Early Impact 2025s: Middle Blockers
Today’s glimpse at the Class of 2025 continues. We’ve checked out some outside hitters, and now it’s time to move into the middle. Middle blockers undoubtedly take on a lot of responsibilities during a match, so it takes a lot…
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Continue ReadingToday’s glimpse at the Class of 2025 continues. We’ve checked out some outside hitters, and now it’s time to move into the middle.
Middle blockers undoubtedly take on a lot of responsibilities during a match, so it takes a lot of skill and dedication for a first-year player to find the court at this position. Despite these challenges, the athletes on this feature are already making big contributions and finding a lot of early success.
Let’s meet a few of these high-impact 2025 middles.
Elle Heckenlively Elle Heckenlively 5'10" | OH Gretna | 2025 State NE – 5’10 MB – Gretna
Heckenlively appeared on our preliminary 2025 watch list at the start of the season, and she’s certainly backed up that placement. She’s just a force. Heckenlively is consistently putting down over two kills per set and is doing it at .300 efficiency. She meshes very well with Gretna’s veteran leaders and should continue to dominate within the Dragons program.
Brinkley McAdams – 5’8 MB – Weeping Water
Weeping Water has one of the most effective freshman blockers in the state. McAdams has made a habit of roofing opposing attackers in her debut season, and her offense is developing, too. The Indians have a young roster that will flourish with more experience, and McAdams could become a cornerstone of the team.
Myleigh Weers – 5’10 MB – Diller-Odell
Weers’ offense is absolutely vital to Diller-Odell’s attack. She’s the kind of middle that can keep opposing blockers guessing whenever she’s on the floor. Her efficient offense off of one foot is well developed for someone her age, and Weers will become even more dominant in future seasons.
Izzy Stehno – MB – Wauneta-Palisade
Wauneta-Palisade has posted some strong results in the 2021 campaign, and Stehno has helped hold down the net at the middle blocker spot. She has also put together some big serving runs this year, which is not something you see often from first-year middles. Stehno will simply impact the game in any way she can.
Brynn Weeks – MB – Hastings St. Cecilia
Hastings St. Cecilia has shown that even championship contenders can rely on freshman middles to anchor the team’s blocking. Weeks has posted some impressive matches for the 17-7 Bluehawks in 2021, and she’s done it against some of the toughest competition in Class C1 and C2. Like most of the other players on this feature, Weeks’ role will continue to expand as she improves throughout her prep career.
Rilyn Gish – MB – Omaha Duchesne
Gish had a breakout start to her high school career for Omaha Duchesne. She’s hitting for nearly a .450 clip this season and has the quickness and athleticism to hit anywhere along the net. Gish is a Nebraska Elite product that is no stranger to high-level training and winning volleyball. I have a feeling we’ll mention her a few more times before her prep days are done.