Top Returning Middles and Defenders Central of the State

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are continuing our journey through the central part of the state by taking a look at <strong>SOME</strong> of the top returning middles and defenders this fall for their high school teams. This is primarily from a statistical stand point. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["758466"],"_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-6a8227b70bcae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bakker had a productive club season with Mavs in Kansas City and will look to carry that momentum into her junior year of high school. Last fall was no slouch either, as she recorded 160 kills and more than 100 blocks in the middle for Rock Bridge. Her length will continue to be a major asset as she looks to build on an impressive sophomore season.<br><br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["915884"],"_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-6a8227b70bd1d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 5'8", Hulsey handled her business in the middle for Helias during her junior season. She tallied 177 kills to go along with 104 blocks, showcasing her ability to make an impact on both sides of the net. Hulsey has tremendous instincts and anticipation on the floor, making her a key piece of the Helias attack heading into her senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["817233"],"_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-6a8227b70bd5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Watkins was a productive offensive piece for Rolla last season, as evidenced by her 128 kills from the middle. She also showed plenty of promise at the net, finishing just shy of 40 blocks on the year. With another season of experience under her belt, expect Watkins to take another step forward, particularly as a blocker. Her ability to contribute on both sides of the net should make her an important piece for Rolla this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["843298"],"_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-6a8227b70bd96"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Camdenton returns Bond for her final season, with the versatile senior capable of making an impact both in the middle and on the right side. She reached the 100-kill mark as a junior after seeing limited action as a sophomore, showing significant growth in her offensive game. Look for Bond to continue that progression while becoming an even bigger presence defensively in 2026.<br><br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":1019623,"_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-6a8227b70bdd0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Blair Oaks junior reached triple digits in both kills and blocks last fall, recording 136 kills and 106 blocks at the net. With a full season of varsity experience now under her belt, she should be poised for an even bigger impact in 2026. Look for Stegeman's production to continue trending upward as she becomes a more confident and consistent presence on both sides of the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defenders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["593705"],"_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-6a8227b70be05"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Blair Oaks returns a strong nucleus across numerous positions, with Wood leading the way in the back row. She had a standout junior season, recording 562 digs and 621 receptions, and continued to play well this spring during the club season. She'll look to carry that momentum into 2026 and anchor another strong Blair Oaks defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["732923"],"_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-6a8227b70be3b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Matching Wood's dig total was Shelden from Eldon, who navigated the back court to the tune of 562 digs last season. Her production shows that, regardless of class, she is one of the most productive returning defenders in the Central Missouri region. Expect Shelden to once again be a steady presence in the back row for Eldon in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":1019624,"_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-6a8227b70be8c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fulton gets a stud back in the backcourt with Dailey returning for her junior season. The quick-footed libero racked up 452 digs as a sophomore, establishing herself as one of the area's most productive defenders. Her ability to cover ground and make plays should once again be a major asset for Fulton in 2026. With another year of experience under her belt, expect Dailey to continue making life difficult for opposing hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["716848"],"_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-6a8227b70becb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Showers played well for 573 during the club season, showcasing her versatility and setting skills. Last fall for Jefferson City, she displayed a strong skill set as both a defender and setter, racking up 431 digs while dishing out 251 assists. Her ability to impact the game from the back row while also stepping in to run the offense makes her a valuable piece for Jefferson City heading into 2026.<br><br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->