Wall in the Middle: Who Dominated At The Net

<p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: <strong>digdakotas30</strong> in the coupon code area</em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a></em></strong></p>   <p>The middle blocker position has always been one of the most demanding roles in volleyball—requiring size, speed, timing, court IQ, and a relentless motor. But this year, the senior middles in South Dakota's Class of 2026 brought the position to a whole new level. Across every classification, these athletes made massive gains in their development, took ownership of the net, and became the heartbeat of their teams.</p>   <p>Whether it was shutting down top attackers, running clean quicks, elevating in transition, or leading through effort and energy, this group of middles defined what dominance looks like. Here is a look at some of the standout seniors whose final high school season proved how special this class truly is.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='811139' first='Ashley' last='Haven'] – Northwestern</strong></h3>   <p>Few players controlled the center of the court like [player_tooltip player_id='811139' first='Ashley' last='Haven']. Her growth this past year was unmistakable—she evolved from a reliable starter into a true matchup problem for every opponent. Haven's quickness off the net and ability to run a fast-paced middle attack gave Northwestern a weapon that opponents struggled to read.</p>   <p>Defensively, her blocking became one of her biggest strengths. Haven's improved footwork allowed her to close seams with precision, and her timing gave her an edge in shutting down high-level swings. She played fearless, confident, and anchored Northwestern on both sides of the ball. Her senior season was a testament to hard work meeting opportunity.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725176' first='Sophie' last='DeLange'] – Corsica-Stickney</strong></h3>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='725176' first='Sophie' last='DeLange'] brought power, presence, and unmatched competitive drive. Her growth this season came from refining her game—tightening her blocking form, improving her approach angles, and becoming a more efficient attacker.</p>   <p>DeLange's ability to transition quickly and stay available on every play set her apart. She was often the first hitter off the ground and the last one teams wanted to see in the front row. Her swing carried authority, and she delivered in moments when her team needed a spark. This year, Sophie became the middle who set the tone and refused to be outworked.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='833091' first='Jayaunna' last='Stroh'] – Brandon Valley (Concordia University–Nebraska Commit)</strong></h3>   <p>Few middles took a bigger step forward this season than [player_tooltip player_id='833091' first='Jayaunna' last='Stroh']. Her athleticism exploded, her footwork sharpened, and her blocking IQ became elite. Stroh's ability to read setters and react instantly made her one of the most impactful blockers in Class AA.</p>   <p>Offensively, she ran the slide better than ever—elevating high, attacking seams, and executing clean connections with her setters. Stroh played with poise, confidence, and versatility, becoming a middle who made Brandon Valley better in every rotation. Concordia University–Nebraska is gaining a middle who already plays with collegiate speed and physicality.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765217' first='Madilyn' last='Dinges'] – Sioux Falls Lutheran</strong></h3>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='765217' first='Madilyn' last='Dinges'] brought pure efficiency to the middle position. Her game this season was built on smart decision-making, clean mechanics, and consistent execution. Dinges earned her impact through fundamentals—strong blocking form, disciplined footwork, and a reliable swing that produced points without forcing errors.</p>   <p>She grew significantly in her ability to read hitters and take away their best angles. Dinges became the quiet force that opponents recognized quickly—steady, controlled, and incredibly effective. Her senior year proved that dominance can come from precision just as much as power.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827156' first='Lydia' last='Nelson'] – Committed to Northern State University</strong></h3>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='827156' first='Lydia' last='Nelson'] elevated her game by becoming one of the most physical middles in the class. Her attacking presence was unmistakable—high contact point, heavy swing, and the ability to hit around or through blocks.</p>   <p>Defensively, Nelson's timing improved dramatically this year. She became more patient at the net, allowing her to press over with purpose and influence opponent shot selection. Nelson's energy and competitive drive helped her team to stay aggressive in big moments, and her leadership through effort shaped her team's front-row identity.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='736615' first='Emilie' last='Bleeker'] – Chester</strong></h3>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='736615' first='Emilie' last='Bleeker'] emerged as one of the strongest blocking middles in the group. Her ability to close the block with speed and her instinct for reading hitters made her a major defensive asset for Chester.</p>   <p>Bleeker's offensive game took a big leap as well—her connection on quicks tightened, and she attacked the slide with improved rhythm and confidence. She was active, explosive, and relentless in transition. Bleeker brought consistency to the middle position and delivered when the match was tightest, a trait that defined her senior campaign.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='835920' first='Maylee' last='Roth'] – Sioux Falls Washington</strong></h3>   <p>Few middles grew as much in overall versatility as [player_tooltip player_id='835920' first='Maylee' last='Roth']. Her game expanded this year—better timing, quicker transitions, and stronger execution on both quick attacks and off-speed shots.</p>   <p>Roth became a middle who could score creatively, adjusting to out-of-system balls and finding ways to keep plays alive. Her blocking presence increased as she strengthened her lateral movement and timing. Roth's improvement was noticeable in every match, and her effort and adaptability were key reasons Washington leaned on her so heavily.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='813909' first='Hazel' last='Luethmers'] – De Smet</strong></h3>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='813909' first='Hazel' last='Luethmers'] brought fire, hustle, and a competitive edge every night. Her senior season showcased her biggest gains in blocking discipline and offensive efficiency. Luethmers learned how to take away angles, read attacks, and be the middle teams had to plan around.</p>   <p>Her quickness in transition and willingness to stay available made her a consistent scoring option. Luethmers played with passion and grit, and that energy fueled her team in big moments. Her improvement this year was undeniable and impactful.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765220' first='Kinzie' last='Poppema'] – Sioux Falls Christian</strong></h3>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='765220' first='Kinzie' last='Poppema'] made massive strides this season, becoming one of the more refined and complete middles in the class. Her blocking technique sharpened significantly—cleaner hand press, better anticipation, and quicker movement pin-to-pin.</p>   <p>Offensively, she became a major weapon, scoring off quicks, running an effective slide, and staying efficient in long rallies. Poppema's growth was rooted in her commitment to the position—always working, always improving. Her senior season showcased a middle who could influence every rally on both sides of the ball.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765232' first='Lily' last='Wuebben'] – O'Gorman</strong></h3>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='765232' first='Lily' last='Wuebben'] had one of the most noticeable breakout years among the senior middles. Her athleticism, timing, and improved footwork made her a reliable force in O'Gorman's front row.</p>   <p>Wuebben's blocking presence grew tremendously—she read the game faster, moved with purpose, and made smart decisions at the net. Offensively, she attacked with confidence and became a consistent finisher on quick sets. Her development this year turned her into a middle who made O'Gorman better in every rotation she touched.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <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>   <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 <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</em></strong></h2>   <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p>

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