2023 Rankings Update: Top 10 Middle Hitters
The Class of 2023 has proven to be very strong in the hitting department. If you look at the newest Class of 2023 rankings, it features a tremendous amount of talented outside hitters, along with some real standout right side…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2023 has proven to be very strong in the hitting department.
If you look at the newest Class of 2023 rankings, it features a tremendous amount of talented outside hitters, along with some real standout right side hitters.
When it comes to the middles, this Class is stacked with talent as well. A number of game-changing middles will come from this class. Here’s a look at the latest top 10.
1. Abigail Reck Abigail Reck 6'2" | MB Northville | 2023 State #74 Nation MI , Northville/Legacy: This 6’2” middle really has been impactful for a talented Legacy squad. She has the athleticism and the length to be a game-changer in any match. Her finishing rates have been very high in club and prep seasons, and she is continuously able to slow down opposing attacks.
2. Laurece Abraham Laurece Abraham 6'1" | MB Country Day | 2023 State #111 Nation MI , Detroit Country Day/Legacy: Abraham pairs with Reck in the middle for a dominant duo on Legacy 16-1 ADIDAS. Abraham stands 6’1” and is able to really play above the net. She uses her instincts to stay on top of the play and keep opponents from getting clean attacks. Like Reck, Abraham is putting the ball down at a very high percentage this club season.
3. Neele’ge’ Sims, Corunna/Michigan Elite: Sims has been the definition of perseverance and determination this club season. Tragedy took a lot from Sims, but she has fought her way back to the court and is showing why she has such a high ceiling. At 6’1”, Sims is able to glide around the net. She’s got all the hitting fundamentals down, while proving to be a great read on the block. Sims is sure to really see big strides in her game over this next year.
4. Aubreigh Oswald Aubreigh Oswald 6'2" | MB Lowell | 2023 State MI , Lowell/FaR Out: Oswald was an impactful freshman for Lowell in 2019, but an injury kept her from the 2020 prep season. Still, Oswald is sure to be one of the top middles as she slowly works her way back to being 100 percent. The 6-footer has great hitting fundamentals and can explode at the net.
5. Olivia Gardner Olivia Gardner 6'2" | MB Dakota | 2023 State MI , Dakota/Michigan Elite: This 6’2” middle has made a lot of strides in the last year. She is able to use her length defensively and is continuing to improve on her swing and footwork. The next year should be a chance for Gardner to really grow in confidence as she settles in to being a showcased middle.
6. Kennedy Arp Kennedy Arp 6'0" | MB South Christian | 2023 State MI , South Christian/FaR Out: Arp is getting a great education during the club season as she plays with FaR Out 18 Black alongside some of the top middles in the state. Arp has proven to play with a lot of poise and maturity on the floor. That allows her to read plays very well and get into proper position to make touches and finish points.
7. Makenzie Ritsema, Grand Rapids Christian/MVA: Ritsema is a big standout for MVA. She is able to use her 6’1” frame and 7’10” reach to make a lot of big plays. Playing with a lot of energy, Ritsema is able to come through with big kills and blocks through her effort. The next year will be big for her as she gets more of an opportunity to compete at the varsity level for the powerful GRC program.
8. Kam Burbridge Kam Burbridge 6'1" | MB Grand Haven | 2023 State MI , Grand Haven/MVA: Another talented middle for MVA with a high ceiling, Burbridge is close to jumping 10’0”. That makes her a handful for opposing teams to deal with on the attack and defensively. Burbridge has a really strong blocking game right now. She is bringing her hitting up to that level this club season. As she shows more consistency with her finishing, she will become a big college prospect.
9. Emily May Emily May 6'1" | OH Coopersville | 2023 State MI , Coopersville/Inside Out: May is another great middle option from the Coopersville program, but is also able to play on the outside when needed. She moves very smoothly on the floor and has tremendous athleticism, as displayed by her ability to play multiple positions. At either position, May is able to bring powerful swings at the net and instinctive blocking ability.
10. Raegan Lantz Raegan Lantz 6'1" | OH West Ottawa | 2023 State MI , West Ottawa/MVA: Lantz is another player that can play on the outside or the middle. She’s got a great mindset on the floor, playing with a lot of competitive fire and determination. She is able to make adjustments to her game quickly and figure out holes in the defense throughout the match.