From the Film Room: Early Look at '28 Middles in a "Bubble"

From the Film Room: An early look at some 2028 Middles in a “Bubble”

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As we enter the heart of recruiting once again, we prepare to introduce everyone to a brand-new class of prospects. We will break down the Class of 2028 much deeper as we go, but before January arrives, we simply did some casual observing of some of the position groups. One thing we notice with each class is that certain positions will have little traffic jams or “bubbles” as we like to call them. A “Position Bubble” is a spot where there are 7-10 athletes appearing to be nearly identical or very similar in recruiting value at some point during the recruiting calendar. Oftentimes, this will happen at the Setter Position. We try to differentiate a bit more and prioritize the “bubbles” rather than simply say “they are all very good”. In this situation, we looked at several middles previously grouped within a few PPV points of each other. This was the first deep dive we took in the film room, and here is what our scouting department came up with, notes-wise. They will be moved accordingly on the class list later this evening.

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Amari Frazier - Elite Red 230 PPV

• Strong base with solid body control; stays balanced through movements
• Elite Red level athleticism executes a reliable one-leg approach
• Long arm swing currently shrinks the hitting window and affects timing
• Needs mechanical refinement to shorten/streamline swing
• Penetrates well on the block and consistently takes away more court
• Good upside as a positional blocker doing many things at an Elite Red level right now.

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Shaun Waller - Silver Level 242 PPV

• Silver-level quick-twitch athlete with exceptional quickness and length
• Fast, efficient arm; elevates explosively and wins plays above the net
• Good one-leg attacker with good speed and fluidity
• Needs more consistent net penetration on the block

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Rilynn Wingbach - Elite Red 223 PPV

• Red-level athlete, but has length and arm power that rank up with the Silver levels.
• Her approach tempo is more Elite Orange Level currently, and improved rhythm in 3-step and slide patterns, Red Level
• Shows strong transition footwork; stays connected to the setter
• Needs a tighter base, with her feet, at the block to improve first-step explosiveness
• General Notes: With better tempo and blocking mechanics, could be a very reliable front-row option

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Raegan Marshman - Silver Level 222 PPV

• Athleticism: Silver Level: dynamic athlete with standout explosiveness
• More raw than polished, but has a massive physical ceiling that borders on Gold Level, which is impressive for any college coach watching her.
• Hitting: Again Silver Level with High block touch; needs more consistent press and penetration.
• Good arm; potential to dominate if she learns to contact consistently at her peak
• Growth trajectory and athletic tools make her a high-upside Elite Red-level prospect.

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Kinsley Ables - Elite Red 216 PPV

Athleticism: Smooth Elite Red level with a fast, 

powerful arm, natural timing allows for efficient scoring when in rhythm

Could add approach explosiveness to maximize range and jump

Shows potential as a one-leg attacker, and that will come with more reps.

Lower body strength: Orange Level, as she lacks lower-half loading at the base block for a stronger first step

Substantial Elite Red level upside due to arm talent and fluidity in her swing. Ceiling high.

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Maggie Jewell - Elite Orange 192 PPV

• High effort and strong work rate, especially in transition
• Effort athlete, but consistently lands on one leg—could raise injury risk (shin splints/lower-leg issues)
• Needs an improved approach, footwork, and timing to stay balanced in the air.
• Wide block base limits first-step quickness
• One-leg attack still developing; needs stronger right-knee drive.
• Must learn to land on two feet for performance and injury prevention

Developed timing with the latter on the slide to be efficient on that route, especially

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Abbie Powell - Red Level 195 PPV

Quick-twitch Red level athlete with a clean, efficient swing

Strong approach timing creates scoring opportunities in transition

Given her size and all-around skills, she could project as a pin attacker at the next level.

Plays with maturity and poise beyond her age

Impressive body control and decision-making, Silver Level type performances

A combination of athleticism, timing, and composure gives her Red Level long-term upside, which coaches can look at favorably as an intangible to bump an athlete.

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Hailey Tinnell - Elite Orange 185 PPV

• Strong, physically imposing middle blocker
• Needs to create better angles in approach (attacks too flat)
• Elite Orange level blocker Hailey, as she continues to develop, will elevate blockers and will be more able to do so with a more dynamic first step.
• Footwork and approach adjustments could unlock more offense
• Profiles as an M2 prospect with developmental upside

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Loryn Piening - Elite Orange 183 PPV

• Elite Orange-level athlete with good lateral movement and offensive power
• Moves well and shows the ability to attack off one leg
• Lacks Red-level explosiveness, but compensates with timing and body control, which are already at that Red Level.
• When she adds lower-body explosiveness, Loryn will become a more dynamic threat and continue to climb.

Milena Aebischer - Elite Orange Level 171 PPV

• Good size and strong, well-built frame, Elite Orange in those areas.
• Orange level lateral mobility; needs more speed and agility
• Elite Orange-level explosiveness; will need to improve for more above-the-block closes.
• With athletic development, she has the potential to be a reliable Elite Orange/Red-level front-row contributor.

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Ava Martinez - Orange Level 163 PPV

• Good length and long arms; substantial natural reach, all at Orange Level
• Plays at a single speed; Orange level athleticism
• Want to speed up her routes if possible.
• Physical tools are Red Level;  developing that change of pace will better allow her to utilize them.
• Length gives real potential.

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Leighton Froelich - Elite Orange 170 PPV

• Froehlich is a long athlete with a high contact point and solid blocking technique, all at Elite Orange Levels
• She needs more consistent press on the block to take away extra court
• Elite Orange is an effective one-leg attacker; as her drive step strengthens, it will help her increase her power even more.
• Early forecasts show that Leighton has the tools to be a steady, reliable Elite Orange-level contributor and the potential to peak into the Red Zone.

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Sasha Slaughter - Orange Level 167 PPV

• Strong, Orange-level player with good movement and natural front-row ability
• Effective hitting in front of the setter on quicks (strongest skill set, Elite Orange Level)
• Raw, overall skills, but shows strong Orange level upside. Reps will continue to show progress and development this season.
• Needs a tighter block base and a better loaded stance for a dynamic first step
• Projects as a solid M2 with Elite Orange Level athletic upside and room for growth. 

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