Five Things to Watch For
Trio of All-Stars are Back
Kellam’s Joel Eanes, Granby’s AJ Angeles, and junior Wyatt Strawbridge lead the group of returning All-Tidewater team members from last season, and the three make up quite a group picture. Eanes, the dominating opposite hitter for the Knights, racked up 279 kills last season – a remarkable total, but one to be expected by the Grand Canyon University commit, who possibly sees over every volleyball (and most basketball) players) in Hampton Roads. How tall is he? Eanes, who competed with the U.S. Under 19 national team this summer, stands 6-foot-9, and has added throwing the shotput and discus, as well as high jumping, to his athletic repertoire.
On the other end, Strawbridge is an even six feet tall, while Angeles, the Comet setter, stands 5-foot-8.
Hampton Roads Teams Dominate Virginia
Although volleyball is not played in every statewide school system, it stands without question that the Hampton Roads region is a hotbed for talent within the state. Ten of the top 25 Virginia teams from the final MaxPreps.com volleyball rankings of 2023 call the Seven Cities region home. They include Kempsville (#5), Ocean Lakes (#7), Cape Henry Collegiate (#10), Granby (#11), Kellam (#12), First Colonial (#14), Hickory (#15), Maury (#18), Indian River (#23), and Princess Anne (#25).
Zuidema Returns to Cox
Over a ten-year period spanning from 2006-2015, Jason Zuidema was one of the most successful coaches on the Southside, with his Falcons winning three state titles and compiling a record of 246-35. The team regressed over a nine-year period after his departure, to the point of finishing 5-16 last season. Dwindling numbers and injuries were seen as the main reasons for the downslide. Hearing the call of duty. Zuidema, a Cox alum, is back at the helm. “Despite the program having wavered over the last few seasons, the boys are determined to put Cox back on the map,” said Zuidema. Seniors Brady Spicer, Zach Hamilton, Thomas Moore, and Joseph Maleski are tasked with keying the rebound.
Class 5 against Class 6
With the relatively low (less than 100) number of volleyball teams in the state, it is tough for certain regions to play a full post-season bracket. This can lead to some unfortunate circumstances. For example, in Region 5A, Ocean Lakes upended Kempsville to win the crown, while Granby captured the 5B championship. However, both teams fell in the state tournament, as Classes 5 and 6 have combined for one bracket. It would be interesting to see how the two teams would have fared against solely Class 5 competition. Perhaps the continued growth of Loudoun County high schools will allow for more higher state class playoff brackets in the near future.
Pre-season Tournament
The season was preceded by a Jamboree which mostly included Region 5A teams from the Beach and Southeastern Districts. Hosted by Great Bridge and their coach Bryan Stambaugh, the event featured eight teams, which included the winner, Beach Breakers, a team of home-schooled players. Stambaugh, who got the idea from a similar Denbigh Jamboree put together five years ago by their coach John Amaral, said that he and other coaches used the opportunity to either go full force or work through different lineups in the hope of finding the starting six players who will begin official play today.
Ranking/Team/2023 Record
1. Kellam (17-8) – The Knights lost only one starter from last year’s squad, prompting coach Aaron Campbell to predict that his team will have “its most promising year yet.”. Along with Eanes, Kellam is led by the other tri-captains, senior opposite hitters Austin Makovec (74 blocks) and 6’2” Bennett Barco (66 blocks). Junior setter Bennett Pyka led the team with 733 assists in 2023, while his brother Nathan joins seniors Sora Perry and 6’5” Michael Blanchard as middle blockers. Sophomore Dylan Calkins (126 digs) is an outside hitter to keep on the radar.
2. Kempsville (23-4) – The Chiefs score as a top team among the preview forms cast by most of their Beach and Southeastern District peers.
3. Granby (23-3) – Coach Michelle Neaves declared that her team is “hungry for another state run.” Considering that it took a grueling five-set loss to Class 6 Deep Run to knock the Comets out of the state tournament last year, the statement is fitting. Joining Angeles this year will be senior Percy Gordon (68 kills), junior outside hitter Alijah Lamp (47 kills) and Gabe Sol, an All-Region middle blocker. The foursome will bolster the Granby attack and Davis Mendoza will serve as the squad’s primary libero.
4. Ocean Lakes (22-6) – According to coach Evan Ballenger, only two returning players saw first team reps with last year’s Region 5A championship team. But a new crew will see plenty of action this year, starting with senior captain and libero Gavin Juhas. Fellow seniors Layne Kemp (M) and Anthony Liberator (OH) will be key performers, along with sophomore setter Daniel Copen. Keep an eye on Turner Kuhle, who has already shown his prowess on the baseball field for the Dolphins.
5. Cape Henry Collegiate (19-6) – The reigning TCIS champion should retain its spot as the top local private school team.
6. Gloucester (20-2) – Undefeated in the Peninsula District last season (18-0), the Dukes hope to ride another wave to PD perfection.
7. First Colonial (16-7) – Senior setter Sam Brown (752 assists, 58 kills, 36 blocks, 34 aces in 2023) broke his leg before the first game of last year’s playoffs, and his return will help the Patriots greatly. Other senior returners include libero Nate Duff (362 digs), and Seth Williams (76 kills, 41 blocks). The veteran squad also will see production from Bo Sawyer, Lucas Hills, and incoming sophomore transfer Zia Peterson.
8. Hickory (19-7) – First year head coach Carmen Coston looks forward to welcoming a “great group of returners,” from last season’s Southeastern District champion, including senior middle blocker Will Katchmark, to join junior outside hitters Carson Tortine and Nolan Kennedy. Setter Jason Leary is the Hawks other junior standout.
9. Maury (16-6) – The Commodores will be another strong contender for the Eastern District championship with seniors Zach Mendoza (290 digs, 30 assists) at libero and Jonas Stafford (397 assists) as the primary setter.
10. Indian River (13-8) – The Braves look to improve on last season’s 10-3 record in the Southeastern, good for third. Their 4-4 record in the preseason Jamboree may be misleading.
11. Princess Anne (13-10) – The Cavaliers will be tough with Maclej Majchercyzyk back at his outside hitter position. Coach Jeff Kinser calls the senior, “one of the best athletes I have been around.” Six-foot-five Walt Clevenger will form the other half of one of the Beach District’s most powerful hitting duos.
12. Kings Fork (18-6) – the Southeastern runner-up from last year will be a strong challenger to Hickory and Indian River.
13. Menchville (15-5) – Another potential Peninsula District winner.
14. Great Bridge (15-9) – The senior-laden roster goes eight deep among their 12th grade lineup, with Johnathan Badowski (RS) and outside hitters Caden Wolfe and Jovan Lapera keeping the Wildcats among the Southeastern Region’s top three teams.
15. Salem (11-9) – The Sun Devils will aim to aspire to the upper ranks of the Beach District contenders.
Others to Watch – Warwick (16-6), Grassfield (10-8), Churchland (12-8), Kecoughtan (12-8), Heritage (12-12).
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