Top Performers in the Middle from the Sophomore Class in Michigan

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The sophomore middle group in Michigan delivered a strong showing, marked by consistent net presence, disciplined footwork, and reliable execution in both attacking and blocking sequences. Across drills and competitive segments, these athletes stood out for how they handled core middle responsibilities rather than flash or projection...well, maybe a little flash.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='728850' first='Emme' last='Dorchy']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":860144,"width":"175px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/82-Emme-Dorchy.jpg?w=150&amp;h=150&amp;crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-860144" style="width:175px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='728850' first='Emme' last='Dorchy'], 2028.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dorchy is a 5'10" middle hitter from Royal Oak High School. Dorchy worked efficiently in quick-attack drills, maintaining clean approach patterns and controlled tempo to the ball. She showed good spatial awareness at the net, adjusting her positioning well during multi-block sequences. In live play, her transitions between offense and blocking were smooth and repeatable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='881403' first='Abigail' last='Dafforn']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dafforn is a 5'11" middle blocker from South Lyon High School. Dafforn consistently presented a strong blocking frame, pressing her hands across the net with discipline. Her lateral movement along the net was steady, and she closed blocks on time during combo drills. Offensively, she stayed composed in quick-set reps and maintained balance through contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='846725' first='Clover' last='Nash']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nash is a 6' middle blocker from Lake Orion High School. Nash brought noticeable size and stability to the middle. She showed patience in block timing and maintained strong shoulder positioning when sealing angles. In attacking reps, she stayed compact in her approach and made solid contact without overextending.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='918841' first='Ashley' last='Schulz']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schutz is a 5'9" middle blocker from Royal Oak High School. Schulz demonstrated reliable footwork and strong readiness between plays. She transitioned quickly from serve-receive coverage into block positioning and maintained consistent hand placement at the net. Her engagement level remained high through extended rally situations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='768762' first='Leighton' last='Birmingham']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Birmingham is a 5'8" middle blocker from Battle Creek Lakeview High School. Birmingham stood out for her movement efficiency. She covered ground well laterally and stayed low and balanced in blocking drills. In hitting lines, her approach timing was consistent, allowing for repeatable contact on quick balls.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='905655' first='Briella' last='Breton']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Breton is a 5'10" middle blocker from Bellevue High School. Breton showed steady mechanics throughout the session. She maintained proper spacing from the setter and adjusted her steps cleanly on varied tempos. At the net, she kept her hands active and remained engaged on second-chance block opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='908271' first='Ainsley' last='Weeks']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Weeks is a 5'10" middle blocker from Royal Oak High School. Weeks displayed good court awareness, especially in reading opposing hitters during block sequences. She stayed square to the net and recovered quickly between reps. Her offensive work showed a clean approach, alignment, and controlled finishes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='746527' first='Evelyn' last='Engelhardt']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Engelhardt is a 6' middle hitter from Garber High School. Engelhardt worked well in transition scenarios, moving smoothly from block responsibilities into offensive routes. She maintained a steady tempo in her approach and showed good coordination with setters during quick-hitting sequences.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->