Five Bigs From The ’25 Watch List Making Noise
With the class of ’25 watch list out, we don’t exactly have a “ranking” of abilities, but we can talk about kids that caught our eye since school started. Here are five middles that will make noise this year. Ava…
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Continue ReadingWith the class of ’25 watch list out, we don’t exactly have a “ranking” of abilities, but we can talk about kids that caught our eye since school started. Here are five middles that will make noise this year.
Ava Gutt Ava Gutt 5'11" | MB Hamilton Southeastern | 2025 State IN , 5-11, Munciana Indy , Hamilton Southeastern
Ava came to our Prep Dig Top 250 Expo a few weeks back and caught me by surprise. Although the shortest on this list of middles, she played bigger and stronger than her size indicates. She powers through weak and late blocks, can defend from pin to pin well, and is great in front of the setter.
Harper Holden Harper Holden 6'0" | MB Greenfield Central | 2025 State IN , 6-0, Academy, Greenfield-Central
I keep having to check and recheck Harper’s height. “Only” six feet tall? I’m guessing I’m wrong, because the presence Harper brings is the most commanding on this list. She’s broad-shouldered, takes up space on the block, and is strong enough to hit a heavy ball out of the middle. Oh, and did I mention that she’s coachable and a great teammate? A great kid with great skills that continue to improve. She’ll show out this year on the 15-1 (Venom) at Academy.
Lilly Howell Lilly Howell 6'2" | MB Muncie Burris | 2025 State IN , 6-2, Munciana, Muncie Burris
Averaging over two kills per set and hitting nearly .400 in her first varsity season at a top ten program like Burris is no small task, considering the expectations. No worries; Lilly took those expectations in stride all season long. Although Miss Howell’s skills are stronger on the defensive side, she still finds ways to put balls away with a minimal amount of errors. I’d like to see more of her this club season, so stay tuned.
Stella Terpening Stella Terpening 6'2" | MB Westfield | 2025 State IN , 6-2, Boiler Juniors, Westfield
Every time I watch Stella, she’s always ready to hit. Always? Always. Even at the Expo a few weeks back, with setters she hardly knew, she was up and ready to hit every time. Her transitioning is fast and athletic, she’s long and lean on defense, and is no nonsense when she scores for her team. Underestimate her at your own risk.
Carson Bowling Carson Bowling 6'0" | MB Trinity Lutheran | 2025 State IN , 6-0, Trinity Lutheran HS
I don’t normally emphasize kids that don’t play club, simply because I don’t have enough information on them to make an accurate assessment. Carson is a bit different. Easily the strongest on this list, and hitting nothing but slower tempo balls in the middle, Miss Bowling owned every middle she went against this past fall for a 1A program that was in the top spot all season until the state final. She hits a heavy ball, moves quite well for someone without club experience, and should be noticed a bit more starting next fall, as basketball is her primary sport.