2024 Updated Rankings: The New Bigs
Every year I coached, there never seemed to be enough middles. Where do they go? Do they stop growing? Quit volleyball altogether? With the group listed here, none of those traits apply. All are still growing and strengthening, all are staying in the sport, and all are very effective at what they do best. Here are five of our favorite middles from the ’24 class.
Journee Brown Journee Brown 6'2" | MB Seymour | 2024 State IN , 6-2, Seymour
Journee is a middle. However, when I saw her play against Bloomington South a while back, she was a primary passer in the back and an attacker from all positions in the front. Go figure. Miss Brown is more than capable of playing any position currently, but should pan out to being a middle at the next level due to her length, quick transition and sheer size on defense. The possibilities are endless.
Ella Boersema Ella Boersema 6'2" | MB Churubusco | 2024 State #178 Nation IN , 5-11, Churubusco
The Eagles are not a traditional volleyball powerhouse. But when your best and most consistent attacker is a freshman, and everyone in the gym knows it, you have to make mention of her talent. A Team Pineapple -trained kid, Ella led the Eagles this season in kills and blocks, and is only going to get better and stronger.
Taylor Lewis Taylor Lewis 6'1" | OH Cathedral | 2024 State #179 Nation IN , 5-11, Cathedral
From a non-traditional power to perennial volleyball tradition, Taylor comes to us from Cathedral, and also trains at Munciana. A smooth and strong middle who could probably play on the pins as well if she doesn’t grow any more than right now. I’m looking forward to her development during the club season, as her growth during the fall was stunted a bit by COVID and a coaching overhaul.
Scarlett Kimbrell Scarlett Kimbrell 6'0" | OH Franklin Community | 2024 State IN , 6-0, Franklin Community
Spending her entire freshman season on varsity as the M2 is an accomplishment unto itself. With 10 kills and hitting over .400 without an error in the sectional final against Center Grove, you have our attention, Miss Kimbrell. She also added 7 digs and 6 blocks, just for good measure. I am impressed with her growth, and she can hardly be called a freshman now. Her smooth and long athleticism makes up for some of the “newness” of having to play this fast consistently. By the end of the season, the newness was gone. Welcome to the big time, Scarlett.
Sophia Mayo Sophia Mayo 6'2" | OH Perry Meridian | 2024 State IN , 6-0, Perry Meridian
Sophia is another player from what used to be a perennial sectional champ. The graduation of GraceAnn Hartman GraceAnn Hartman 6'2" | RS Perry Meridian | 2021 State IN (’21, Ashland commit) will hurt the Falcons next fall, but Sophia was #2 in kills this past fall, making her the best returning offensive option. Her attack touch is inching towards ten feet, and is as strong as she is effective. I’m looking forward to her advancement with Circle City this spring, as the graduation of six from PM’s ’20 squad will probably stunt her growth next fall.