Bishop Canevin
Coach: Peter Barakat (3rd season)
Returning Starters:
6-2 sophomore outside hitter Christian Andrews
5-11 senior setter Robert Andrews
5-6 junior defensive specialist Michael Caputo
6-3 senior middle hitter Coulton Gaitens
5-7 senior libero Noah Kelsch
6-2 senior middle hitter Owen Leaning
6-1 senior outside hitter Matthew Menosky
Season Outlook:
This could be a very well balanced starting lineup. I think we have four hitters who can attack the ball, led by Matthew Menosky, who will continue his volleyball career at St. Francis, Pa. next season. We also should have an above average defensive and serve receive team. However, we are inexperienced beyond the first group of eight and we will have to rely on them to stay in the lineup.
Section Favorite:
Seton-LaSalle
WPIAL Favorite:
I won’t count out Ambridge or Derry Area until someone knocks them out. Seton-LaSalle could also be at this level. This might be a more wide open field of contenders this year.
Young Players to Watch:
I got to work with one young AA player this winter, Devin Reiher from Deer Lakes. And our young outside hitter Christian Andrews could also have a breakout season.
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Keystone Oaks
Coach: Mike Mull (3rd year, 10th overall)
Returning Starters:
6-2 senior outside/middle hitter Zac Smith
6-0 senior setter Josh Canty
5-10 junior defensive specialist Evan Serakowski
5-7 sophomore defensive specialist Pat Simmons
5-10 junior outside hitter Billy Dilla
Season Outlook:
We have quite a few first time players expected to fill in some holes this year after losing some key seniors last year. With five players returning and nine new, it puts us in a good position to build up the program while focusing on our goals this year. We accept and enjoy the opportunity to learn and grow as a team. I feel good with the athletic group we have and look forward to growing each day.
Section Favorite:
Seton-LaSalle.
WPIAL Favorite:
Ambridge
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Seton LaSalle
Coach: John Lawrence (5th year, 29th overall)
Returning Starters:
6-1 senior outside hitter Chris Sigg
6-4 senior middle hitter Wes Hoge (2nd Team Section 2018)
6-2 junior outside hitter Alex Shaughnessy (1st Team Section, 2nd Team WPIAL 2018)
6-3 junior setter Luke Manion
6-7 sophomore opposite Nathan Zini (1st team Section, 1st Team WPIAL 2018)
Season Outlook:
Once again we have done extensive off season training including having five boys play junior Olympics Volleyball all winter. We are smaller in numbers this year but stronger in overall talent with players crossing over from our Football and Soccer teams to Volleyball adding additional sports training to the mix. If we can stay healthy and focused this will be the best year in program history.
Section Favorite:
I believe we are the favorite
WPIAL Favorite:
Seton LaSalle and Derry
Young Players to Watch:
Nathan Zini has extensive national level training and experience, Logan Kuntz (5-11, OH/MH) had a very strong offseason and has made tremendous progress.
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Steel Valley
Coach: Gary Goga (2nd season)
Returning Starters:
6-2 senior outside/middle hitter Nate Fletcher
6-5 senior middle hitter Andre Hoye-Cogdell
6-0 junior opposite John Tomasic
Season Outlook:
We are hoping to improve on last years season and compete for a playoff
spot in a really tough section.
Section Favorite:
Seton LaSalle, Thomas Jefferson, and Bishop Canevin.
WPIAL Favorite:
I'd say Seton has to be one of the favorites
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Thomas Jefferson
Coach: Frank Staffen (20 years)
Returning Starters:
5-9 sophomore libero Brayden Andrisko
5-10 junior setter Riley Hovan
6-2 senior middle hitter Brandon Westwood
6-2 senior opposite P.J. Chonko
Season Outlook:
We've been working hard this year with conditioning, open gyms and WAVE winter League. I feel that we will surprise some teams.
Section Favorite:
Seton LaSalle
WPIAL Favorite:
Ambridge
Young Players to Watch:
Thomas Jefferson's Joaquin Gardner-Gotera (6-2 sophomore middle hitter) and Alex Territ (6-4 senior outside hitter/defensive specialist).