5 of Florida’s Outstanding Middle Hitters
The middle hitting position is arguably the hardest position to play in the front row. Although these hitters would be lost without the perfect pass and set, middles are notoriously the most recognized player on the court. This is due…
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Continue ReadingThe middle hitting position is arguably the hardest position to play in the front row. Although these hitters would be lost without the perfect pass and set, middles are notoriously the most recognized player on the court. This is due to the incredible power and precision of their swings and inevitable kills. Middle hitters are typically the stars of the team because of their ability to hit numerous sets across the net, all while setting up big blocks and crushing every overpass from the opposite team.
Here are five of the best middle hitters in the region. These are the girls you can’t keep your eyes off at a tournament; the type of player you would put out your best defenders and a triple block for and then hope for the best.
Zoi Evans – 6’4” – MH – Wiregrass High School
Zoi Evans is an amazing volleyball player and among the best middle hitters/ blockers in the area. She competes against some of the top-rated players at both the high school and club levels and continues to impress. Although she towers over most high school players at 6’4”, she becomes even more of a threat at the net when she jumps at heights that should not be possible for such a tall girl. Whether she is shutting down a powerful hit with her perfectly-timed block, running a quick-set hit, like an unsuspecting slide, or snagging an over-passed ball to hit it straight back down onto the ten-foot line, she dominates her opponents at the net. Zoi is one of those players you stop to watch in a crowded tournament. Although she is verbally committed to the University of Arkansas, she will be a top player to watch this season.
Lilou Stegeman – 6’2” – MB, OH – George M. Steinbrenner High School
Lilou Stegeman is an incredibly talented player at Steinbrenner. She is a dominant hitter and blocker from the middle position. Although her strength is in the middle, she can comfortably make plays across the net. In particular, her “slide” hit is almost impossible to defend. With her height and her jump, she reaches high for any ball and can place it with amazing accuracy on the opposite side. As a senior and one of the star players on the team, Lilou sets the tone for the game with her big swings and numerous kills. She has verbally committed to the University at Albany.
Jalyn Brown – 5’8” – MH, OH – Carrollwood Day High School
Jalyn Brown continues to impress this year at Carrollwood Day as captain and one of the star players on the team. Her powerful and accurate swings from the middle hitting position make her one of the top scorers on the team and in the region. The numerous quick plays she runs in the front row are both entertaining to watch and hard to defend. In her latest match, against Wharton High School, she racked up several aces and kills. Despite being 5’8”, Jalyn has an approach jump height of 9’4”. This height allows her to make big plays at the net against formidable opponents, whether she roofing a hard hit or taking advantage of an overpass from the opposite defense. Jalyn is an uncommitted senior, and a top middle hitter to keep an eye on this high school season.
Reese Friar Reese Friar 6'0" | MB Plant | 2022 State FL – 6’0” – MH – Plant High School
Reese Friar Reese Friar 6'0" | MB Plant | 2022 State FL is a powerhouse middle hitter from Plant High School. As only a Junior this season, she continues to lead her team in kills and blocks from the middle position. Her height and quickness on the net make her a valuable asset to her team and a great option for any in-system play. Opponents try to block, but her swing typically powers through the seam as she snags another kill. She is sure to be among the top-ranking players in the state again this season.
Paris Thompson – 6’1” – OH, MB, RS – Fort Meyers High School
Paris Thompson is arguably among the best hitters in the state of Florida. Although she can swing from anywhere on the court, in any position, and dominate her opponents, it is her middle quick hits that truly display her power and talent on the court. She has an elegant, and dangerous, fluidity of movement while running plays across the net. She has been nominated for many prestigious athletic awards during her time at Fort Meyers High School, as well as breaking several kill records. She has led her team to numerous victories including District titles. Her impressive talent was apparent at a young age by many universities, and as a result verbally committed to the University of Notre Dame as only a freshman in high school.