Five Middles I Like In The Class Of ’24
In theory, there are groups of players that are defined by their respective positions. Outsides that pass, setters that can run a 5-1, and so on. In today’s edition, here are five middles that, despite their size, can do anything…
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Continue ReadingIn theory, there are groups of players that are defined by their respective positions. Outsides that pass, setters that can run a 5-1, and so on. In today’s edition, here are five middles that, despite their size, can do anything bigger middles can do, but faster.
Ella Boersema Ella Boersema 6'2" | MB Churubusco | 2024 State #178 Nation IN , 6-1, Team Pineapple , Churubusco
Fast, fast, fast. With a side of quick. It seems every time I watch Ella play, she’s up and ready to hit well before the block has reacted. Projecting out to be an M2 at the next level, her fast feet, constant motor and terminal swing has put her on nothing but winning programs over the last two years, and her strength is starting to catch up to her speed. Watch out.
Taylor Lewis Taylor Lewis 6'1" | OH Cathedral | 2024 State #179 Nation IN , 6-1, Munciana, Cathedral
Another one with speed and fire. Taylor can hit from, literally, anywhere, and uses her speed in transition and high attack touch to do so. She’ll even mix in a few attacks behind the setter on a slide or a straight-up back set like a right side would out of serve receive. She’s always up ready to hit, hits with pace, and has the length and stride to defend pin to pin.
Scarlett Kimbrell Scarlett Kimbrell 6'0" | OH Franklin Community | 2024 State IN , 6-0, Academy, Franklin Community
A two-sport stud, this basketball state runner up excels in attacks behind the setter, for obvious reasons. When I first saw her play two years ago, she was an outstanding blocker. Now, with her game more developed, she uses her athleticism and speed to beat opposing blockers at the point of attack and can defend from pin to pin with the best of them. Her length is also a plus; I had to double check her height to make sure she wasn’t 6-4, as her arms are long and strong.
Lilly Merk Lilly Merk 6'0" | MB Terre Haute South Vigo | 2024 State IN , 6-0, COA, Terre Haute South
Beyond fast with exceptional jumping ability should have Lilly on everyone’s radar by now. She can be an M2 or an M1, depending on the needs of the colleges watching her do her thing. Long, lean, fast and athletic, Miss Merk can hit and defend at a plus level, and she’s only getting stronger.
Lucy Kay Lucy Kay 6'1" | MB Fishers | 2024 State IN , 6-1, Rev, Fishers
Longer, faster and stronger than her slight 6-1 frame implies, Lucy is an M1 through and through. She excels at anything behind the setter and uses her length to make the block irrelevant. Those long strides she uses well on offense are also quite useful on defense, as going pin-to-pin seems somehow easier for her than others her size. Miss Kay is also, like the others on this list, always ready to attack. That speed is hard to teach, and with Lucy it appears easy.