Kansas Middles Surging after State Tournament Success

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one feels overdue.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've hopped around the dial while breaking down some of Kansas' top stars from October's tournament. Our libero feature brought some backcourt gems into the spotlight, but we're eager to establish some physicality at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kansas middles know how to get that done. The state tournament provided valuable insight on some impact players we can follow in 2027, whether on the club circuit or next year's prep campaign. Whatever the case, the Sunflower State has a little of everything at this position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's give you a few names to know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1062968"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af2584b5a2c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">How about a freshman who wasn't afraid of the 6A stage? Blue Valley North drew plenty of eyes after scoring some sub-state upsets to secure a spot in the eight-team finale. That allowed us to get an up-close look at emergent athletes like Ziegelmeyer during the team's trip to BluHawk. The Mustangs had a daunting challenge facing undefeated Mill Valley out of the gate, but Ziegelmeyer matched up well with her reach and power. We're excited to see what's next in the 15s club campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1062970"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af2584b5a32b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We've previously mentioned the youth movement happening at Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic, so it's likely no surprise that we're highlighting another sophomore from this group. Luttrell topped the team's blocking ledger and made great strides to contribute to the Crusaders' in-system offense. This agile athlete gets off the floor quickly and has a knack for knowing where opposing setters are targeting. That maturity will pay off as this Wichita program keeps climbing the 5A ladder.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["899912"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af2584b5a361"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This middle blocker is due for a huge boost in the 2028 rankings. Her team's postseason success speaks for itself, with Bishop Miege earning the Class 4A title as the No. 7 seed. Brown led the Stags' blocking throughout the 2026 campaign, but she became even more imposing as postseason pressure mounted. Her net defense provided a huge spark in a pool victory over Andale, and the highlight plays kept rolling in. Brown's positional flexibility will be worth watching as she becomes a senior leader, but her middle blocker aptitude is undeniable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["882834"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af2584b5a395"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We had no shortage of noteworthy middle blockers in Class 3A, so save this group for later features. Martin's incredible length and contact point made her a powerhouse in the Hesston frontcourt, averaging a 0.300 attacking percentage and a team-high 1.1 blocks per set. Martin can effectively act as an extra outside hitter across the front row, turning slow tempos into floor-denting cut shots. But when it's time to slow down opposing attackers, Martin is keen on anchoring the middle to establish Hesston's physical dominance. It's now a proven recipe for postseason success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1062975"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af2584b5a3d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another freshman enters the fray. Schierling contributed to Inman's sound, assertive block while also generating touches for the team's stellar backcourt. It's the kind of defensive influence you'd expect from a middle blocker, but Schierling's role with the team is atypical. She also displayed her range in the middle-back area at October's tournament, picking up perfect first touches for her setter. This opens up the opportunity for Schierling to pursue roles on the outside throughout her prep career. She's just getting started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1062995"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af2584b5a404"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Somehow, we have one more freshman to bring into the mix. Clevenger's imposing presence played a big part in elevating Greeley County to the final Class 1A-II pools in Emporia. She moves well within her frame, getting into proper position in transition. This allows Greeley County to lob balls into her hitting window and let her operate. It's a lot for a first-year prep player to take on, but Clevenger's effort has already established a new standard for the Jackrabbits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->