2015 Boys Volleyball Preview Capsules
ARBOR VIEW
Head coach: John Gibbons, fourth season
2014 record: 21-6 (9-1 Northwest, second)
Returning lettermen (starters): Four (two)
Top players: MB Sam Buckels (Sr.), OH Kaneen Manuel (Sr.), S Ben Martin (Jr.)
Outlook: After advancing to the Sunset Region semifinals last year, the Aggies have some work to do with only four returning lettermen.
“We have a young team this year with two returning starters,” Gibbons said. “We will be competitive in our new division.”
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BONANZA
Head coach: Jamie Charles, second season
2014 record: 12-8 (7-3 Southwest, second)
Returning lettermen (starters): Five (one)
Top players: OH Andrew Jensen (Sr.)
Outlook: Jensen had 226 kills last season and is one of five returning lettermen for the Bengals, who hope to improve throughout the season.
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CENTENNIAL
Head coach: Scott Nelson, ninth season
2014 record: 10-14 (7-3 Southwest, third)
Returning lettermen (starters): Eleven (five)
Top players: OPP Tanner Durkin (Sr.), LIB Cody Graham (Sr.), MB Terrell Hicks (Sr.), MB Nyjaee Washington (Sr.)
Outlook: The Bulldogs bring back 11 lettermen, including five starters.
“We have a solid nucleus of players returning,” Nelson said. “We should be much improved over last year and more experienced. There is good leadership on the team, as well.”
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CHEYENNE
Head coach: John Armstrong, third season
2014 record: 5-13 (2-4 Sunset, third)
Returning lettermen (starters): Three (two)
Top players: OH Ulises Santillan (Sr.), LIB Aaron Robinson (Sr.)
Outlook: The Desert Shields bring back only three lettermen.
“Although we have limited volleyball experience, our team is full of competitors and excellent athletes who are willing to work hard to win,” Armstrong said. “If we are able to learn quick and respect the game, we can become a dangerous team not only this year, but in the future.”
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CIMARRON-MEMORIAL
Head coach: Darleen Fernandez, second season
2014 record: 5-13 (0-10 Southwest, sixth)
Returning lettermen (starters): One (one)
Top players: S/RS Will Baird (Sr.)
Outlook: The Spartans struggled at times last season and hope to be more competitive.
“We are still in the process of rebuilding,” Fernandez said. “We have some raw talent and hope to fight for a playoff spot.”
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CORONADO
Head coach: Matt Johnson, sixth season
2014 record: 26-9 (10-0 Southeast, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (two)
Top players: MB Matt Johnson (Sr.), S Sam Cox (Sr.), OH Karriem Beyah (Sr.), OH J.J. Meath (Jr.)
Outlook: The Cougars return just two starters from a team that advanced to the Sunrise Region semifinals.
“This year’s team is a mixture of veteran players with very little varsity playing experience, and young players making their first appearance on the varsity squad,” coach Johnson said. “This team has the potential to be very good with practice and experience.
“Our goal, as always, is to develop our team to be at our best for a run through the playoffs and challenge for the league, region and state championship.”
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DEL SOL
Head coach: John Cress, third season
2014 record: 3-12 (0-10 Southeast, sixth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (four)
Top players: OH/S Blane Quitog (Jr.), OH/S La’akea Cabanas (Sr.), MB/MH Jared Moreda (Sr.), OH Kalai Ho (Jr.)
Outlook: The Dragons could benefit from their move to Division I-A and hope to be more competitive this season.
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DESERT OASIS
Head coach: Philip Varela, second season
2014 record: 6-11 (3-7 Southwest, fifth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (five)
Top players: OH Saunoa Afoa (Sr.), Billy Cameron (Jr.), OPP Nainoa Gardner (Jr.)
Outlook: With five starters returning, the Diamondbacks should be improved this season.
“We have a good mix of seniors and underclassmen who have received the best offseason training possible, and we expect those guys to rise up and lead the others to a successful season,” Varela said. “Their commitment to the sport makes coaching simple. All I have to do is unlock the gym and make sure we have a delicious snack bar for home games.”
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DURANGO
Head coach: Nicole Adarme, first season
2014 record: 6-15 (3-7 Northwest, fifth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (five)
Top players: S Andre Shabazz (So.), OH Jaylen Clark (So.), MH/OH Michael Diggins (Jr.), OH Frank Patricio (Sr.)
Outlook: The Trailblazers bring back five starters from a team that narrowly missed a playoff berth last year.
“We are beginning our season with the motto ‘Our Revolution: Our Time’ because so often it seems that Durango athletics is not given the opportunity to shine in a heavy-handed district,” Adarme said. “We believe that this year will be our breakout year to show not only what our team is about, but also our program.
“We are lucky to build with many players that have been a part of the varsity level consecutively. The players are eager to represent the Durango family and have the mentality that we are strong and united. Every player is an asset to our path and regardless of age, we have a great diversity of skill and possibility.”
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ELDORADO
Head coach: Phil Olsen, sixth season
2014 record: 8-8 (5-5 Southeast, fourth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Five (two)
Top players: OH Dakota Shults (Sr.)
Outlook: The Sundevils qualified for the playoffs last year, but bring back only two starters.
“We have a lot of inexperienced players that we will count on to get better every match,” Olsen said. “This team will have to play hard and play together to be able to compete with our opponents.”
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FOOTHILL
Head coach: Chris Sisson, fourth season
2014 record: 11-9 (7-3 Southeast, second)
Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (three)
Top players: S Shilo Chow (Jr.), MB/OH Colin Curi (Sr.), MB Branson Diaz (Sr.), OH/DS Steve Robison (Jr.), OH/OPP Eric Szukiewicz (Jr.)
Outlook: Eight lettermen return from a team that gained valuable experience and improved throughout last season.
“We are returning a lot of players who now have a year of varsity experience and offseason training under their belt,” Sisson said. “We also are adding a strong group of seven new players to varsity. This team has their eye on surpassing last year’s finish in the semifinals of the Sunrise Region tournament.”
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GREEN VALLEY
Head coach: Emily Baracco, third season
2014 record: 9-9 (6-4 Northeast, third)
Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (four)
Top players: LIB/DS Kyle Accardy (Sr.), OH Dustin Elliott (Jr.), S/OH Zachary Hewitt (Jr.), MB Chase Larson (Jr.)
Outlook: The Gators welcome back seven lettermen, including Accardy (218 digs, 29 aces), Elliott (242 kills, 127 digs, 39 aces), Hewitt (246 kills, 163 digs, 35 aces) and Larson (153 kills, 99 blocks).
“We are bringing back a solid group of returning players with the promise of contributions from younger players to form a strong Green Valley team,” Baracco said. “We’re looking to be very competitive in our division.”
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LAS VEGAS
Head coach: Justin Graham, first season
2014 record: 21-6 (10-0 Northeast, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (zero)
Top players: LIB Antonio Wong (Sr.), OH Ryan Magante (Sr.), S Royce Reyes (Sr.)
Outlook: Graham takes over for long-time coach Sue Thurman, who will guide the College of Southern Nevada’s first girls volleyball team in the fall.
He inherits a team with seven returning lettermen, but no returning starters.
Reyes (128 assists last season), Magante (55 kills) and Wong (75 digs) will be among those expected to lead the team.
“The program is working hard to continue the proud traditions established under the 10-year tenure of coach Sue Thurman,” Graham said. “The Wildcats will rely on the leadership of a hungry senior class to put themselves in contention come May.”
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LEGACY
Head coach: Ray Lewis, third season
2014 record: 28-3 (10-0 Southwest, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (three)
Top players: OH Zaire Franklin (Sr.), LIB Anthony Cabrera (Sr.), S Anthony Delgado (Sr.), MB Omari Wheeler (Jr.)
Outlook: The defending Division I state champions bring back seven lettermen, including Franklin, a first-team all-state selection, and second-team all-state pick Cabrera.
“We look to be competitive again this year,” Lewis said. “Our boys are hungry, and their goal is to return to the championship game this year.”
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LIBERTY
Head coach: Brandon Kersting, first season
2014 record: 4-11 (2-8 Southeast, fifth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (five)
Outlook: Kersting inherits a team with 12 seniors on its 14-player roster.
“We have a lot of seniors, but also a lot of talent this year with five returning starters and nine players who have played together for the last four years,” Kersting said.
“The team’s expectations are to make playoffs for the first time in school history, win our conference and finally make a run at a state title. We are ready to compete at a high level this year.”
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MOJAVE
Head coach: Erik Davis, third season
2014 record: 20-4 (6-0 Sunset, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (four)
Top players: MB Jordan Glenn (Sr.), OPP Clayton Fontano (Jr.), OH Alex Carvalho (Jr.)
Outlook: Glenn (191 kills, 82 blocks), Fontano (174 kills, 74 blocks) and Carvalho (165 kills, 133 digs) return to lead the defending Division I-A state champions.
“There is much more parity in this year’s group, so I imagine a balanced threat will be one of our strengths,” Davis said. “Our players are working very hard to develop and grow in the sport. We hope to be competitive with every team we encounter.”
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PALO VERDE
Head coach: Phil Clarke, ninth season
2014 record: 27-8 (9-1 Northwest, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (two)
Top players: OH Michael Simister (Sr.), S Cole Willson (Sr.), OPP Parker Nelson (Sr.)
Outlook: The Panthers bring back just two starters from a team that advanced to the Sunset Region semifinals last year.
Simister (111 kills) and Nelson (66 kills) should be among the team’s leaders.
“There are some big shoes to fill from last year’s graduating class,” Clarke said. “There are a handful of guys from last year’s team that will need to play bigger roles this season. They have been working hard and hope to make a deep run in the playoffs.”
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SHADOW RIDGE
Head coach: Travis Underwood, third season
2014 record: 13-7 (6-4 Northwest, third)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (four)
Top players: MH Quinn Peterson (Sr.), LIB A.J. Makaiwi (Sr.), S N.J. Makaiwi (Sr.)
Outlook: Despite finishing third in their league, the Mustangs advanced all the way to the state semifinals and bring back four starters.
Peterson (220 kills, 86 blocks) and N.J. Makaiwi (568 assists, 90 digs) should be among the team’s offensive leaders, and A.J. Makaiwi (300 digs, 15 aces) is expected to guide the defense.
“After last year’s deep run into the playoffs and graduating five seniors and one exchange student, the expectations are still high,” Underwood said. “There are many young players who have stepped up to take on the challenge.
“We will look to better last year’s run.”
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SILVERADO
Head coach: Samantha Richard, first season
2014 record: 5-13 (5-5 Northeast, fourth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (five)
Top players: S Cody Steckel (So.), MB/OH Tyler Gralapp (Sr.), OPP Andrew Lee (Sr.)
Outlook: The Skyhawks qualified for the playoffs last year and bring back five starters from that squad.
“With a new coaching staff this year, we are hoping for a positive change in the program,” Richard said. “We have spent lots of time in the gym, and we are really excited to see what the season brings. There is a lot of raw talent in this group of boys, and with the right coaching and training, we should absolutely be a top contender.”
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VALLEY
Head coach: Matt Porter, 11th season
2014 record: 18-9 (7-3 Northeast, second)
Returning lettermen (starters): Four (two)
Top players: S Alex Sandoval (Sr.), OH Marty Heavey (Jr.)
Outlook: The Vikings lost 10 seniors from a team that advanced to the state semifinals.
“It will be difficult to determine how good our team is until we begin playing matches,” Porter said. “Alex Sandoval is an all-division and all-league setter who will lead our offense. Marty Heavey will assume the go-to hitter role.
“The remaining supporting players will need to impact the team’s play immediately.”
