June 15th Primer: Iowa Middles to Watch
We premiered this spotlight of Iowa’s 2023s yesterday with a look at both the top-tier pin hitters in the state, as well as some under-the-radar athletes to watch. Now, we’re shifting over to the middles. This class has a lot…
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Continue ReadingWe premiered this spotlight of Iowa’s 2023s yesterday with a look at both the top-tier pin hitters in the state, as well as some under-the-radar athletes to watch. Now, we’re shifting over to the middles.
This class has a lot of rising stars at the middle blocker position. They’re not all the same style of player either — some are long and tall, others shorter and springy. Some can play on the pin. In any case, the 2023s offer something for everybody.
Let’s meet some of these players.
Anika Ivester Anika Ivester 6'3" | MB Xavier | 2023 State IA – 6’3 MB/RS – Adrenaline
Ivester was key part of that infamous, tall, and championship-winning Xavier High School team last fall. While Ivester can take a few cracks on the right pin from time to time, her home is in the middle. She presents such an imposing block for opposing hitters. And, by the way, Ivester can absolutely crush a ball in front of the setter. As this middle blocker continues to develop her skills, she has the potential to be one of the dominant forces in the state.
Chloe Cline Chloe Cline 6'1" | MB Pleasant Valley | 2023 State IA – 6’1 MB/RS – Iowa Rockets [Title Photo]
Yet another multi-dimensional athlete to appear on this feature, Cline is known for scoring in the middle as well as the right pin. Middle blocker is Cline’s native position in high school competition, and she’s always there to impact the match in a variety of ways. She can pound the ball on the quick, close any block, and is even a force from the service line. Plenty more success will surely follow.
Kalvyn Rosengarten Kalvyn Rosengarten 6'3" | MB Wapsie Valley | 2023 State IA – 6’1 MB – Six Pack
Putting up big numbers is just part of the job for Rosengarten. She has consistently been one of the state’s top terminating middles over the past couple of years, and she’s been doing it as an underclassman. Her Wapsie Valley team will be hard-set on redemption this coming fall, and Rosengarten is sure to be a big part of that.
Jasmine Namminga Jasmine Namminga 6'1" | MB Pella | 2023 State IA – 6’1 MB – Club Ignit Select
Namminga’s ample experience on both the volleyball and basketball court has paid dividends in her ability to move laterally. She knows how to put herself in good spots. Namminga is perfectly comfortable attacking off one foot, especially when she can work around a block with her quickness. Her complete attacking game will take her great places moving forward.
Gabby Deery Gabby Deery 6'2" | MB Burlington Notre Dame | 2023 State IA – 6’2 MB – Iowa Rockets
Deery is another Rockets product to be featured here. Like many of the others on this list, Deery is comfortable with just about any route that a middle can run. Her versatility along the net makes her a tough target to track, and that often leads to floor-denting kills. Look for her to continue her hot streak.
Myra Carlson Myra Carlson 5'10" | MB Ankeny | 2023 State IA – 5’10 MB – PowerPlex
The Ankeny area has produced a lot of skilled middle blockers over the past several years, and Carlson is another one to keep an eye on. Her 31’s are pretty remarkable. It’s a tough set to hit for many young players, but Carlson can terminate in the gap with ease. She moves very well, and her quickness off the floor is more than enough to overcome her size.