Latest Winter Rankings Update: 2027 Middle Hitters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week, our <a href="https://prepdig.com/michigan/rankings/2027-rankings/">2027 player rankings</a> were updated this week after an exciting prep season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a closer look at the middle hitters in the class and where they sort out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2027","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"32924","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"19892","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6972a9266fd24"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Top 5 Middle Hitters</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id='442976' first='Cynthia' last='Ockerman'], Brighton/Legacy: </strong>A 6'3 powerhouse that is committed to Clemson, Ockerman is one of the most dominant players in the state. She's got elite footwork and agility to combine with a wingspan that will likely outdo anyone she is up against.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id='490373' first='Kate' last='Colosky'], Portage Central/FaR Out: </strong>A Long Beach State commit, Colosky is a talent that has shown great strides in her game each year. Each season she has added a level of power, but also been able to mix in new features that make her very unpredictable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id='464378' first='Ava' last='Bush-Nelson'], Jenison/FaR Out: </strong>Bush-Nelson has had eyes on her since she was a freshman and teams have tried to do all they can to limit her, but she still finds a home for a high percentage of her attacks. She's committed to Bowling Green.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id='897539' first='Haley' last='Armock'], Rockford/MVA: </strong>Rockford was stacked this fall, but Armock provided a big need in the middle, putting together an elite hitting rate. She's in line for a major 2026 with a chance for more opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id='523848' first='Nicole' last='McDowell'], Notre Dame Prep/Legacy: </strong>McDowell has been one of the shining stars of a great program at Notre Dame Prep. She's got tremendous ability to power through the ball and create highlight-reel kills, while also being one of the top blockers in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Others To Watch</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='586777' first='Nemiah' last='Carper'], Roscommon/Mid-Michigan Aces: </strong>Carper makes her standout play look rather effortless. Her swing is technically sound and generates strong power, while her timing and anticipation is at a high level as well. She's a next-level talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='804803' first='Avery' last='Stewart'], Midland/Michigan Elite: </strong>A Troy commit, Stewart has proven she can play anywhere along the net and be dominant. Stewart has a great knack for knowing where the ball needs to go and is showing the high IQ to get it there by any means.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='450415' first='Leah' last='Green'], Country Day/Legacy: </strong>Green had a breakout season in helping Country Day win a second consecutive state title. She was a big factor with her improved attack and consistent blocking ability. Green brings good intensity to the floor that her teammates feed off of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442228' first='Avery' last='Thorp'], Plainwell/MVA: </strong>A 6'2” middle that can impact the game on offense and defense, Thorp showed good strides in her finishing rate and blocking instincts. She's got a lot of intangibles that schools at the next level should be paying attention to.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611100' first='Waverly' last='Hagen'], Ubly/Mavericks: </strong>Hagen was one of the top players in Division 4 this season. She has elite length in the division at 6'1”, but moves really well and can mix in smart offspeed attacks. When Hagen gets a clean look, few opponents are going to stop her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->