lateral speed across the net improved significantly, allowing her to close blocks more consistently and take away angles that used to be open against Bismarck.   Offensively, she became far more efficient on the quick and improved her slide approach rhythm, giving her setter the confidence to run her in multiple patterns. Rood's presence influenced matches even on plays she didn't get the ball—her movement pulled blockers, freeing up her pins and creating cleaner lanes in transition. Her growth has been both physical and mental, and it showed every night.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 6 — [player_tooltip player_id='809949' first='Ava' last='Peterson'] | New Rockford-Sheyenne</h2>   Committed to University of Jamestown   [player_tooltip player_id='809949' first='Ava' last='Peterson'] has developed into the kind of middle college coaches love—versatile, fast, and consistently available. Her footwork discipline has tightened dramatically; Peterson keeps her hips open, loads early, and attacks the ball at its highest point. She runs the slide with smooth tempo and has become dangerous on the push quick, forcing defenses to honor her movement.   Her blocking game took a major jump as well. Peterson improved her read steps and started winning more one-on-one battles, using her length and strong hand press to take away cross and funnel hitters into her defense. Off the court, Peterson brings leadership through communication—calling out hitters, organizing blocking schemes, and keeping her team connected.   Jamestown is getting a middle who checks every box: athletic, coachable, and rising fast.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 7 — [player_tooltip player_id='828396' first='Carly' last='Hulstein'] | Fargo Shanley</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='828396' first='Carly' last='Hulstein'] brings a gritty, blue-collar edge to the middle/outside position. This past year she refined her transition footwork, becoming one of Shanley's most dependable options in fast offensive sequences. Hulstein's quick attack was particularly strong—she stayed tight to the setter, maintained strong torso control, and found seams with sharp wrist snaps.   Blocking is where she took her biggest step. Hulstein improved her ability to read outside hitters in real time, making disciplined moves to close the line and take big cross away early. Her determination to win net battles made her one of Shanley's emotional anchors. She's competitive, tough, and the kind of middle who thrives in long rallies and pressure moments.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 8 — [player_tooltip player_id='814394' first='Jersi' last='Luchi'] | Dickinson</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='814394' first='Jersi' last='Luchi'] made her mark this year with improved explosiveness and much cleaner technical discipline. Her jump timing became one of her biggest strengths—she consistently met attackers at their peak and used excellent hand positioning to redirect balls down. Luchi has strong natural blocking instincts, and she sharpened them further by reading setters with more confidence.   On offense, her slide attack became a legitimate scoring option. Luchi grew more patient in her approach, allowing her to hit around the block and find open space. She also became a reliable transition attacker—quick off the net, quick to reload, and always presenting herself as an option. Her steady upward development made her one of Dickinson's most important pieces.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 9 — [player_tooltip player_id='809980' first='Harper' last='Wrigley'] | Shiloh Christian</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='809980' first='Harper' last='Wrigley'] is a middle who understands how to use angles, timing, and finesse to her advantage. She improved dramatically in hitting smart shots—hard seam, deep corner, and controlled off-speed balls that broke defensive rhythm. Wrigley's ability to adjust to different tempos and stay balanced through the approach helped her become a more efficient scorer.   Defensively, she made strong strides in block positioning. Wrigley stayed patient, pressed with better hand control, and learned to shut down gaps before they formed. She also became one of Shiloh Christian's most reliable communicators on the floor, directing blocking matchups and helping her team stay organized. Her steady growth and volleyball IQ made her an essential part of Shiloh's front line.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 10 — [player_tooltip player_id='722411' first='Megan' last='Dietz'] | Fargo Shanley</h2>   Committed to University of Mary (Basketball)   Even as a multi-sport standout, [player_tooltip player_id='722411' first='Megan' last='Dietz'] brought next-level athleticism to the middle position. Her explosive first step, powerful jump, and fast lateral movement gave Shanley a dynamic presence at the net. Dietz improved her blocking footwork this season, becoming more disciplined in her read steps and closing space with speed.   Her attacking became more controlled as well—Dietz learned to stay behind the ball, swing with balance, and utilize wrist-away shots that helped her score against size. What truly set her apart was her competitive fire; she played with intensity, demanded more from herself, and energized her team in big moments.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <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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