Under-the-Radar Middles Climbing in Kansas 2028 Rankings Update

<!-- wp:image {"id":994435,"width":"269px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.4869570384455404","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"center"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/06/PD_StockUpShowcase_c4803f.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-994435" style="aspect-ratio:1.4869570384455404;width:269px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|primary"}}}},"textColor":"primary","fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size"><strong><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2295/register/missourikansas-stock-up-showcase" id="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2295/register/missourikansas-stock-up-showcase">Missouri/Kansas Stock Up Showcase</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><em>-- USE CODE '<strong>Austin26PD25OFF</strong>' FOR 25% OFF ALL SHOWCASE REGISTRATION FEES --</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's where we put a lid on the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We need to talk about these middle blockers in Kansas' Class of 2028. Our new set of rankings is loaded with physical stars making multi-faceted impacts in the front row. The middle blocker spot is notoriously difficult, marked by constant blocking reads and varied attacking routes across rotations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It sounds like a lot for prep players to handle, but the Class of 2028 is ahead of the curve in the Heart of America Region. We're jumping across the Kansas landscape to find the newest names to place on your recruiting radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["665593"],"_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-6a538ae40504f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gilmore's stock-riser status had been on our radar since she appeared at last winter's Kansas/Missouri Showcase. Her club performances with Dynasty 16 Black secured that rankings ascent. We might not be able to label Gilmore as "under the radar" anymore, especially after she soared on the Open circuit with her Dynasty team. We were reminded of the long frame and overwhelming physicality that scored at will on the Prep Dig Circuit. She will now build on a sophomore campaign in which she logged nearly 300 kills on a 0.300 clip.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["821617"],"_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-6a53922b9f4fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anderson has made one of the most dramatic climbs of any athlete on our 2028 list. It was hard to miss her spry, high-energy style when she suited up with PVA's top 16s team this spring. She's an active, agile middle who puts maximum effort into every skill she performs. Her quick footwork makes her an ideal first-ball target, but Anderson can also become available on those chaotic transition plays. Moreover, her tactful serves behind the line make her a perfect fit for the M1 spot. Basehor-Linwood will be eager to bring this rising junior back into Kansas' prep arena.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["776457"],"_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-6a53922b9f560"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stanchfield has never been deterred by opposing teams that dedicate two blockers toward slowing her down. She has a knack for scoring in front of the setter, even while competing against older foes on the 17s circuit. KC Ignite 17-1 leaned on their 2028 terminator en route to several impressive results, including top-ten finishes at the Sunshine Classic and Show Me Qualifier. The team eventually cashed in on a GJNC berth, allowing Stanchfield to sharpen her craft against the nation's best in Indianapolis. Summer momentum is peaking for the Paola junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1004955"],"_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-6a53922b9f5b4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We'll put an asterisk next to this one, as Billingsley has displayed her aptitude at spots beyond the middle. She joins a long list of Shockwave 16 Black stock risers after the team soared to a top-five finish at AAU Nationals. Billingsley has primarily been an opposite for her club squad, cranking impressive line shots and showing a strong approach off of two feet. However, this is an athlete with the clear physical traits to lock down the middle, too. Billingsley is only just beginning to find her ceiling, and that's a scary thought for her prep competition in the Wichita area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["827018"],"_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-6a53922b9f605"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We were due for a check-in with KC Power, and Brimer is the perfect torchbearer for the stock-riser crowd. This imposing middle blocker was an indispensable part of the high-level success we documented from KC Power 16-2 this spring. The team landed top-five finishes at MEQ and WCQ before finally hoisting a title trophy in front of home fans at Show Me. Brimer commanded the operation through her explosive movements and pin-to-pin blocking ability. All of that time in the spotlight made her stock-riser selection a simple choice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1004589"],"_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-6a53922b9f654"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This isn't our first look at Southwest Pursuit. The team's top 16s crew had a clear identity as a middle-focused attack, and Doll was an ever-present part of the puzzle during her frontcourt rotations. She adapted well to slower tempos that allowed her court vision and high contact point to take over. Of course, Doll could also get ahead of defenses with sharp, quick shots on either side of the setter. The western half of Kansas has established a deeper foothold in our player database after this latest update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->