2023 Spotlight Series: Menaces in the Middle
Our first stop on this tour of 2023 talent covered defensive specialists. This time, middle blockers take the stage. Elite middle blockers know how to impact a match on multiple fronts. It’s a tough position to play, but the potential…
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Continue ReadingOur first stop on this tour of 2023 talent covered defensive specialists. This time, middle blockers take the stage.
Elite middle blockers know how to impact a match on multiple fronts. It’s a tough position to play, but the potential for middle blockers to disrupt a game is enormous.
Nebraska’s 2023 class has plenty of middles who can execute a ton of different skills. When it all comes together, they can have that game-changing influence.
So, in the spirit of this series, let’s take a walk through the rankings and give some updated scouting reports on Nebraska’s top talent.
Alanna Bankston Alanna Bankston 6'1" | MB Millard West | 2023 State #68 Nation NE – 6’1 MB – Premier 16 Gold
Truth be told, Bankston’s future might be on the pin. We won’t hold it against her if that’s the case. With ample experience in the middle, though, Bankston is used to carrying important roles. Her quickness of the floor allows her to be both a shutdown blocker and a terminal attacker. Of course, I’ve mentioned that Bankston has spent time at outside hitter. She can pass, too. Find a front row player who can do all these things.
Amanda Loschen Amanda Loschen 6'2" | MB Omaha Marian | 2023 State NE – 6’2 MB – Nebraska Elite 17-1
Loschen has earned plenty of accolades over the past year, including some MVP honors while playing up on her Nebraska Elite 17s team. This talented middle blocker has even gotten a hefty amount of recent reps against 18s competition. The moral here is that Loschen is not afraid to elevate her game beyond her years. She has the length, athleticism, and technique to fit in just fine against the older age groups. Her work in front of the setter often draws two opposing blockers, and Loschen still knows how to terminate against four hands. With all this high-level experience, this Nebraska Elite product’s stock will continue to rise.
Brooklyn Fuchs Brooklyn Fuchs 6'2" | MB Lincoln East | 2023 State NE – 6’1 MB – VCN 16 Elite
This middle blocker made an initial impression with me playing high school ball for Lincoln East, and Fuchs has carried that over to club competition for VCN. Fuchs is so difficult to stop because she can hit so many tempos and gaps. She can terminate in front of the setter, sliding behind, or on the right pin with a standard three-step approach. A middle blocker who will always work hard in transition and generate good block touches, Fuchs has plenty of highlight moments ahead of her.
An enthusiastic crowd for the 16s match between @kcpowervb and @VCNebraska. Brooklyn Fuchs Brooklyn Fuchs 6'2" | MB Lincoln East | 2023 State NE (53) has put in some great contributions for VCN. pic.twitter.com/IKz398vCr1
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) January 16, 2021
Lexi Jones Lexi Jones 5'11" | MB Aurora | 2023 State NE – 5’11 MB – Nebraska Juniors 16 Black
Yet another player on this list who has done plenty of work in both high school and club, Jones is used to providing offense for whatever team she’s on. She is a primary slide hitter for NJV, but that’s not her only strength. Jones is an effective one-on-one blocker who knows how to take away angles from opposing middles. Her versatility and competitiveness will continue to propel her forward.
Kensington Tekrony Kensington Tekrony 6'0" | MB Omaha Westside | 2023 State NE – 6’0 MB – Nebraska Elite 16-1
Tekrony is another Nebraska Elite athlete to make this feature, and she fits in well with her talented, high-flying 16s team. This is a middle blocker who is more than comfortable off of one foot, and that presents plenty of tough matchups for opposing blockers. When you combine that with her ability to read attackers across the net, you’ve got an exciting middle. Tekrony will continue to thrive off of the tough competition that her team routinely faces.
Mady Banitt Mady Banitt 6'0" | MB Waverly | 2023 State NE – 6’0 MB – VCN 16 Elite
Like the other middles on this list, Banitt is used to playing a big role wherever she’s at. She’s particularly efficient in front of the setter, where her elevation off two feet allows her swing to flourish. Her energy on the court is infectious, and she knows how to bring those stuff blocks that hype up her team. This squad, along with Banitt, has a bright future.