Senior Middles Stepping Into the Spotlight

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><strong>More than 150 college coaches shared this article.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Join PrepDig with 30% off using code "digdakotas30."</strong></a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakota</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A middle blocker is one of the hardest positions to be in. One minute they're closing off a block, the next they're in transition, racing to beat the defense on a fast break. The best middles are always on the move, and when they play well, they make life a lot easier for everyone around them. They create opportunities, they keep blockers honest, and they can totally change what an offense can do.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With another high school season approaching, here are a few senior middle blockers I'll be watching. This is not a list or ranking. It is a group of players that have kept on growing, taken on bigger roles, and are ready to leave their stamp on the net. Whether it's a big block, a quick run in transition, or just bringing energy to each rally, each of these seniors has something different that makes them fun to watch this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["756994"],"_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-6a5aeec8cf0f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='756994' first='Lilly' last='Jacobsen'] is a middle blocker, I look forward to watching this season. She doesn't spend a lot of time in transition from block to block, is available on quick tempos, and keeps opposing middles honest. The more she gets involved offensively, the harder she will be to defend because teams won't be able to focus on the pins. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["934266"],"_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-6a5aeec8cf135"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='934266' first='Kendis' last='Sackreiter'] brings a physical presence to the net. She presses the tape, challenges hitters with every swing, and competes in every rally. She doesn't disappear after the first contact, continuing to battle for position and staying ready if the ball comes back her way. Opposing hitters will have to work around her because she makes attacking through the middle very difficult. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["934276"],"_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-6a5aeec8cf158"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='934276' first='Kenzie' last='Hetland'] understands the importance of staying available in transition. As soon as she comes off the block, she's working to get back into the offense and create another option for her setter. That constant movement forces defenses to respect the middle attack and creates more one-on-one opportunities for the outside hitters. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["811908"],"_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-6a5aeec8cf177"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='811908' first='Brooke' last='Neitzke'] never seems to stop moving. She's closing blocks, recovering quickly, and immediately preparing for the next play. That motor stands out because she's involved in rallies from start to finish instead of waiting for the ball to come to her. Teams that aren't ready to match her activity at the net will struggle to slow her down. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["816281"],"_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-6a5aeec8cf195"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='816281' first='Maddie' last='Bos'] has become more assertive at the net and is comfortable calling for the ball when the opportunity arises. She continues to develop effective timing with her setter on quick attacks and is always looking for ways to contribute offensively. As that connection continues to grow, she'll become another middle who can force blockers to stay honest throughout the match. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["814053"],"_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-6a5aeec8cf1b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='814053' first='Ivory' last='Fenski'] brings plenty of energy to the front row. She's constantly working to seal the block, cover ground laterally, and stay involved from one rally to the next. Her willingness to compete for every point makes her difficult to play against because she keeps applying pressure; even after the first attack, she defends.&nbsp;<strong>~ Theresa@prepdigdakotas.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">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.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at PrepDig.com. 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