Omaha Middles: Names to Know in the Metro
A good middle hitter can open up an entire offense, or they can take over the offense themselves. Omaha has no shortage of players who fit this description, and many of them will be featured here. Whether they possess a…
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Continue ReadingA good middle hitter can open up an entire offense, or they can take over the offense themselves. Omaha has no shortage of players who fit this description, and many of them will be featured here. Whether they possess a powerful arm or a tall, imposing block, each of these players has traits that will serve them well for the remainder of their prep career and beyond.
Here’s the next installment in the Omaha spotlight series, featuring middle blockers!
Gray
Rylee Gray – 6’3 MB – Elkhorn South – Nebraska Elite 17-1 – Class of 2021 (Nebraska Commit)
Gray has been a big name around the Nebraska prep scene for several years now. The Cornhusker commit is one of the most natural and polished middles you’ll ever see at the high school level. Her slides behind the setter are deadly, as she has quick lateral movement and can elevate so effortlessly. Gray’s size at the net allows her to put up an incredibly imposing block. She has averaged well over 100 blocks per season at Elkhorn South to go along with her .416 career hitting percentage. A dynamic athlete who can also put up blocks on the basketball court, Gray is sure to make a significant impact for the Nebraska program soon enough.
Emma O’Neill Emma O’Neill 6'0" | MB Papillion-LaVista South | 2022 State NE – 6’0 MB – Papillion-LaVista South – Premier 16 Gold – Class of 2022
O’Neill is explosive in all aspects of her game. She is so quick off the floor when attacking, seldom allowing opposing blockers to properly set up against her. Her arm is just as fast as her vertical, which frequently surprises backcourt defenders who try to dig the heat coming at them. O’Neill is proficient on the slide and in front of the setter. She was a key player in the Titans’ Class A title match victory, hitting .400 in a match where both teams recorded at least 100 total digs. O’Neill’s athleticism and work ethic will propel her to new heights in the second half of her prep career.
Sydney Raszler Sydney Raszler 6'0" | MB Elkhorn | 2022 State NE – 6’0 MB – Elkhorn – Nebraska Elite 16-1 – Class of 2022
Constant improvement has been a theme of Raszler’s prep days, and her development is only just beginning. She was named the MVP of her Nebraska Elite team at the President’s Day Classic in Omaha, where her 16s team won the tournament championship while playing up in the 17 Open division. Raszler has long arms and plays well above her six-foot stature. Her deadliest attack is right in front of the setter, as she elevates so well off two feet. She is a constant emotional spark plug for whatever team she is on, and her positive energy will continue to make her a standout player for years to come.
Millard
Sadie Millard Sadie Millard 5'9" | MB Millard West | 2022 State NE – 5’9 MB – Millard West – Premier 16 Gold – Class of 2022
This five-foot-nine middle can play at heights comparable to those who are much taller. Millard has hops that she pairs with a fast arm, establishing herself as a force in the middle. She is even able to step into the passing formation as a front-row middle, something that is incredibly unique for the position. Millard saw a huge improvement in her hitting percentage as a sophomore for the Wildcats, hitting .339 with 158 kills. She’s an incredibly versatile player who undoubtedly projects well at a multitude of different positions.
Ital Lopuyo Ital Lopuyo 6'7" | MB Omaha Central | 2022 State #134 Nation NE – 6’7 MB – Omaha Central – Nebraska Juniors 16-1 – Class of 2022
No typos here. This sixteen-year-old middle blocker from Omaha Central High School has grown to six-foot-seven, and her overall game has made strides, as well. Lopuyo’s incredible wingspan makes her an intimidating blocker, especially for someone that is still so young. Her movements are so fluid and will continue to improve as she gets more reps. As if she wasn’t high enough above the net, Lopuyo has an impressive and coordinated vertical jump that allows her to hit at angles that are simply indefensible. A player that is constantly looking to get better, Lopuyo is an athlete of impeccable character that would thrive in collegiate competition.