2026 Michigan Stock Up Showcase Preview: Middle Hitters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 Prep Dig Michigan Stock Up Showcase is coming this week, with many of the top 2027-29 prospects from around the state collecting together at UWM Sports Complex in Pontiac.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's still time to register for this Aug. 2 event that runs from Noon-2 p.m. You can register at: <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2306/register/michigan-stock-up-showcase/">https://events.prepdig.com/e/2306/register/michigan-stock-up-showcase/</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Receive 25% off registration by using promo code “Drew26PD25OFF.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each position is bringing in some big names for Sunday's event. Here's a look at some of the top middle hitters that will be there to show what they bring to the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>(Clubs listed by where they played in 2026)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='727743' first='Jada' last='Austin'], Utica/Monsters (2027)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown brings consistent power in her attacks and is very active at the net on defense to slow down plenty of opposing swings. Austin has good length and plenty of explosiveness off the net that should test the rest of the middles in this showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1008840' first='Lauren' last='Boatman'], SC Shores Lakeview (2028)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This event will be a chance for Boatman to break out. She's got a good all-around foundation to her game, able to put the ball away with some power while making some quality defensive plays. Sunday could bring her game to a new level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='891757' first='Millie' last='Craven'], Imlay City/Legacy (2029)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Craven doesn't have the same size and length as some of her peers, but she makes up for it with effort and intensity. She can still play above the net and doesn't take a rep off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746527' first='Evelyn' last='Engelhardt'], Garber/Michigan Elite (2028)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Engelhardt has shown she can play anywhere along the net and be a consistent finisher. She stays light on her feet and has an impressive slide attack. Defensively, Engelhardt keeps improving as a blocker, making her a more complete player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='775900' first='Suri' last='Ewing'], Bloomfield Hills/Team Detroit (2029)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ewing had a really strong finish to her 2025 with Bloomfield Hills, playing against top level competition. That should help Ewing show she can be one of the fastest-rising middles in the state this year. She's got all the tools to be great and just needs more reps to prove it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874284' first='Gianna' last='Hughes'], BC Lakeview/Dead Frog (2028)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's a lot to like about Hughes' game. She's played a variety of positions, but seems to be at her strongest in the middle, where she gets good air off the floor and has an aggressive follow through on her swing. She makes a lot of smart plays while being able to maintain power.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='787391' first='Karsyn' last='Ignash'], Cass City/Michigan Elite (2029)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ignash is one of the top middle prospects in the 2029 class for her combination of size, power, and agility. There's not a swing she can't make at the net. Ignash is also one of the most intimidating blockers you'll see at this showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1005308' first='Peighton' last='Majors'], Howell/Dynamite (2029)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Majors is showing good strides in her play. She's light on her feet and uses her footwork to create great attack angles. She's combines that with her 6-foot length to be a really promising middle prospect that should make big gains in the next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1003243' first='Ayla' last='Phelps'], Davison/Legacy (2029)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phelps is a big presence at the net with a 6'1” frame and a long reach. She doesn't need to use a lot of energy to play above blockers, and she is able to place the ball well when a power swing isn't available. This showcase should help her reach another gear with her play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->