From the Stat Sheet: Top 5 Middles Heading Back to 5A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The numbers tell part of the story.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, anyone who watches volleyball knows that middle blockers do much more than what shows up on a stat sheet. Middles are responsible for blocking, creating opportunities for their teammates, and finding ways to score when the moment arrives.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still, these five athletes put together some impressive numbers last season, and all of them are heading back for another run through 5A competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734463"],"_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-6a73cd6f50b35"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bailey is coming into her senior season with plenty of momentum. Last year, she finished with 218 kills and an impressive .399 hitting percentage. Even more impressive is the way she scores. Bailey is efficient, consistent, and knows how to terminate the ball when her number is called. Expect her to be one of the top middles to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":1015222,"_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-6a73cd6f50b95"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wilson is another senior preparing for a big season. She finished her junior campaign with 172 kills while posting a .384 hitting percentage. She doesn't waste opportunities and attacks with purpose every time she steps onto the court. Wilson has already proven that she can make a major impact, and there is every reason to believe that trend will continue.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["519217"],"_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-6a73cd6f50be7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Griest has been making an impact since the moment she stepped onto a varsity court. The rising sophomore finished last season with 150 kills and a .346 hitting percentage, proving that she belongs among some of the state's best. Her growth has been exciting to watch, and there is plenty of reason to believe another step forward is on the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1008722"],"_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-6a73cd6f50c36"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gilbert may be one of the younger players on this list, but she certainly doesn't play like it. Heading into her junior season, she already has the experience and confidence of a veteran. Last year, Gilbert finished with 134 kills and a .324 hitting percentage. She continues to make an impact on both sides of the ball, and it will be exciting to see what comes next.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["778272"],"_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-6a73cd6f50c8c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Boynton is entering her senior season with plenty to build on. Last season, she finished with 142 kills and a .314 hitting percentage. When an opportunity presents itself, Boynton takes advantage of it. She attacks aggressively and brings a strong presence to the front row. Expect her to make plenty of noise during her final high school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Keep an Eye on the Middles</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bailey, Wilson, Greist, Gilbert, and Boynton have already shown what they can do. Now, they get another opportunity to build on those performances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If last season was any indication, the race for the top spot among 5A middles is going to be a fun one to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For more Colorado volleyball coverage, player features, rankings, recruiting content, and more, follow @prepdigcolorado on Instagram!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->