Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic
Coach: Stacie Ball (3rd year, 1st year in WPIAL)
Returning Starters:
6-2 senior middle hitter Michael Drambel
6-3 junior middle hitter Jake Swidorsky
6-2 senior outside hitter Ryan Rothermel
6-1 senior setter Joe Palaski
6-2 senior outside hitter Jake Stewart
Season Outlook:
It is our first year competing in the WPIAL and we hope to have a winning season and make the playoffs. We returned all players from last season and we are coming off an 8-4, 2017 record as a club team.
Section Favorite:
We played Deer Lakes last season in a tournament, they were an excellent team and I believe they are the favorite in our section.
WPIAL Favorite:
I would think that it would be Deer Lakes.
Young Players to Watch:
We actually have an excellent freshman talent that will start for us, 6-1 setter/outside hitter Richard Kaminski. He will set for me in our 6-2. He has excellent hands and he will also hit front row.
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Deer Lakes
Coach: Brady Schuller (2nd year)
Returning Starters:
6-4 outside hitter Tyler Osselborn
6-2 outside hitter Dan Hutchinson
5-10 middle hitter Devin Demace
5-9 setter Josh Solomon
5-10 libero Tyler Noble
Season Outlook:
The Lancers made their first appearance in the WPIAL Class 2A finals since 2011. Five starters are back from that team.
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Derry
Coach: Shawn Spencer (13th year)
Returning Starters:
6-3 senior middle hitter Jeff Perratone
6-5 senior middle hitter Ethan Sellong
5-9 senior libero Jake Griffin
6-4 junior outside hitter Dom DeLuca
6-5 junior outside hitter John Kerr
Season Outlook:
We lost a couple of seniors from last year that played a significant role that we have to find a way to replace and also lost two other players this year to season ending injuries both who gave major contributions last year. That being said, we still have some very talented players coming back. If we can find a way to gel as a team, I think we will be in the mix as one of the teams that contend this year.
Section Favorite:
Deer Lakes
WPIAL Favorite:
Deer Lakes
Young Players to Watch:
Seton-Lasalle freshman Nate Zinni.
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Mars
Coach: Michael Nypaver (2nd year)
Returning Starters:
5-11 junior outside hitter Justin Lee
5-9 libero J.P. Plesniak
Season Outlook:
We are a younger team who is looking to compete and hopefully earn a playoff spot.
Section Favorite:
Deer Lakes is the favorite in our section
WPIAL Favorite:
Ambridge or Deer Lakes would be the wpial favorite
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Obama Academy
Coach: Pete Vitti (23rd year)
Returning Starters:
5-11 junior setter David Graham
5-11 junior OH Terrance Harris
6-3 junior MH Jason Thomas
6-0 junior OPP Tashown Tayler
Season Outlook:
I have a strong core of starters returning with a few good new players. We should be competitive in our section and a playoff contender.
Section Favorite:
Derry and Deer Lakes are very good.
WPIAL Favorite:
Derry, Ambridge and Deer Lakes are the favorites.
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Summit Academy
Coach: Michael Besnecker (3rd year)
Returning Starters:
6-0 Senior Setter Tyler Stine
Season Outlook:
At best we could finish 3rd or 4th this season
Section Favorite:
Derry