Nebraska Recruiting Spotlight for the Class of 2022: Middle Blockers

Our feature on Class of 2022 athletes continues as June 15th draws yet another day closer. <a href="https://prepdig.com/2020/06/nebraska-recruiting-spotlight-for-the-class-of-2022-outside-hitters/">Outside hitters</a> and <a href="https://prepdig.com/2020/06/nebraska-recruiting-spotlight-for-the-class-of-2022-setters/">setters</a> have gotten the spotlight so far. Today, we give you some middle blockers to know throughout the Cornhusker State. As coaches embark on a search for players that can dominate at the net, numerous uncommitted athletes in Nebraska can rise to the occasion. The middles in this feature have the toughness, work ethic, and talent to become impact middles on a college court. These players have accomplished a wide variety of feats throughout their prep careers, and they ought to generate some buzz as recruiting activity picks up. Plain and simple, these are names you need to know.   [player_tooltip player_id="58784" first="Brenna" last="Schmidt"] - 6'5 MB - Elmwood-Murdock - Nebraska Juniors 16-1 Schmidt brings a unique combination of size and coordination that all coaches hope to get at the middle blocker position. A rising athlete who made my list of <a href="https://prepdig.com/2020/05/uncommitted-tall-talents-to-watch-class-of-2022/">Uncommitted Tall Talents in the Class of 2022</a>, Schmidt's game continues to make huge strides, much to the benefit of all her teammates. Trying to defend this long, physical middle is a daunting task, as she can glide across the net with the kind of agility that you don't expect from someone so tall. As Schmidt approaches her full potential, she will become an imposing middle at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id="37536" first="Emma" last="O'Neill"] - 6'0 MB - Papillion-LaVista South - Premier 16 Gold An additional look at O'Neill's highlights revealed why she is such a good middle: she's always in the right place at the right time. O'Neill is a one-on-one ball-stuffing machine and the true definition of a shutdown blocker. She also brings tremendous energy to the court, often pumping up her teammates after a big play. Her efficiency also shines through in her offense. This ensures that O'Neill will always bring positive contributions through all facets of her game. O'Neill was part of my <a href="https://prepdig.com/2020/05/omaha-middles-names-to-know-in-the-metro/">Omaha middles list</a> and will produce so many noteworthy moments throughout the rest of her career.   [player_tooltip player_id="37535" first="Kali" last="Jurgensmeier"] - 6'1 OH/MB - Bishop Neumann - VCNebraska 17-1 Out of all the middles on this list, Jurgensmeier is the Swiss Army knife. She does it all. A six-rotation outside hitter for her Bishop Neumann squad, Jurgensmeier is a projected middle who can even pass and play defense. She is effective anywhere across the net and can hit with authority off of one or two feet. Her slide attacks have proven difficult to stop, and Jurgensmeier's dominance is only just beginning. She's a gifted small-school athlete who was featured in the <a href="https://prepdig.com/2020/06/unfinished-business-2019-tournament-teams-poised-for-a-title-in-2020-class-c2/">Class C2 rendition of the Unfinished Business series</a>. No stage is too big for Jurgensmeier, and that will serve her well in the future.   [player_tooltip player_id="58816" first="Ital" last="Lupoyo"] - 6'7 MB - Omaha Central - Nebraska Juniors 16-1 Lopuyo has continued to grow, both literally and figuratively. This six-foot-seven middle's development has continued to progress as she became increasingly committed to the sport of volleyball. She was another athlete to make my Omaha middles list, and it's easy to see her insane potential. Lopuyo frequently hits at indefensible angles, and with power, too. Her footwork has come a long way, and further training will ensure that Lopuyo becomes one of the most notable stock risers in the 2022 class. Humble, kind, and determined, Lopuyo has what it takes to be a star on the court for years to come.   [player_tooltip player_id="37554" first="Chloe" last="Cloud"] - 6'2 MB - Grand Island Central Catholic Cloud was identified as one of the <a href="https://prepdig.com/2020/05/best-of-the-west-names-to-know-in-the-308-area-code/">Best of the West</a>, and it's easy to see why. She's a middle that always has a big impact on the court. She is popular among her GICC teammates, and Cloud's energy and talent lifted GICC to the Class C2 title last year. She is an effective attacker in front of the setter, and her blocks can shut down the most prolific attackers. Cloud uses her size and skill to elevate her high school team into one of the squads to watch come tournament time.   [player_tooltip player_id="58772" first="Sydney" last="Raszler"] - 6'0 MB - Elkhorn - Nebraska Elite 16-1 Efficiency is the name of the game for Raszler. Another athlete to appear in my spotlight on Omaha middles, Raszler was a standout performer during the shortened 2020 club season. Her knack for reading opposing blockers and taking the open shot is what leads to her impressive hitting numbers. Raszler is long, fluid, and agile, and she can crack a ball down before backcourt defenders can react. A vital piece of her talented club team, Raszler has a lot of success left ahead of her before the conclusion of her prep career.   [player_tooltip player_id="58798" first="Sadie" last="Millard"] - 5'9 MB - Millard West - Premier 16 Gold Don't tell her she's undersized. Millard has the hops and the grit to compete with any block that stands ahead of her. She should not be forgotten among the great group of middles in the Omaha area, as she has all the physical tools to succeed at the next level. Millard works hard along the net and puts up an impressive block. Her quickness creates numerous mismatches, often sliding to the right pin before wing blockers can set up against her. Millard is part of great high school and club programs that will allow her to shine and make herself known.