Five 16U up and coming Middle Blockers
It’s true that the Libero takes on the greatest amount of defensive responsibility in the back row. That’s the nature of the position and it doesn’t appear to be changing any time soon. But, in the front row it’s the…
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Continue ReadingIt’s true that the Libero takes on the greatest amount of defensive responsibility in the back row.
That’s the nature of the position and it doesn’t appear to be changing any time soon. But, in the front row it’s the Middle Blocker that handleS those duties more-so than any of the individuals playing the corners of the court.
Middle Blockers are the axis many aspects of defense end up revolving around. They’re the heart of the attack, the access point to turning the tide of almost any contest. Especially at the 16U level, the Middle Blocker is a key cog in keeping any working effort moving forward.
Here in Michigan we’re fortunate enough to have quite the crop of sophomores playing that position, like…
LEAH ROGERS
Timing is everything when it comes to blocking a shot and this player has it in spades. On the flip side her ability to go up for the ball leaning in one direction, then spike the ball effectively in the other direction isn’t something every player can do with the same authority. Having played her high school ball at fifth-ranked Hudsonville, this six-foot-two, member of the class of 2022 takes the court for the Far Out Volleyball Club 16 Black during the club season.
ASHLEA NWABUEZE
This five-foot-11 Middle Blocker is a terror at the net, blocking 21 shots with 102 triple blocks for Bloomfield Hills High School in 2019-20. In 125 sets played she also garnered 188 kills. Some of what she does well on offense includes a healthy shot distribution and a tendency to work the sidelines. Because of how she makes contact with the ball the trajectory it takes can tend towards a bit of a curve, which is deceiving, to say the least. Currently she plays for Legacy 16-2 ADIDAS.
EMILY STRUCKMEYER
The ability to go up and make meaningful contact with the ball at a height most will never reach is just one trademark of what Struckmeyer provides. She’s direct and efficient with her shot. Those talents also translate to defense where this six-foot Lowell High School sophomore is able to use her hands separately at the net in mid-air, which allows her to stifle opposing shooters with regularity. Presently a member of the Far Out Volleyball Club 16 Black, in prep play she helped lead the Red Arrows to ending ranked third in Michigan and 97th nationally at 55-4 overall, 12-0 league.
ALYSSA PULIZZI
This five-foot-nine sophomore plays Middle Blocker for both Legacy 16 Elite East and Utica High School. The fact she’s consistently ready, willing and able to put in the time on the court good, bad or otherwise certainly works in her favor. One way her love for and understanding of the game exhibited itself for the Chieftains was by playing in 116 sets this season. In that time she had 60 kills, 50 triple blocks and 42 blocks, numbers that are sure to go as up the more she continues to put in this kind of work.
AVA YOUNG
The Far Out Volleyball Club 16 Black knows just how fortunate it is to have the talents of this five-foot-eleven Middle Blocker at its disposal. For example, this season at Rockford High School this member of the class of 2022 played just 39 sets, yet still came through to the tune of 48 kills and 22 triple blocks. As for the bigger picture, what that effort amounted to for the Rams was a record of 26-24-2 overall, 4-8 league, to finish ranked 37th in the state and 1,539th nationally.
Another 16U Middle Blocker from Michigan worth mentioning is Sophie Schrag of Legacy 16-2 ADIDAS and Ann Arbor Skyline High School.