Wisconsin Class of 2021: Top Available Middle Blockers
Anna Wolf Every position is tough in its own right. One position has built a reputation as the work horse, the middle blocker. This player has to make quick lateral moves, know what the other side of the net is doing at…
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Continue ReadingEvery position is tough in its own right. One position has built a reputation as the work horse, the middle blocker. This player has to make quick lateral moves, know what the other side of the net is doing at all times, and then make fast transitions on and off the net. A middle can’t take a play off; this is someone who anticipates and reads well, and someone who can be efficient with her movements. The Class of 2021 already has a middle in Anna Wolf going to Minnesota, but let’s take a look at more who are on the radar.
Kaitlin Riley – 6’3 – Catholic Memorial (36-13) – Milwaukee Sting 16 Gold
Riley was one of two middles for Catholic Memorial this past season. She and Carly Clausen (2019 – 6’0 – Not Committed) are extremely athletic and strong defensively for the Crusaders. Riley made the top tier Milwaukee Sting 16 Gold team for 2019. Catholic Memorial finished the year in Sectionals to a tough Wisconsin Lutheran. Riley had 149 total blocks and hit an impressive .424.
Hattie BrayHattie Bray – 6’1 – Wautoma (16-8) – FC Elite 16 Navy
Bray is still growing as a player. She is one of the top athletes in the 2021 class and is able to close the block. Bray really has the ability to play any of the front row positions, but she is so tough in the middle because she can get quickly from pin to pin. She can cover space and is very terminal on offense as well.
Molly Lawlis – 5’10 – Pacelli (24-16) – Wisconsin Ice 16 Purple
Lawlis is just one of the players Pacelli has in the Wisconsin Ice program, and it has definitely benefited them. You don’t have to be the tallest to be a great middle, and Lawlis proves that. She reads well, closes the block, and finds a way past the block with a fast armswing.
Alexis Boling – 6’0 – Waukesha West (35-11) – Milwaukee Sting 16 Gold
Waukesha West was full of solid players this past season. Their gym is full of athletes operating under the radar, and Boling was effective in establishing herself as a young middle. She led the Wolverines with 393 kills this season and will be relied upon to be even more efficient in 2019 with West graduating 2 of its big attackers. Boling made the Milwaukee Sting 16 Gold team this year and will play alongside Emme Bullis, setter committed to Minnesota, and high school teammate, Anna Holland, at libero who is heading to Seton Hall.
Camryn LukenbillCamryn Lukenbill – 6’1 – Burlington (38-5) – Milwaukee Sting 16 Gold
Lukenbill definitely has the accompanying pieces to be dangerous this club season, surrounded by solid all-around players and defense. She showed the state in November that she can be physical at the net and will be a force on offense and defense. Burlington will have a lot of returning pieces in 2019, making them dangerous for yet another season. Sting Gold will be scary with Lukenbill, Riley, and Boling manning the middle this season.
Lakyn Graves – 6’1 – Hamilton (24-21) – Milwaukee Sting 16 Black
Graves will take on a bigger role for Hamilton in 2019 with the graduation of McKenna Packer (Committed to Lewis University). The Chargers will be looking to build off their 2018 season with a lot of young talented players. Graves will be a key piece in Hamilton’s push to be a strong contender for conference and state tournament appearances for the next couple seasons. She has height and athleticism to be a threat in the middle.
Emma Mans – 6’3 – Fort Atkinson (15-13) – FC Elite 16 Navy
Mans came on very strong for Fort Atkinson in 2018. She still has her best volleyball ahead of her as she really develops as a player and comes into her own. Mans is a solid athlete and understands the game. She makes good shot selections, knows how to score points, and should get to play on the right side as well for FC Elite this club season since they are loaded with solid middles.