Boys’ volleyball preview: An expanded field creates opportunity for South Florida’s best
Boys’ volleyball in the state of Florida begins its 23rd season as a sanctioned sport by the Florida High School Athletic Association on Monday.
But for the first time, more than one state championship is up for grabs.
As it did with multiple spring sports this season, the state has expanded boys’ volleyball to three classifications.
This has opened the door for multiple Miami-Dade and Broward County schools.
Here’s a look at which teams might have the best shot at vying for those titles on May 15-17 at the state tournament in Winter Haven.
FLY EAGLES, FLY
Expect Southwest Miami to once again be the frontrunner in a loaded Class 3A bracket, which will also include Dade County contenders such as Columbus, Palmetto and rising contender Coral Gables.
The Eagles, a three-time state champion and five-time state runner-up, suffered one of their most heartbreaking losses ever at state last year when they dropped a five-set match to Winter Park and were unable to put away the Wildcats on multiple match points to secure the title.
A year later, Southwest has some new faces on its roster, but is no less talented.
The Eagles will be led once again by versatile 6-foot senior outside hitter/setter Juanmarco Diaz, a two-time Miami Herald Player of the Year. Diaz signed last week with Northern Kentucky University and will be joined on each side by 6-3 junior Kevin Munoz and 6-3 senior Jorge Carbonell. Fabrizio Villa, a 6-7 sophomore middle hitter, might be a breakout player in the county as well.
Columbus, which went 17-11 last year and made the regional quarterfinals, returns the bulk of its core from last season led by talented 6-4 junior outside hitter Lucas Riva, who finished second in the state in kills (384) as a sophomore. Junior 6-foot setter Charlie Friguls finished third in the state in assists (861). Senior 6-4 middle hitter Dante Munecas gives the Explorers a presence at the net along with 6-1 junior outside hitter Marco Blavia.
Palmetto, which went 23-7 and made the regional semifinals, will likely stay among the top contenders in a loaded Class 3A bracket thanks to a returning trio of seniors - 6-foot setter Lucca Santanna, 6-4 middle hitter Jake Bedoya and 6-foot opposite Vince Coello.
Keep an eye on Coral Gables, which went 15-11 and lost in the regional quarterfinals last year. The Cavaliers have been making a concerted effort to improve their volleyball programs overall over the past couple of years whether it’s on the boys or girls’ sides or on the sand or indoors. They hope to see that progress result in a breakthrough season for their boys’ squad, which is led by senior 6-1 outside hitter Nico Delgado and 6-3 junior middle hitter Marco Mollinet. Senior 6-1 outside hitter Derek Barrera and 6-2 senior middle hitter Erik Sarmen add depth.
A BREAKTHROUGH YEAR?
Mater Lakes, which went 22-4 last year, is coming off a frustrating, but competitive 33-31, 25-22, 25-22 loss to Southwest in the state quarterfinals. The Bears move down to Class 2A where a ticket to a state title might be theirs for the taking. A tall frontcourt led by 6-3 senior outside hitter Ibrahim Perez and 6-3 senior middle hitter Boris Perez is one of the main reasons for optimism. Kevin Perez, an eighth-grade outside hitter, is versatile while two more 6-3 senior transfers Pedro Artires and Elyan Soto should make Mater Lakes one of the more imposing squads in the state.
Mater Lakes’ toughest competition could come from Belen Jesuit, which went 23-6 before also losing to Southwest in three sets in the regional finals. Sophomore 6-3 outside hitter William Essig is one of the county’s best underclassmen and seniors Luke Diaz, a 6-3 senior setter, and senior Max Klemick, a 6-4 middle hitter, have big game experience.
BROWARD’S BEST
In Broward County, it’s wise to never count out Cardinal Gibbons.
The Chiefs exceeded expectations last season and returned to the state quarterfinals despite a 17-13 record. Although not the tallest of teams overall, Gibbons returns with more experience this season and figures to be a serious contender in the new Class 1A bracket.
Senior 6-1 outside hitter/setter Gabriel Nejad leads the group along with senior 6-foot outside hitter Bryson Jones. Junior 6-2 outside hitter Cash Remington and 6-foot middle Danny Mahon, also a junior, should bolster the lineup.
The Chiefs will likely have to contend with Calvary Christian and Coral Springs Charter in their district and Miami True North overall in the class.
Other Broward contenders overall figure to be Cypress Bay (Class 3A), Archbishop McCarthy (2A) and Pompano Beach (2A).
MORE OUTLOOKS
▪ True North (19-9, regional semifinalist) returns a quartet of juniors which could push the Titans on a deep playoff push in Class 1A. Roberto Romero, a 6-3 outside hitter, leads the group along with 5-11 libero Alejandro Ruiz. Aisar Hernandez, a 6-foot setter, and 6-1 middle hitter Octavio Blanco provide depth.
▪ Reagan (13-9, regional quarterfinalist) has come close to winning a district title multiple times in recent seasons. The Bison might have their most complete team led by Mater Lakes transfer Yeison Gonzalez, a 6-3 senior outside hitter. Juniors Diego Requena, a 6-foot setter, and Michael Perez, a 6-2 right side, add depth to the lineup. Reagan will compete in the new Class 2A with Mater Lakes, Hialeah and HML.
▪ American Heritage (9-8) will have their first player sign to play college volleyball. That is 6-6 senior setter Gabriel Moreau, who signed with Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va. Junior 5-8 libero Aiden Itzkovitz should also be a big contributor.
▪ St. Thomas Aquinas (10-12, regional quarterfinalist) will be led once again by third-year starter John Virginio, a 5-9 libero/outside hitter. Seniors Charles Campbell, a 6-3 middle hitter, and Luke Swadener, a 6-4 right side/setter, provide skill and experience.
▪ La Salle (15-8, regional semifinalist) will be led by senior setter Lucas Barragan as well as sophomore outside hitter Daniel Auza.
▪ Monsignor Pace (11-4) is rebuilding, but hopes to turn it around fast behind a young core led by junior Angelo Soto-Lugo, sophomore Lucas Neptune and junior Alejandro Fernandez.
▪ TERRA (11-13) will be rebuilding behind 6-1 senior outside hitter Ryan Garcia, 5-7 junior libero/outside hitter Rocco Reyes and 5-6 senior setter Luka Reyes.
