Top Middle Blockers at the Michigan Freshman Showcase

<p><em><strong>Be sure to follow @lshotvb on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lshotvb/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lshotvb?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc">Tik Tok </a>and <a href="https://x.com/LineShotVBall">Twitter</a> for all things volleyball!</strong></em></p>   <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lshotvb/video/7670343376297905439?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7621309005139035661" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.tiktok.com/@lshotvb/video/7670343376297905439?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7621309005139035661">IS THIS THE BIGGEST MATCH UP OF THE 2026 NCAA SEASON?!</a></em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em>--</em></strong></p>   <p>Here they come, the rookies are here!</p>   <p>This is maybe one of the best events of the year throughout all of the Prep Dig Events. Getting all of the next generation of student athletes in one gym, balling out next to one another is quite the feat. This year at the Michigan Freshman Showcase was no different. If anything, this may have been the best one yet.</p>   <p>From national champions, to emerging talents, and to the names we need to keep an eye on for in a few years. This class is another uber talented one out of the Mitten state.</p>   <p>Now, we have to talk about the mighty middles coming into the fold here in Michigan. This class of middle blockers are going to be electric! And the more exciting part of this, is not all of the top prospects were able to make it! If this group of middles are any indiction to what we can expect, buckle up! Here are the top middles from the 2026 Michigan Freshman Showcase.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Alicia Fumarolo - Grand Haven/FaR Out</h2>   <p>The FaR Out black and gold was all over the gym on Sunday. Alicia Fumarolo was one of many from the west side club to waste little time grabbing attention. This is a middle that could very much weave in and out of any position along the net. She's a versatile attacker and can hang with the best of them as a blocker. She will be a welcomed addition to a Grand Haven program looking to make a big splash this fall.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='977297' first='Layla' last='Ljacaj'] - Romeo/Legacy</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='977297' first='Layla' last='Ljacaj'] is very much the definition of a game changer in the middle. Whether she is slicing and dicing the competition or she is shutting down opposing hitters, Ljacaj is all work and no play at the net. She is not messing around here! Ljacaj not only enters into her high school career very physically gifted, but she comes with already such high experience. This past club season, Ljacaj was named an All-American as she helped lead her Legacy 14-1 Adidas squad to not one, but two national championships in 14 Open at AAUs and USAVs.</p>   <p>Ljacaj will be a huge piece to Romeo's puzzle as they look to capitalize on last year's Sweet 16 run.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tenley Gayman - Rockford/MVA</h2>   <p>There wasn't much MVA representation here at the Frosh Showcase, but Tenley Gayman was able to make up for that. This incoming Rockford Ram is shaping up to be, yet another, elite level attacker in the Ram's historied program. Gayman has quite the arm on her. It's fast and quick to chop up some nice angles that keep her opponents asking how. Gayman will be a big addition to a Rockford program that loses quite a bit in the offseason.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1007880' first='Mackenzie' last='Sharp'] - Lowell/FaR Out</h2>   <p>Not only was there a lot of FaR Out representation, but there was quite a bit of Lowell Red Arrows out and about. This class is going to be a special one for the powerhouse program. [player_tooltip player_id='1007880' first='Mackenzie' last='Sharp'] is looking to be able to come in and make immediate waves in the middle. Sharp is strong and can not only knock down the best with her attack, but also with her stout blocking. When game play began is where we really got to see Sharp shine brightest.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Alina Klisz - Northville/Legacy</h2>   <p>Not only is Northville getting a very strong outside hitter in this class, but they are also going to be getting a strong middle! Alina Klisz is going to be a presence at the net that could very much get the Mustangs back into the ranks as the best in the state. This middle blocker brings it all to the court. A strong offensive mind and a considerable block at the net. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Emma Sam - Utica/High Performance</h2>   <p>Keep an eye on Utica because they're bringing in not one, but two strong middles in this class. Emma Sam is the first one up to bat here and she did a lot of things that I really enjoyed. Sam has a nice vision for the court. Whether she is slamming the ball down, or smartly placing her attack around the court. Her IQ is something that will bring trouble to teams.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1009293' first='Alexa' last='Apostolovski'] - Utica/Michigan Elite</h2>   <p>Alongside Sam, incomes [player_tooltip player_id='1009293' first='Alexa' last='Apostolovski']. This player is coming into the high school game with sheer size and physicality. Already standing at 6'3, Apostolovski has a ceiling that I am not sure we fully understand yet. At her size, she is naturally a step ahead of her peers, but as she begins to come into her size more and more, the more physically imposing she'll become as both an attacker and a blocker. Already a strong blocker, Apostolovski will be a middle to keep close tabs on as her career unfolds.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Morgan Parris - Bay/AVC</h2>   <p>We didn't get too many out of state kids this year, but the few that we did left a big impression. Morgan Parris comes to this showcase and leaves me with a bit of mix emotions. On one hand, what a talent to keep an eye on for years to come. But on the other hand, I am disappointed it won't be in Michigan. All that to say, Parris brings not only size to the net, but also agility and speed. She's quick to close pin to pin and her transition game is quite impressive. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1011628' first='Brayden' last='Finnegan'] - Marian/Michigan Elite</h2>   <p>This is another prospect that will be quite the treat to watch develop over the next four years. [player_tooltip player_id='1011628' first='Brayden' last='Finnegan'] is as athletic as they come. She's newer to the game, only playing this last club season at both TAV Houston and Michigan Elite. She's slotted in the middle, but shows a lot of potential to be a strong player just about anywhere on the court. When Finnegan can connect with the ball, it is quite a blistering attack. </p>

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