OCVarsity has started releasing its boys volleyball preview for the 2017 season.
O.C. TOP 10
1. Newport Harbor: The Sailors are poised for a big year. Their core group has been together at the varsity level for several years and the experience should pay off. Senior Spencer Lawrence anchors the middle.
2. Corona del Mar: The Sea Kings graduated a strong senior group that led last year’s team but Mitch Haly, Brandon Browning and Clay Dickinson will lead the way this season.
3. Mater Dei: The Monarchs, winners of consecutive Trinity League titles, are led by a senior group that’s looking to reach higher heights this season. Mater Dei has a versatile lineup that will pose problems for opponents.
4. Beckman: Expectations are high for the Patriots, and for good reason. They return first-team All-County outside hitter Spencer Olivier and seniors Brayden Wiley and Jack Mathews from last year’s team that reached the CIF-SS semifinals.
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BOYS VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW
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5. Huntington Beach: It might have been strange for the Oilers to not be in the CIF-SS final last year after winning three consecutive titles. The road back begins with seniors Noah Franklin and Alex Anastassiades leading the attack.
6. San Clemente: The Tritons advanced to the CIF-SS quarterfinals last year. Their roster this season is all juniors and seniors, so the Tritons will be looking to carry their momentum over from last year.
7. Santa Margarita: The Eagles have a solid mix of seniors and underclassmen. They finished second in the Trinity League last year and figure to be in the title chase again this year.
8. Laguna Beach: The Breakers will rely on their senior leaders, Cole Paxson, Pete Obradovich and Barry Greenough, to navigate a tough nonleague schedule which they hope will get them into the Divison 1 playoffs.
9. Edison: The Chargers will be out to improve on last year’s third-place finish in the Sunset League and first-round exit from the playoffs. Edison, led by Trent Williams, should be in the mix for a playoff berth in the competitive Sunset League.
10. Saddleback Valley Christian: After winning four consecutive CIF-SS titles, SVC was moved to Division 1 from Division 4. Unfortunately for the Warriors, the move happened after the graduation of star players Noah Dyer and Trevor O’Reilly and Spencer Alden. This season will be an interesting one for the Warriors.
Also considered: Tesoro, Dana Hills, Servite, Aliso Niguel, Los Alamitos
Contact the writer: dcalhoun@scng.com
