Meet the Middles: Arkansas’ Best Returning Blockers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While outside hitters often grab the headlines, winning teams are built around strong defense at the net. Whether it is shutting down opposing attacks, creating mismatches in transition, or providing efficient offense, these returning middle will be counted on to control the net in 2026. Here is a look at the top returning middles entering the new season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Prep Dig Arkansas: Top Returning Middle Blockers for 2026</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Rank</th><th>Player</th><th>2025 Production</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>1</strong></td><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='749837' first='Evelyn' last='Venters']</strong> (Bentonville)</td><td><strong>102 SP • 323 K • 3.2 K/S • .421 Hit% • 97 Blocks • 1.0 B/S</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2</strong></td><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750224' first='Caroline' last='Stallbaumer']</strong> (Shiloh Christian)</td><td><strong>119 SP • 302 K • 2.5 K/S • .451 Hit% • 75 Blocks • 0.6 B/S</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>3</strong></td><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='818366' first='Sadie' last='Morrison']</strong> (Farmington)</td><td><strong>113 SP • 196 K • 1.7 K/S • .435 Hit% • 120 Blocks • 1.1 B/S</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>4</strong></td><td><strong>Aleigh Lucas</strong> (Mountain Home)</td><td><strong>221 Kills • 151 Blocks</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>5</strong></td><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='749917' first='Kenzy' last='Hogue']</strong> (Fayetteville)</td><td><strong>98 SP • 261 K • 2.7 K/S • .474 Hit% • 86 Blocks • 0.9 B/S</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>6</strong></td><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765621' first='Laney' last='Brisiel']</strong> (Farmington)</td><td><strong>110 SP • 263 K • 2.4 K/S • .479 Hit% • 77 Blocks • 0.7 B/S</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>7</strong></td><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746512' first='Izzie' last='Duncan']</strong> (Cabot)</td><td><strong>104 SP • 211 K • 2.0 K/S • .335 Hit% • 104 Blocks • 1.0 B/S</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>8</strong></td><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='749913' first='Aniya' last='Morris']</strong> (Southside–Fort Smith)</td><td><strong>105 SP • 188 K • 1.8 K/S • .430 Hit% • 90 Blocks • 0.9 B/S</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>9</strong></td><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746818' first='Taylor' last='Lease']</strong> (Bryant)</td><td><strong>92 SP • 210 K • 2.3 K/S • .376 Hit% • 64 Blocks • 0.7 B/S</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>10</strong></td><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='784121' first='Carley' last='Freeman']</strong> (Van Buren)</td><td><strong>94 SP • 149 K • 1.6 K/S • .412 Hit% • 76 Blocks • 0.8 B/S</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>11</strong></td><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1008008' first='Jaida' last='Sturdivant']</strong> (Marion)</td><td><strong>85 SP • 120 K • 1.4 K/S • .432 Hit% • 66 Blocks • 0.8 B/S</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>12</strong></td><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='763809' first='Brynn' last='Denney']</strong> (Rogers)</td><td><strong>80 SP • 97 K • 1.2 K/S • .222 Hit% • 66 Blocks • 0.8 B/S</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>13</strong></td><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1008193' first='Kaci' last='Lamb']</strong> (Paragould)</td><td><strong>93 SP • 150 K • 1.6 K/S • .312 Hit% • 66 Blocks • 0.7 B/S</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749837"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a603036bacde"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Stats:</strong> 102 Sets | 323 Kills | 3.2 Kills/Set | .421 | 97 Total Blocks | 1.0 Blocks/Set</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few front-row players are as versatile as Venters. She combines high-level offensive production with elite blocking, making her a matchup problem regardless of where she's lined up. The Arkansas Commit is prepared to put up a big senior season for the Tigers. Venters controls the net on defense and closes out well to help the pins. She is dominate on offense and can place the ball with both finesse and power.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["750224"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a603036bae04"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Stats:</strong> 119 Sets | 302 Kills | 2.5 Kills/Set | .451 | 75 Total Blocks | 0.6 Blocks/Set</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the nation's premier 2028 prospects, Stallbaumer continues to develop into one of Arkansas' most complete players. She is an elite offensive middle with the length, athleticism, and blocking ability to change matches at both ends of the net. Another future Razorback, Stallbaumer expanded her game this club season by working from the pins as well. She is extremely versatile and is a major match-up problem for opposing teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["818366"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a603036bac86"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Stats:</strong> 113 Sets | 196 Kills | .435 | 120 Total Blocks (66 Solo) | 1.1 Blocks/Set</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morrison is the complete package in the middle. She led the state in total blocks while adding nearly 200 kills at a .435 clip. Her ability to impact matches on both sides of the net makes her one of Arkansas' premier middle blockers entering 2026. A two-sport commit to Ouachita Baptist, Morrison is a blocking machine. She tops the state in that category, but adds firepower along with her defense. Farmington is loaded with weapons on offense, but Morrison and fellow middle [player_tooltip player_id='765621' first='Laney' last='Brisiel'] key the defense for the Cardinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["790125"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a61436f58146"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After doing some digging, I came across the stats last season for Lucas. She performed at a high level in 2025. Her stats where not uploaded into MaxPreps, but I wanted to add her here. I was able to watch Aleigh at the AVA camp and she showed that she belongs on this list. She very agile at the net and closes out blocks extremely well. When it comes to her offense, she can overpower defenders. One thing about Aleigh, she is going to have fun. She plays the way a game should be played. Intense, but remembering it's just a game. Mountain Home will be glad they have one more year of this dominant force at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749917"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a603036bad69"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Stats:</strong> 98 Sets | 261 Kills | 2.7 Kills/Set | .474 | 86 Total Blocks | 0.9 Blocks/Set</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hogue quietly put together one of the state's best all-around seasons for a middle. Nearly 300 points created through kills and blocks, combined with exceptional efficiency, make her one of Arkansas' most underrated front-row players. Kenzy has a tremendous serve to go along with her with her play at the net. Hogue had 22 aces and a 92% serve percentage in 2025. Look for her to have a big season in Fayetteville this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["765621"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a603036badb2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Stats:</strong> 110 Sets | 263 Kills | .479 | 77 Total Blocks (46 Solo) | 0.7 Blocks/Set</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brisiel is one of the state's most efficient attackers from the middle. Pairing nearly a .480 hitting percentage with 46 solo blocks illustrates just how dominant she can be on both sides of the ball. The Francis Marion commit teams up to form an imposing defensive duo with fellow middle [player_tooltip player_id='818366' first='Sadie' last='Morrison']. These two make it near impossible to get solid shots in. Brisiel has an infectious personality and loves the team aspect of volleyball. She is fun to watch play and don't let the smile fool you. She's a tough competitor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746512"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a60fb82a0fe6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Stats:</strong> 104 Sets | 211 Kills | 2.0 Kills/Set | .335 Hitting % | 104 Total Blocks | 1.0 Blocks/Set</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>Duncan is one of the state's most complete middle blockers. She impacts matches on both sides of the net, finishing with more than 200 kills while averaging a block per set. Her ability to establish the middle attack offensively while anchoring Cabot's block makes her one of Arkansas' premier returning middles entering the 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749913"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a603036bad26"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Stats:</strong> 105 Sets | 188 Kills | .430 | 90 Total Blocks | 0.9 Blocks/Set</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morris brings size and physicality to Southside's front row. She impacts the game with her blocking while remaining an efficient offensive option in transition. She is going to continue to improve on her numbers to help her Southside team get back in the mix for a title run. The Mavericks should have a strong front row this season and that could be a big difference maker for them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746818"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a603036baf06"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Stats: 92 Sets | 210 Kills | 2.3 Kills/Set | .376 | 64 Total Blocks | 0.7 Blocks/Set</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lease is one of the more polished middles in the state. She reads the game well, attacks efficiently, and gives Bryant a dependable presence both offensively and defensively. The standout commit to Rhodes is strong all around player. She can work from the pins as well as the middle. An outstanding leader, Lease has a presence and confidence about her on the court. She has help this season with two transfers into the Bryant School District that may just put the Hornets at the top of the 6A Central this year. Taylor's steady hand will be counted for new coach Paige Ganter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["784121"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a60fb82a10e0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Stats:</strong> 94 Sets | 149 Kills | .412 | 76 Total Blocks (47 Solo) | 0.8 Blocks/Set</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Freeman's instincts around the net stand out. Her 47 solo blocks rank among the state's best, and she complements that defensive production with efficient offensive play. Carley had a stand out sophomore season but is going to need some help in the 5A West. Overall Van Buren had a solid season going 17-8-1 and 9-4 in the 5A West. With Shiloh moving up to 6A look for the Pointers to challenge Farmington for the top spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1008008"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a603036bae87"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Stats: 85 Sets | 120 Kills | .432 | 66 Total Blocks | 0.8 Blocks/Set</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sturdivant gives Marion another athletic option in the front row. Her versatility allows her to contribute as both a blocker and an efficient attacker. I was able to watch Jaida play in person yesterday at the Conway team camp and she in impressive. She is only this low on this list because it is based off 2025 stats. She going to problem again this season for the 5A conference. Sturdivant played a solid role last season, in 2026 expect some main character energy from her. Along with [player_tooltip player_id='809961' first='Kendall' last='Brown'], these two will be a dangerous combination.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["763809"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a603036bae48"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Stats:</strong> 80 Sets | 97 Kills | 1.2 Kills/Set | .222 Hitting % | 66 Total Blocks | 0.8 Blocks/Set</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Denney's value extends beyond the stat sheet. She is a fundamentally sound middle who excels at reading hitters, sealing blocking lanes, and working in sync with her pin blockers. Offensively, she continues to develop as a reliable option in transition, and with another year of experience, she has the potential to take a significant step forward in 2026. Look for Brynn to be in the mix as a top middle in the state this season. NWA is full of them and this fall watchout for Denney.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":1008193,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a603036baec7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Stats: 93 Sets | 150 Kills | .312 | 66 Total Blocks | 0.7 Blocks/Set</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lamb continues to develop into a reliable two-way middle. She provides steady blocking while becoming a more consistent scoring threat in transition. Lamb has the size and ability that the next level is looking for. She and [player_tooltip player_id='859443' first='Ava' last='Beasley'] will look to lead Paragould to the title. Kaci is a three sport star, along with volleyball she is a standout in track and basketball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->