Fall Rankings Update: 2028 South Dakota Big Blockers

<p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p>   <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p>   <p>The <a href="https://prepdig.com/dakotas/rankings/north-dakota-rankings/north-dakota-2028-rankings/">2028 fall rankings</a> were updated this week as we enter the fall volleyball season.</p>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">North Dakota 2028 Rankings: Middle Blockers Rising</h1>   <p>In volleyball, the middle blocker position is one of the most demanding—and one of the most exciting to watch. Middles must be quick off the floor, disciplined in their footwork, and fearless at the net, while also bringing intensity to every rally. They anchor a team's defense with their blocking presence and ignite the offense by running fast-tempo attacks. At just 15 years old, the class of 2028 middle blockers in North Dakota is already showing size, athleticism, and volleyball IQ well beyond their years.</p>   <p>We've already spotlighted <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='733931' first='Elsa' last='Basel']</strong>, who landed in the top 10 overall in the state, but she isn't the only name turning heads. This next group of middles is putting in the work—on the court and in the weight room—and their efforts are paying off. Let's break down the next 10 middle blockers to watch in the 2028 class.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='753852' first='Jayla' last='Overman']</h3>   <p>Overman headlines this group as a middle blocker who can dominate both offensively and defensively. At the net, her ability to <strong>seal seams and close blocks</strong> against high-level attackers sets her apart. Offensively, she runs quicks and slides with fluidity, showing clean transitions from defense to attack. Jayla's explosive first step allows her to get up fast, making her a dangerous option for setters running a quick-tempo offense. Beyond the technical skills, her <strong>relentless motor and leadership qualities</strong> shine—whether it's extra reps in the gym or communicating with teammates mid-rally, she refuses to be outworked. At only 15, Overman already looks like a centerpiece middle capable of anchoring a varsity program and beyond.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='745911' first='Jersey' last='Peterson']</h3>   <p>Peterson brings <strong>physicality and grit</strong> to the middle. She's fearless in front of the block, timing her jumps well to get touches against taller opponents. What makes her stand out is her ability to adjust mid-air—redirecting shots around the block or powering through with a heavy arm. Defensively, Jersey reads hitters well, committing to the block late and staying disciplined with her hand positioning. Her strong work ethic off the court has made her quicker laterally, and it shows in her ability to cover pins and chase down short tips.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='826231' first='Francesca' last='Barnett']</h3>   <p>Barnett plays with a <strong>steady, controlled presence</strong> that makes her reliable in pressure moments. She has a knack for getting her hands across early on blocks, which frustrates opponents trying to score through the middle. Offensively, she's efficient on quicks and has developed a smart tip game to find open space when defenses load up on her power. Francesca is also one of those players who never seems rattled—her composure and volleyball IQ keep her team grounded, and her consistent improvement in footwork shows how much effort she's putting into refining her craft.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='522787' first='Chloe' last='Christensen']</h3>   <p>Christensen is an <strong>athletic middle with fast transition speed</strong>, which allows her to be an option on almost every play. She runs slides with pace, pulling blockers out of position and creating lanes for her teammates. Defensively, Chloe brings energy with her ability to close blocks quickly, especially on long rallies where stamina matters most. She's vocal in the front row, calling out hitters and staying locked in, making her a spark plug for her team. At just 15, her upside lies in how she's pairing athleticism with developing technical skills that will make her a tough matchup at higher levels.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='822786' first='Breklyn' last='Hermanson']</h3>   <p>Hermanson thrives on <strong>strength and court presence</strong>. She delivers powerful swings on quick sets and can terminate even against a well-formed block. Her blocking is just as imposing, with strong hands that direct balls straight down into the court. Breklyn's ability to track the setter and adjust her positioning shows a growing volleyball IQ. She's also dedicated off the court, putting in time to improve her explosiveness, and it's paying off in her ability to dominate long rallies where endurance separates great middles from good ones.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='728817' first='Evlynn' last='Carney']</h3>   <p>Carney is known for her <strong>discipline and timing</strong> as a blocker. She reads the setter's eyes, rarely biting early, and consistently gets herself in position to challenge swings. On offense, she brings efficiency—executing quicks with precision and minimizing errors. Evlynn has a smooth transition footwork pattern that keeps her available for her setter, even after tough blocking reads. Off the court, she's been putting in work on strength and agility, which is translating into faster lateral movement at the net and greater endurance through long matches.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='522790' first='Mara' last='Thier']</h3>   <p>Thier is a <strong>high-energy middle</strong> whose hustle is unmatched. She runs hard every play, no matter the score, and gives her team a reliable option in the middle. Her blocking presence is sharp, with quick reads and fast hands over the net. Offensively, Mara brings versatility, mixing in roll shots and tips when needed but always ready to attack with pace. What sets her apart is her intensity—she doesn't take plays off, and her energy often fuels her teammates to step up.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='737897' first='Kendyl' last='Fischer']</h3>   <p>Fischer is a <strong>long, athletic middle</strong> with the kind of reach that frustrates hitters. She uses her wingspan to close blocks effectively and cover space that many opponents struggle to hit around. On offense, Kendyl excels at attacking quicks in front of the setter and developing into a dangerous slide hitter. Her ability to elevate quickly makes her a consistent aerial threat. Fischer's steady improvement and determination in training show she's just scratching the surface of what she's capable of becoming.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='827475' first='Nahla' last='Fjeldheim']</h3>   <p>Fjeldheim stands out with her <strong>explosiveness and competitive drive</strong>. She gets off the ground quickly, making her a force in both blocking and attacking. Her swings are aggressive and fast-paced, often catching defenders out of system. Nahla also brings strong anticipation skills, adjusting to off-speed shots and keeping rallies alive. Her hard work off the court has improved her conditioning, giving her the stamina to stay effective deep into matches. She's a middle with the kind of motor and fire that makes her fun to watch.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='810791' first='Alyssa' last='Schut']</h3>   <p>Schut is a <strong>technically sound middle</strong> whose fundamentals are advanced for her age. She stays disciplined with her blocking footwork, getting her body square to the net and pressing over with strong hands. Offensively, Alyssa makes herself available consistently, transitioning quickly and keeping pressure on opposing blockers. Her smart shot selection—mixing heat with well-placed tips—makes her tough to defend. What separates Alyssa is her attention to detail in training, constantly working on small improvements that pay big dividends in matches.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Others to Note</strong>:</h2>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/dylann-king/">[player_tooltip player_id='760667' first='Dylann' last='King']</a></p>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/braelyn-deboer/">[player_tooltip player_id='757250' first='Braelyn' last='DeBoer']</a></p>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/bryn-koistinen/">[player_tooltip player_id='847829' first='Bryn' last='Koistinen']</a></p>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/kenslee-drexler-2/">[player_tooltip player_id='759534' first='Kenslee' last='Drexler']</a></p>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/mckinley-jacobson/">[player_tooltip player_id='748120' first='McKinley' last='Jacobson']</a></p>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/serenity-kerkhoff-2/">[player_tooltip player_id='757238' first='Serenity' last='Kerkhoff']</a></p>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/torrence-tipton/">[player_tooltip player_id='790066' first='Torrence' last='Tipton']</a></p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</em></strong></h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</em></strong></h2>   <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p>

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