Top Middles From Oklahoma
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The school season has just finished up, champions were crowned, and club volleyball tryouts are in full swing. Let’s take a minute to look back at some of the best middles from the state of Oklahoma this season.
Ellie Smith Ellie Smith 6'2" | MB Jenks | 2023 State OK – Jenks
Ellie is a UCO commit. UCO is a solid DII program here in Oklahoma and she will fit in well, already possessing the technical ability to press over on the block, read the hitters, and be available in transition. She was also an All-State selection.
Layla Lenex Layla Lenex 6'0" | MB Charles Page | 2023 State OK – Sand Springs
Layla has offers from multiple schools. She has the size and frame to make an impact at the next level. She has some serious power when she chooses to. She just set her school record for most blocks in a season and career with 69.
Annie Hopkins- Edmond Memorial
Only a freshman, but Annie has already established herself as a top middle in the state. Her ability to transition quickly and turn the ball really allowed her to be a threat and help her team win the state title this year. I look for big things in club this year.
Julia McLendon Julia McLendon 5'11" | MB Deer Creek | 2023 State OK – Deer Creek
Julia just missed out on being an All-State selection but being part of the conversation tells you how impactful she is. She has been a key part of Deer Creek’s success. She puts up a big block and hits the ball at a high efficiency.
Megan Roy Megan Roy 5'10" | MB Bishop Kelley | 2023 State OK – Bishop Kelley
Megan has a motor. Doesn’t seem to matter if it’s the first set or fifth set, she is constantly transitioning hard on offense and closing blocks on defense. She is one of the top alternates for All-State and deservedly so.
Jane Ertl Jane Ertl 6'0" | MB Mount St. Mary | 2023 State OK – Mount. St. Mary.
Jane was a key player for MSM and the dominate year they had as repeat state champs. Her IQ and control is elite. She could go cross body on the up tempo 31 set and it was tough to stop. She had a fantastic career that ended with her being voted as an All-State selection.
Parker Gladhill Parker Gladhill 5'11" | MB Norman North | 2024 State OK – Norman North
Parker will get to etch her name in the record books one day for the T-wolves. She is young but already a huge factor in their immense success. She came in clutch on multiple situations and that comes from being mentally tough and working hard in practice. That will only continue to grow and further develop.
Carley Butler Carley Butler 6'1" | MB Owasso | 2024 State OK – Owasso
She was voted as the Offensive Player of the Year in the Frontier Valley Conference. She has been a starter since her freshman season. She will be an All-State selection next season. Her class will go down as one of the most successful to come through the program. If you haven’t seen her leap up and destroy a ball, you haven’t fully seen Oklahoma volleyball yet.
Taylor Motes Taylor Motes 6'1" | MB Victory Christian | 2024 State OK – Victory Christian
Taylor exploded on the scene this season. She already has the athletics and frame to be elite. Her skills are closing fast and once that happens….Oh my! She can run multiple different tempos and sets across the net. This will be huge for her going on to the next level and continuing to be a threat for her time left in high school.
Josie Brady Josie Brady 6'1" | MB Oklahoma Christian | 2024 State OK – OCS
I was finally able to see Josie play this season at the state tournament. She does a brilliant job of being a spark plug. She talks up her teammates and her body language is exactly what you want. She is a part of a special junior class they have at OCS. Look for her to help lead them back to the state tournament.