2024 Scouting Report: Middles Dominating April Qualifiers
Back to the 2024 scouting reports! We just look at some pin hitters that have been tearing it up in this big stretch of April qualifiers, and now it’s time to slide over one spot in the frontcourt. Middle blockers…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingBack to the 2024 scouting reports!
We just look at some pin hitters that have been tearing it up in this big stretch of April qualifiers, and now it’s time to slide over one spot in the frontcourt. Middle blockers are next in the spotlight, and we’re going to have some good ones here.
Once again, the geographical representation here is pretty wide. The recent slate of national qualifiers has given us a massive talent pool to evaluate over the past few weeks, and those evaluations will keep trickling out on this site for a while. You’ll want to stay tuned.
Now, on to the middles.
Gabrielle Williams Gabrielle Williams MB Oak Park River Forest | 2024 State IL – 6’0 MB – 1st Alliance 16 Gold
16 Gold just wrapped up an impressive runner-up finish at the Windy City Qualifier, and the steady improvement of Williams at the middle blocker spot has been a huge boost for this squad. This middle blocker runs a lot of gap plays in the 16 Gold offense and does it with great efficiency. Williams’ presence at the net will always create some tough matchups for opposing blockers, and we saw a little bit of that in Chicago.
Tatum Grimes – 6’2 MB/RS – KC Power 16-1
Grimes has that kind of quiet competitiveness that you love to see from a middle blocker. Her business-like approach has yielded a wealth of highlight moments, including a successful bid run at MEQ.
Austin Smoak – 6’1 MB – Alamo 16 Premier
There are so many breathtaking qualities about Smoak’s game. Of course, you can admire the way she’s able to just hammer away on the quick in front of the setter. Perhaps the most exciting thing to watch, though, is how quickly Smoak is able to get from pin to pin and hit a slide on the right pin. Her rare athleticism helped Alamo stand tall against some of the most formidable teams that the Lone Star State has to offer.
Alexis Alexander – 6’1 MB – Pohaku 16-1
It’s hard to describe the feeling of exhilaration that I get from watching Pohaku 16-1 compete. Perhaps Alexander has something to do with that. She’s another one of those incredibly explosive middles who runs one of the best slides in the 16s age group right now. That’s the kind of leader you want at the M1 position.
Zoe Humphrey – 6’2 MB – Houston Juniors 16 Elite
I’ve been able to see Humphrey compete in some high-level camp environments, and her abundant physical talent is translating well to club competition. Her foot speed has developed nicely and allows her to always be available to take a big transition swing. Humphrey’s time on the big stage is only just beginning.
Lilly Hamburg Lilly Hamburg 6'0" | MB Conner | 2024 State KY – 6’0 MB – NKYVC 16-1 Tsunami
Hamburg has been the perfect complement to everything that 16-1 Tsunami likes to do. She’s quick off the floor, terminates well in front of the setter, and puts up a monster block that can shut down even the best attackers in her age group. We’ve done a lot to document NKYVC’s ascent this month, and it’s a rise that wouldn’t have been possible without Hamburg.
Hatteras Welker – 6’2 MB – Mintonette m.61
Mintonette m.61 has had a busy month, so we’re quickly learning a lot about what this team brings to the court. Welker has been a persistent standout at middle blocker, as she has the length and lateral quickness to put up an impenetrable wall on either pin.
Jenna Hanes – 6’3 MB – WAVE 16-Brennan
You could obviously put together quite a list of talented middle blockers from the state of California alone. Hanes has to appear on that list, for sure. She’s a middle blocker that 16-Brennan looks to set whenever there’s a good first contact, and there’s a reason for that, too. Hanes has been bringing the heat at a variety of April events, including the Big South Qualifier.
Jadyn Wilgus – 6’1 MB – AJV 16 Adidas
After watching everything unfold at the Lone Star Classic, there’s no longer any doubt: Wilgus is elite. Simply put, her agility is unlike anything I’ve seen at the 16s level this year. Better yet, the hype that she brings for AJV is infectious and has helped her team to some incredible showings in a critical April stretch.