NO FLY ZONE: Top 5 Colorado Blockers

<p>Some hitters are finding out the hard way: the net is not always open for business.</p>   <p>Colorado volleyball has plenty of athletes making their presence felt at the net. This group is doing it in a big way. We're taking a look across 3A, 4A, and 5A to highlight blockers who are putting up numbers and making an impact beyond the stat sheet.</p>   <p>Form matters. Reading the hitter matters. Quick movement matters, too. And, of course, creating block touches for your team can completely change a rally.</p>   <p>Let's take a look at the players helping turn the net into a no fly zone!</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Addison Jones, 48 Blocks</h2>    <p>Jones is already making herself known at the net.</p>   <p>She is tall, athletic, and ready for just about any ball that comes her way. More importantly, she moves quickly across the net. That speed allows her to close space and get into position before hitters have much time to adjust. The production is following, too.</p>   <p>Jones has already collected 48 blocks this season. That number shows how much of an impact she is making in the front row. Additionally, her athleticism allows her to move with the play and create a tough matchup for opposing hitters. For a Class of 2028 athlete, Jones is showing an exciting combination of movement, athleticism, and net presence.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Makenzie Praytor, 44 Blocks</h2>    <p>Standing at 6'0", Praytor has plenty of size to work with at the net. However, she does not simply rely on being tall.</p>   <p>Praytor has a knack for catching hitters by surprise. She gets across the net quickly and uses a strong press to take away space. As a result, attackers have a tougher time finding an easy swing. That quickness and timing have already helped her rack up 44 blocks this season.</p>   <p>Furthermore, when a blocker can get her hands over the net and into the hitter's space, the entire attack can look different. Praytor is making sure hitters know exactly where she is before they take off.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Brynley Warta, 39 Blocks</h2>    <p>Warta has been a strong defensive middle for a reason.</p>   <p>At 6'2", she has the size to take up plenty of space. However, her ability to read the game is what makes her especially effective. Warta does a great job watching the hitter and recognizing what shot is coming. She sees the court. That matters.</p>   <p>A middle can't simply stand at the net and wait for the ball. Instead, she has to read the setter, track the hitter, recognize the attack, and move quickly.</p>   <p>Warta brings that awareness to the front row. As a result, she has already turned it into 39 blocks this season. She is making the net a much tougher place to attack.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ellie May, 33 Blocks</h2>    <p>Now for the young buck!</p>   <p>May is a freshman and is already making an impact at the net. At 6'3", she brings serious length and plenty of potential. More importantly, she is adjusting to high school volleyball impressively well. May already has 33 blocks this season. That's an exciting start for a player just beginning her high school career.</p>   <p>Additionally, she is showing plenty of willingness to learn. Her ability to move and stay involved at the net says a lot about her coachability. As she continues getting comfortable with the speed of high school volleyball, her timing and confidence should only continue to develop.</p>   <p>And that's the fun part- she's just getting started!</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hailey Henrichsen, 31</h2>    <p>Hinrichsen brings a different kind of athleticism to the middle.</p>   <p>She is quick and agile. She uses that speed to get into position at the net and close space quickly. Meanwhile, her ability to see the court helps her make the split-second decisions that can turn a good block into a big play. That combination has already paid off with 31 blocks this season.</p>   <p>Hinrichsen is fun to watch because she does not just rely on being in the middle. Instead, she is constantly moving, reading the play, and finding ways to stay involved. When her speed and court awareness come together, she can close space quickly and make life difficult for opposing hitters.</p>   <p>She is another middle helping make Colorado's front row a no fly zone!</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Net Is Closed</h2>   <p>Blocking is about much more than the number next to your name.</p>   <p>Yes, the blocks matter. But so do the touches, the positioning, the press, the footwork, and the ability to read what an attacker is trying to do.</p>   <p>For more Colorado volleyball coverage, player features, rankings, recruiting content, and more, follow @prepdigcolorado on Instagram!</p>   <p></p>

Some hitters are finding out the hard way: the net is not always open for business.