16Open January Classic: Middle Magic

Good volleyball became great volleyball this weekend at the January Classic. Big plays made by big athletes that were not letting up easy on the chase for a regional bid. Of course, one of the greatest treasures in volleyball is a middle how can do the job. I saw lots of great talent in the middle on multiple teams, the talent just can't fit in one post! So stick around for the continued lists.    Macy Freeman, a middle blocker for Fort Worth Fire 16.2, brings strong all-around impact to both the front and back row. Defensively, she shows excellent timing at the net, closing blocks and reading hitters effectively. Macy does a great job getting to her setter no matter where the play develops, creating consistent attacking options and showing strong ball control at the net. She complements her front-row play with a solid, reliable serve from the back row, making her a well-rounded and valuable contributor for Fort Worth Fire 16.2.     Clara Strew, a middle blocker for Fort Worth Fire 16.2, has established herself as a go-to option when her team needs a side-out. While she may not be the biggest middle on the court, that doesn't stop her from swinging big and attacking with confidence. Clara brings a fearless mindset and strong presence at the net, stepping up in key moments to deliver. Her reliability and aggressive approach make her a trusted offensive weapon for Fort Worth Fire 16.2.     Oduguwa, a big middle for Integrity 16 Intense Blue, was a dominant force this weekend, carrying her team with her presence at the net. She consistently got big touches on the ball and established a physical, confident presence that made it clear to opponents she was not going away. Oduguwa's size and athleticism create major challenges for hitters, as it's difficult to get anything past her block. Her impact on both sides of the net made her a key difference-maker for Integrity 16 Intense Blue.     Morgan Terry, a valuable middle for TAV 16 Blue, brings a unique and effective presence to the net with her incredible hang time. That elevation gives her plenty of time to place the ball intelligently and work around the block, making her a consistent scoring option. With those natural talents, she doesn't need an overpowering swing to put the ball away. Morgan's calm composure in every situation, especially during tough, high-pressure matches, makes her a steady and reliable asset for TAV 16 Blue.     [player_tooltip player_id='793156' first='Sydney' last='Dodson'], a fundamentally sound middle for TAV 16 Blue, excels with her disciplined footwork and smooth transition tempo, making her a reliable option on every play. Her consistent movement and awareness allow her to stay involved in the offense and contribute effectively, no matter the situation. Sydney complements her strong net presence with a solid serve, helping her team maintain momentum and stay in good standing even when she's off the court. Her dedication to fundamentals and all-around consistency make her a valuable asset for TAV 16 Blue.     Brady Clark, a big middle blocker for Vision EXV Blue, combines size, strength, and volleyball IQ to be a constant threat at the net. She doesn't rush her swings, instead reading the defense carefully and making smart decisions to maximize each play. Brady's ability to use tips and place the ball strategically keeps opponents off balance and highlights her understanding of the game. Her combination of physical presence and smart play makes her a key contributor for Vision EXV Blue.

Good volleyball became great volleyball this weekend at the January Classic. Big plays made by big athletes that were not letting up easy on the chase for a regional bid. Of course, one of the greatest treasures in volleyball is a middle how can do the job. I saw lots of great talent in the middle on multiple teams, the talent just can't fit in one post! So stick around for the continued lists.