2017 Boys Volleyball Team Capsules
ARBOR VIEW
Head coach: John Gibbons, sixth season
2016 record: 36-4 (7-1 Northwest, first)
Returning starters: Six
Top players: OH Trevin Clizbe (Sr.), OH Brenden Wagner (Sr.), MB Steven Rasmussen (Sr.), MB Tyreese Cole (Sr.), RS/DS Andrew Wagner (Sr.), RS Jake Reid (Jr.)
Outlook: The defending Sunset Region champions bring back six starters and have the potential to contend for the state title this season.
“We have returning players to put the team in a position to compete in the Northwest League, which this year should be the most competitive in the city,” Gibbons said.
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BISHOP GORMAN
Head coach: Kyle Krauss, sixth season
2016 record: 18-12 (5-3 Southwest, second)
Returning starters: Five
Top players: OH Charlie Pollnow (Sr.), OH Will Hafen (Sr.), S Trevor Papock (Jr.), LIB Julian Uy (Jr.)
Outlook: The Gaels bring back five starters from a team that finished second in the Southwest League last season.
“Having five returning starters, along with our setter who is now in his third year of varsity along with club, gives me a very positive outlook on this season,” Krauss said. “As always, our goal is to win all of our tournaments and our first state championship for Bishop Gorman.
“This group has been my most dedicated from top to bottom that I’ve ever coached and has helped create a great culture for this sport at Bishop Gorman. I’m very excited to see what these young men do this season and know they will be putting in the work to be the best they can become.”
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CENTENNIAL
Head coach: Erik Davis, first season
2016 record: 12-12 (4-4 Northwest, third)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (two)
Top players: OH Kade Frischknecht (Sr.), OPP Farries Gardner (Jr.), MB Teon Taylor (Jr.)
Outlook: Davis, who led Mojave to three consecutive Division I-A state titles, takes over the Bulldogs’ program.
“With only two starters returning, we are excited to showcase new talent this season,” Davis said. “Our kids have made the shift to the new coaching regime, dedicated themselves to our offseason training program and love the game of volleyball … a recipe we hope will serve us well.
“We anticipate a balanced attack that we expect will lead us to the playoffs, competing for a state championship.”
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CHAPARRAL
Head coach: Keala Enomoto, third season
2016 record: 16-10 (8-0 Sunrise, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): One (zero)
Outlook: After winning the Sunrise League title and advancing to the Division I-A state semifinals last year, the Cowboys return only one letterman.
“Rebuilding is always a challenge, but we expect to have a great season of learning the game and growing as a team,” Enomoto said.
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CHEYENNE
Head coach: John Armstrong, fifth season
2016 record: 2-19 (2-8 Sunset, fifth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Four (three)
Top players: OH Tyler Buchanan (Sr.), S Ryan Buchanan (So.)
Outlook: The Desert Shields return four lettermen and hope to make big strides this season.
“Our team is young, but learns quickly,” Armstrong said. “Through our hard work and positive attitudes, we are going to make this a successful season.
“We expect to have a winning record and make it deep into the playoffs.”
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CIMARRON-MEMORIAL
Head coach: Sopheap Khuon, first season
2016 record: 6-18 (0-8 Northwest, fifth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (two)
Top players: OH Erick Forbush (Sr.), MB Fred Tito (Jr.)
Outlook: Khuon takes over a program that returns only two starters, but is hungry for success.
“I have a group of talented boys and expect them to do very well this season,” Khuon said. “Our goal this year is to make it to playoffs which has not happened since 2009.”
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CLARK
Head coach: Ilona Robison, second season
2016 record: 10-14 (6-4 Sunset, third)
Returning lettermen (starters): One (zero)
Top players: S/OH Christopher Ramirez (Jr.), MB Zachary Garner (Jr.), OH Carlos Alvarez (So.), OH Kizhonie Blunt (Jr.), S James Stewart (Jr.)
Outlook: The Chargers will be learning on the job as only one letterman returns from the team that finished third in the Sunset League last season.
“Our team is very young and inexperienced, but works hard and is very competitive,” Robison said.
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CORONADO
Head coach: Matt Johnson, eighth season
2016 record: 20-17 (7-3 Southeast, third)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (three)
Top players: OPP/OH Ryan Garlick (Sr.), OH Nik Purser (Sr.), OH Ben Truman (Sr.), MB/OPP Drew Hamlin (Sr.), MB Stuart White (Sr.)
Outlook: Garlick (244 kills, 135 digs, 44 blocks, 26 aces), Purser (108 kills, 87 digs) and Truman (96 kills, 125 digs) are among six returning letterman for a motivated Cougars squad.
“(Last year) saw our team exit the playoffs in the first round, the earliest end of a boys volleyball season that we can recall,” Johnson said. “We look to learn and grow from lessons learned last year and realize the tremendous potential this team has.
“Our goal is to put ourselves in position to compete once again for a league title, region championship and an opportunity for a state championship.”
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DEL SOL
Head coach: Walter Tum, second season
2016 record: 7-17 (2-6 Sunrise, fourth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Three (one)
Top players: OPP/S Alan Ramos-Flores (So.), LIB Clinton Cavosara (Sr.), MB Nathaniel Barton (Sr.), MB Verovys Vargas (Jr.), DS Jesse Greer (Jr.)
Outlook: Only three lettermen return for the Dragons, who remain optimistic about their prospects this season.
“This team has a blend of sophomores, juniors and seniors who are looking to lead the Dragons to being one of the top teams in our league,” Tum said. “The team will be led by sophomore setter and opposite Alan Ramos-Flores, who has continued to improve and epitomizes the character of our team. Flanking Alan will be senior libero Clinton Cavosara and senior middle blocker/hitter Nathaniel Barton.”
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DESERT OASIS
Head coach: Nick Porter, second season
2016 record: 11-16 (2-6 Northwest, fourth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (four)
Top players: OH David Toole (Sr.), LIB Bryson Sadama (Sr.), S Josh Sadama (Sr.)
Outlook: The Diamondbacks bring back four starters from last year’s squad and welcome Toole, who transferred from Silverado.
“We look to be competitive despite losing a couple of strong seniors last year,” Porter said. “What we have lost in offensive strength we have more than made up for with leadership, team chemistry and a more well-balanced, dynamic offense. These guys are starting to believe in themselves and are beginning to run a more consistent and disciplined style of play which will hopefully help us gain an edge this season.
“We’re a strong contender to return to playoffs, but ranking will depend on our development. The team is excited about the season and looks to build on the hard work invested in last year’s season and come up with more conference wins.”
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DURANGO
Head coach: Nicole Adarme, third season
2016 record: 25-16 (5-3 Southwest, third)
Returning lettermen (starters): Four (four)
Top players: S Andre Shabazz (Sr.), OH Jaylen Clark (Sr.), OPP Filip Bosnjak (Sr.), OH Tai Foster (Jr.), LIB Braetin Foster (So.)
Outlook: The Trailblazers lost eight seniors to graduation, but bring back two potent weapons in Clark (348 kills, 268 digs, 34 blocks, 60 aces) and Shabazz (1,029 assists, 243 digs, 78 kills, 36 aces).
“The Blazers have a journey of hard work and dedication to build the caliber of program they were able to establish last season,” Adarme said. “However with the leadership of captains Andre Shabazz and Jaylen Clark and the work ethic of the team, I don’t doubt that the team will turn heads again.
“We are a young team, but with plenty of raw talent and hunger to win. Our younger players have worked hard to continue to set the bar that the 2016 team was able to set, and with four returners, I am already seeing the family atmosphere and dedication being established each practice.”
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ELDORADO
Head coach: Ross Dyer, first season
2016 record: 1-15 (0-10 Southeast, sixth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Three (one)
Outlook: Dyer takes over a program that is hoping to start a building process this year.
“We are very young and inexperienced,” he said. “We believe we can be competitive with most teams, and we look forward to getting our feet wet. We are building a new program with a new philosophy, which the boys are buying into.”
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FOOTHILL
Head coach: Lewis Miranda, first season
2016 record: 29-12 (8-2 Southeast, second)
Returning lettermen (starters): One (one)
Top players: LIB Troy Bell (Jr.)
Outlook: After advancing all the way to the state final last year, the Falcons are replacing nearly everyone.
Miranda takes over a team that brings only one starter (Bell), but there’s still a lot of optimism.
“The players know they are not the most experienced team, but they are looking forward to battles and making a run at region,” Miranda said. “I have a great group of players, and as a new coach, I am excited to see what these boys can do.”
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GREEN VALLEY
Head coach: Emily Baracco, fifth season
2016 record: 27-5 (9-1 Southeast, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (three)
Top players: OH James Reed (Sr.), S Brian Barkemeyer (Sr.), OPP Cooper Burgess (Sr.), MB Tanner Casto (Sr.), MB Michael Sosa (Sr.)
Outlook: After working hard for years, the Gators got to the top of the mountain last year, winning their first state title. Six players return from that squad.
Reed (357 kills, 190 digs, 43 aces, 39 blocks), Barkemeyer (110 assists, 86 digs, 21 aces), Burgess (94 kills, 63 blocks), Castro (93 kills, 55 blocks) and Soha (24 blocks) should be among the team’s leaders.
“After coming off the state championship win, the Gators graduated four starters,” Baracco said. “With returning senior leadership, this season’s team will be competitive.”
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LAS VEGAS
Head coach: Justin Graham, third season
2016 record: 14-4 (8-0 Northeast, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): Ten (two)
Top players: OH Brandon Kampshoff (Sr.), MB Foster Palo (Sr.), LIB Kyle Monton (Sr.), MB Romeo Gray (Sr.)
Outlook: Kampshoff (346 kills, 203 digs) leads a list of 10 returnees for the Wildcats, and will get plenty of help from Palo (101 kills, 51 blocks), Monton (184 digs, 53 assists) and Gray (39 kills).
“The Wildcats bring back a lot of experience and will be working hard to try and win the Northeast League crown one last time,” Graham said.
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LEGACY
Head coach: Jennifer Lopez, first season
2016 record: 3-23 (0-8 Southwest, fifth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (one)
Top players: OH Dominic Harris (Sr.), DS/LIB Chris Quezada (Sr.), S Matthew Cook (Sr.), MB/OH Kaipo Butac-Mabry (Sr.)
Outlook: The Longhorns took their lumps last season, but first-year coach Lopez has a senior-laden team ready to make some noise this year.
“It looks to be a strong team full of seniors,” Lopez said. “Half of these seniors are returning varsity, the others played the last couple of years for Legacy’s junior varsity and B teams. We are looking to have our seniors be leaders and help develop the younger teammates to build our program.
“We are looking to make it to at least the first round of regionals.”
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LIBERTY
Head coach: Johnathon Cress, second season
2016 record: 8-16 (3-5 Northeast, fourth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Five (four)
Top players: S Hugo Hernandez (Sr.), OPP Lucas Husli (Sr.), MB Kenyon Oblad (Jr.), MB Troy Fautanu (So.), OH Jamen Debina (Sr.)
Outlook: The Patriots qualified for the postseason last year and are hoping to show more improvement this year.
“Liberty is in its second year of rebuilding,” Cress said. “The Patriots feature a large and athletic two-deep middle position. Outside hitters will benefit from the experience of a senior setter in Hernandez.
“The defense will be solidified with upgrades at libero and hitter. This team has been infused with young talent and senior leadership that may just be the right combination to push the status quo in the Sunrise and beyond.”
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MOJAVE
Head coach: John Engel, first season
2016 record: 33-5 (10-0 Sunset, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): Three (one)
Top players: MH Antonyo Wright (Sr.), LIB Joshua Andam (Sr.), OH Joe Silva (Jr.)
Outlook: The winners of the last three Division I-A state titles, the Rattlers have a new coach and a new look this season as only one starter (Wright) and three lettermen return.
“This will be a rebuilding year with only three returning players from last season’s state championship team,” Engel said.
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PALO VERDE
Head coach: Phil Clarke, 11th season
2016 record: 29-12 (8-0 Southwest, first)
Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (four)
Top players: S Haden Van Orden (Sr.), OH Chandler Juilfs (Sr.), OPP Scott Solan (So.), MB Grant Tingey (Sr.)
Outlook: After advancing to the Division I state tournament last year, the Panthers bring back eight lettermen, including four starters.
“It’s an experienced core back from last year’s team,” Clarke said. “There are some big shoes to fill from a good senior class last season, including our captain and leader Jacob Scheer.
“We look to the leadership of the returning seniors to help bring the new guys along and battle to get back to the state tournament in a very tough league and region.”
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RANCHO
Head coach: Allegra Derzon, 10th season
2016 record: 5-19 (2-8 Southeast, fifth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (two)
Top players: MB Brennan Berti (Jr.), OH Daniel Grantham (Sr.)
Outlook: The Rams return six lettermen from last year’s squad and hope to show improvement this season.
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SHADOW RIDGE
Head coach: Luke Wilson, first season
2016 record: 12-16 (2-6 Southwest, fourth)
Returning starters: Three
Top players: OH Tanner Franklin (Jr.), S Christopher McInnes (Sr.), MB Sebastian Campos (Sr.), OH Jordan Miller (Sr.), OPP Derek Robnett (Jr.), MB Zachary Fedinec (Jr.), LIB Travis Hoadley (Jr.)
Outlook: Wilson takes over a program that looks to bounce back from a bit of a down year last season.
“We want to compete for the region championship, then state championship,” Wilson said.
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SPRING VALLEY
Head coach: Cat Wescott, first season
2016 record: 3-8 (3-7 Sunset, fourth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (two)
Top players: MB Jimmy Mia (Sr.), OH/MB Jeremiah Teems-Robinson (Sr.), LIB Syed Husain (Sr.), OH/OPP Jacob Teems-Robinson (Sr.), MB Kobe Shields (Jr.)
Outlook: Wescott inherits a team that is hoping to make strides of improvement this season.
With six returning lettermen, the Grizzlies are hoping for a successful year.
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SUNRISE MOUNTAIN
Head coach: Tanya Teague, third season
2016 record: 3-12 (0-8 Sunrise, fifth)
Returning lettermen (starters): Four (four)
Top players: OH Trevor White (Sr.), OH/S/DS Emerald Acasili (Jr.), OPP Ronnie Wesley (Sr.)
Outlook: The Miners bring back four starters as they hope to compete in the Class 3A Southern League.
“We are just looking to improve from last year,” Teague said.
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VALLEY
Head coach: Matt Porter, 15th season
2016 record: 16-9 (6-2 Northeast, second)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (four)
Top players: OH Isaac Frazier (Jr.), S Justin Sandoval (Sr.), MB Noah Sutton (Sr.), MB Juan Magana (Sr.)
Outlook: The Vikings bring back four starters from last year’s squad.
“We lost two key players but hope that Isaac Frazier and Anthony Palma can replace outside hitter Marty Heavey (lost to graduation),” Porter said. “Justin Sandoval is an excellent returning setter, and Noah Sutton and Juan Magana are very experienced middles.
“We are balanced and experienced and hope to be very competitive.”
