Top Performers in the Middle from the Freshman Class in Michigan

<p>The freshman middles in Michigan continue to show impressive variety in scrimmages and playing styles. These athletes demonstrated real presence in the middle of the court through blocking discipline, attacking efficiency, and consistency in net handling. Each athlete brought a different look to the position, proving that impact in the middle is not limited to one physical or technical type.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='774460' first='Harper' last='Dallaire']</h2>   <p>Dallaire is a 6'1" middle hitter from Grosse Pointe North High School. Dallaire showed steady approach mechanics and good balance at the net. She stayed square to setters during quick-hitting reps and contacted the ball at a high point. In blocking drills, she presented a strong hand position and maintained spacing when closing with another middle. Her movement along the net remained controlled throughout extended reps.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='891757' first='Millie' last='Craven']</h2>   <p>Craven is a 5'9" middle blocker from Imlay City High School. Craven played with discipline in block work, staying patient and pressing over the net rather than drifting. She moved efficiently laterally and kept her shoulders level through transitions. In hitting lines, she approached on time and delivered consistent contacts on quick balls. She was one of my favorites to watch at this event because she is a really impressive athlete.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='782729' first='Rachel' last='Unsworth']</h2>   <p>Unsworth is a 6' middle blocker from Brighton High School. Unsworth brought a clear net presence with her height and reach. She stayed active between block and attack responsibilities and maintained a strong posture in the front row rotations. Her block looked good through reps, and she showed consistency, keeping her hands over the plane of the net. One of my notes for Unsworth just says "Pow! Good!".</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='918852' first='Lilah' last='Maurer']</h2>   <p>Maurer is a 5'9" middle blocker from Mattawan High School. Maurer demonstrated clean footwork in her approach and remained engaged across multiple ball contacts. She showed good control stepping into block responsibilities and maintained awareness of hitter spacing. In scrimmages, she stayed involved in transition defense and quick attack lanes. She is an impressive athlete.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='848581' first='Milani' last='Parker']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/27-Milani-Parker.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-860192" style="width:171px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='848581' first='Milani' last='Parker'], 2029.</figcaption></figure>   <p>Parker is a 5'9" middle blocker from Walled Lake Western High School. Parker worked efficiently in the middle and showed strong readiness between reps. Her block positioning was excellent and consistent, and she stayed balanced when moving along the net. In the hitting drills, she maintained timing with setters and contacted the ball cleanly. She was one of the first hitters to get her timing back when working with new setters.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='787391' first='Karsyn' last='Ignash']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/DSC02447.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-852231" style="width:170px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='787391' first='Karsyn' last='Ignash'], 2029.</figcaption></figure>   <p>Ignash is a 6'1" middle blocker from Cass City High School. Ignash showed a solid combination of size and coordination. She held a strong position in blocking sequences and moved well along the net when closing gaps. In attack preparations, she approached with control and showed reliable contact on quick sets. Ignash is fun to watch flex her muscles at the net and cause havoc for the other team with her abilities.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='910109' first='Jasmine' last='Johnson']</h2>   <p>Johnson is a 5'10" middle blocker from Plymouth High School. Johnson showed excellent body control at the net. She stayed upright through her approach and maintained her balance on landings, which allowed her to recover quickly for the next play. Her blocking attempts were clean and consistent, and she demonstrated awareness of her opponents' hitter tendencies during live play scrimmages.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='911078' first='Amelia' last='Powell']</h2>   <p>Powell is a 5'9" middle hitter from Southfield Christian High School. Powell stood out for her versatility in attacking routes. She adjusted well to different tempos and opponents and showed the ability to stay effective even when the set drifted off target or when her opponent was really large/talented. Her footwork into the approach was smooth, and she stayed engaged defensively between net actions, contributing beyond just the attack. She has spastic muscle reflexes and can dig up the hardest hit ball before it hits the floor.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jojo Hamway</h2>   <p>Hamway is a 6' middle hitter from Detroit Country Day School. Hamway showed strong rhythm between setter and hitter during quick-attack sequences. Her approach timing was good, and she stayed patient at the net, avoiding rushed movements. In blocking drills, she maintained good spacing and used controlled hand placement rather than chasing the ball. Quick and hard-hitting athlete, very difficult to defend.</p>

The freshman middles in Michigan continue to show impressive variety in scrimmages and playing styles. These athletes demonstrated real presence in the middle of the court through blocking discipline, attacking efficiency, and consistency in net handling. Each athlete brought a different look to the position, proving that impact in the middle is not limited to one physical or technical type.