2024 Middle Blockers Already Dominating this Fall
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We’re back with another positional breakdown after some early-season high school action in Nebraska. Our previous installment of this series looked at 2023 setters, and now it’s time to shift toward some sophomore middle blockers. It may be easy to…
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Continue ReadingWe’re back with another positional breakdown after some early-season high school action in Nebraska. Our previous installment of this series looked at 2023 setters, and now it’s time to shift toward some sophomore middle blockers.
It may be easy to underestimate the impact that a talented middle can have on a team. This position has a lot of responsibilities that may go unnoticed. Middles have to read opposing setters, seal off any seams in the block, and be ready to attack in a variety of seams and patterns. There’s a lot going on during a middle blocker’s trip through the front row, and it can be hard for young players to adjust. Despite this, we’re already seeing plenty of 2024s that are making an impact early in their high school careers.
Let’s meet a few of them.
Mia Tvrdy Mia Tvrdy 6'0" | MB Papillion-La Vista | 2024 State #35 Nation NE – 6’0 MB – Papillion-La Vista
I mentioned Tvrdy’s dominance at the net during the Bellevue West Invitational on opening weekend, so it’s no surprise that she appears on this feature. She elevates so well off of one foot and is equally comfortable on a 31 set. This Monarchs team is doing a great job of finding success with a very young roster, and the addition of Tvrdy is incredibly valuable.
Nora Wurtz Nora Wurtz 6'4" | MB DC West | 2024 State #109 Nation NE – 6’4 MB – Douglas County West
Wurtz’s stats so far this season do a great job of illustrating her dominance from the middle blocker spot. The DC West attacker has surpassed a .450 hitting efficiency after taking nearly 100 swings already this year. After displaying her potential with Nebraska Elite last spring, Wurtz’s talent is translating to the high school stage.
Mikah O’Neill Mikah O’Neill 5'11" | MB Sumner-Eddyville-Miller | 2024 State NE – 5’11 MB – Sumner-Eddyville-Miller
We’re going to see a few talented small-town middles on this feature. O’Neill is another great example. Like the others on this list, O’Neill has had an efficient start on offense in the 2021 campaign and has also helped her team to an undefeated record.
Avery Yosten Avery Yosten 6'1" | MB Norfolk Catholic | 2024 State NE – 6’1 MB – Norfolk Catholic
Yosten continues to have a massive role in this Norfolk Catholic program, and she’s only just starting her second year of high school ball. This middle blocker is a leader in every phase of the game. She can put down some tough swings, puts up a huge block, and provides vocal leadership to lift up her teammates. Players like Yosten help keep the Knights in title contention year after year.
Chloe Hanel Chloe Hanel 5'11" | MB Clarkson/Leigh | 2024 State NE – 5’11 MB – Clarkson/Leigh
Hanel just continues to impress. She’s been doing it ever since her very first match with the Patriots last season. Hanel consistently hits at a .300 clip and can take over a match with both her swings and her blocking. Clarkson/Leigh rightfully has some big aspirations this year, and this middle blocker can help them reach those goals.
Emerson Lionberger Emerson Lionberger 6'0" | MB Lincoln Southwest | 2024 State NE – 6’0 MB – Lincoln Southwest
Lionberger was one of our big stock risers in the latest 2024 rankings update, and now she is showing off her skills with one of Lincoln’s top volleyball programs. She’s yet another sophomore middle whose hitting percentage has easily surpassed .300 to begin the season. With Lionberger leading a talented group of underclassmen for the Silver Hawks, it’s clear that Southwest will be sticking around for a while.