Bishop Canevin
Coach: Peter Barakat (2nd year)
Returning Starters:
5-10 junior setter/right side Robert Andrews
5-8 junior libero Noah Kelsch
6-2 junior outside hitter Lee Li
5-11 junior outside hitter Matthew Menosky
Season Outlook:
This is only our third season competing in the WPIAL, and it’s probably the first season where he have a core of experienced players returning. Matthew Menosky has every skill a volleyball player can have and could have an All-State season for us. If our other veterans keep getting more consistent and our younger guys fill in where needed, we can play good volleyball and be competitive on most nights. If we reduce our unforced errors, I think it will take a good team playing good volleyball to beat us.
Section Favorite:
Thomas Jefferson and Seton-LaSalle are probably the favorites, I’d like to think we’re contenders as well.
WPIAL Favorite:
Ambridge, Deer Lakes and Derry Area would most likely be the top choices.
Young Players to Watch:
I don’t know about other programs, but we’ll have three freshman in our starting rotation. Right side hitter Christian Andrews, middle hitter Danny Bird, and setter Jordan Ruffing will get a chance to contribute right away.
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Keystone Oaks
Coach: Mike Mull (1st year at Keystone Oaks, 9th overall)
Returning Starters:
6-6 senior middle hitter Ryan Collins
6-2 junior outside/middle hitter Zac Smith
6-0 senior outside hitter Josh Snell
Season Outlook:
We have a few first time players expected to fill in some holes this year after losing some key seniors last year. Only one player has more than one complete season under their belt on the team. We accept that and enjoy the opportunity to learn and grow as a team and possibly play spoiler along the way. I feel good with the group we have and will continue to grow each day!
Section Favorite:
Thomas Jefferson.
WPIAL Favorite:
Beaver County Christian.
Young Players to Watch:
Matt Menosky, Bishop Canevin; Logan Burnsworth, Thomas Jefferson; Zac Smith, Keystone Oaks.
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Seton-LaSalle
Coach: John Lawrence (4th year at Seton-LaSalle, 28th overall)
Returning Starters:
6-4 senior outside hitter Adam Rusnak
5-10 senior libero Dan Dixon
6-0 senior middle hitter Zach Horensky
5-6 senior setter/defensive specialist Cullen Vereb
Season Outlook:
We have done extensive off season work to improve our skill base and experience level. We are still carrying a roster over over 20 players and will probably be the tallest team at the AA level this season with one player at 6-6, three at 6-4 and three more at over 6-0. We feel we can play with anyone.
WPIAL Favorite:
I think the top four teams will be Ambridge, Deer Lakes, Derry and Seton LaSalle
Young Players to Watch:
We have a very strong freshman in 6-6 outside hitter Nathan Zini. Nathan could be the best freshman in the state.
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Steel Valley
Coach: Gary Goga (1st year)
Returning Starters:
5-10 senior libero Quy Dinh
5-9 senior setter/outside hitter Rich Nguyen
6-1 senior middle hitter Jake Kreczmer
Season Outlook:
Hoping to get better everyday and compete in the section.
Section Favorite:
Thomas Jefferson and South Park.
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Thomas Jefferson
Coach: Frank Staffen (18th year)
Returning Starters:
senior middle/outside hitter Logan Burnsworth
senior outside hitter/defensive specialist Ian Cenci
senior outside hitter/libero Ryan David
senior outside hitter Eddie George
senior outside/middle hitter Dan Jordan
senior setter Ben Milas
senior outside hitter/defensive specialist Jordan Stosic
senior outside hitter Nick Urbanowicz
Season Outlook:
We are setting are goals high. We know there is a lot of good teams in AA and we need to stay focus
Section Favorite:
The top 3 will be Seton LaSalle, Bishop Canevin and Thomas Jefferson in any order. South Park is an unknow because they got a new coach
WPIAL Favorite:
Ambridge, Montour, Derry are probably the top 3 in the WPIAL. They have a middle school program which is a great feeder system.