High School News: Who’s Owning the Net This Week

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas   This week we're shining the spotlight on the players who make life miserable for opposing hitters—the ones building a wall at the net and turning away big swings. In the first half of the season, we're already seeing blockers rack up impressive numbers, and by the time the postseason rolls around, those totals will be eye-popping. Blocking is one of the most important skills in volleyball, not just for the point it scores, but for the way it changes momentum. A well-formed block forces hitters to adjust, takes away their favorite angles, and can completely disrupt an offensive rhythm. Whether sealing the seam, closing pin-to-pin, or putting up a stuff block, these athletes are proving why blocking is the first line of defense—and one of the most game-changing roles on the court.   Let's check out the leaderboard for this week and see who's standing tall at the net.    [player_tooltip player_id='733931' first='Elsa' last='Basel'] – 37 Blocks – Middle Blocker Elsa has been an absolute force at the net, leading the way with 37 blocks already this season. She reads hitters with precision, times her jumps perfectly, and takes away the most dangerous angles. Her presence changes how opponents game-plan—she's that dominant. Elsa doesn't just block; she sets the tone, turning defense into instant momentum. Any coach looking for a middle who can own the net should have her name highlighted. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='769469' first='Reese' last='Munger'] – 36 Blocks – Middle Blocker Reese is right on Elsa's heels with 36 blocks, proving that she's one of the toughest matchups in the state. She's quick closing pin-to-pin, relentless in sealing the seam, and loves nothing more than stuffing a swing straight back down. Reese brings energy with every point she wins at the net, and her ability to frustrate hitters is second to none. She's the kind of middle that transforms a defense into a championship-caliber unit. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     Cora Hofer – 35 Blocks – Right Side Cora has become a nightmare for opposing outsides, racking up 35 blocks while patrolling the right side. She combines size, timing, and grit to shut down the best left-side hitters in the gym. But it's not just the block—Cora's ability to transition from a huge stop to an immediate offensive swing makes her one of the most versatile threats in the game. She's proving that right sides can be as dominant defensively as they are offensively. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='818975' first='Siri' last='Bach'] – 35 Blocks – Right Side Matching Cora's totals, Siri has established herself as one of the premier blocking right sides this season. She reads setters well, anticipates cross-court attacks, and knows how to close off hitters' favorite shots. Siri brings intensity every time she steps up to the net, and her ability to make a statement with a solo block fires up her entire team. Already committed to continue her career at the University of Northwestern–St. Paul, Siri has proven she's ready for the next level while still dominating in the high school game. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     Hayden Gall – 33 Blocks – Setter/RS How many setters can say they're near the top of the blocking leaderboard? Hayden can, with 33 blocks to her name. Playing as a setter/right-side hybrid, she's one of the rarest and most dangerous weapons in high school volleyball. Her block is more than a defensive tool—it's a momentum-swinger that shuts down hitters who don't expect a setter to stuff them. Add in her ability to run the offense, and Hayden is rewriting what versatility looks like. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     Annalise Hoeck – 33 Blocks – Middle Blocker Annalise has been putting on a clinic in how to own the middle, stacking up 33 blocks with confidence and consistency. She's aggressive on the close, disciplined on the line, and quick enough to take away cross-court heat. Annalise thrives on big-match moments, where one stuff block can flip an entire set. Her combination of size, timing, and court awareness makes her a middle every coach dreams of building around. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">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.</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">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!</h2>   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas

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