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It was this time last year the boys volleyball community wondered if long-unbeaten Needham would lose for the first time since before the pandemic, only for the title favorite to go undefeated again for a Div. 1 state championship three-peat and its 73rd straight win.
You can never count out the Rockets from piecing together something special. But for the first time in three years, a different contender leads the conversation this season.
Coming off a trip to the state final it lost in to Needham, Newton North is the early favorite with much of its star power back and a massive chip on its shoulder. Versatile senior Adam Christianson is an elite hitter, server and setter as likely the state’s top player. Simon Vardeh and Paul Nelson complement him as a fierce hitters, while middles Samuel Huang and Peter Reale bring premier size and athleticism to the net.
Nobody in the program has forgotten much from last year’s heartbreak and are confident in a better ending this time.
Parity is still aplenty in the field, and the rest of the Bay State Conference’s best teams are again at the forefront.
Needham has reloaded nicely, showing it’s still an elite power with a few signature wins already. Seniors Luke Lorence and setter Devin Dellamarggio stand out in expanded roles, as well as Brian Cloonan within a deep roster that works to go far as an above-average pass-serve team. Natick is hungry after an early exit in the tournament last year, returning a loaded roster. Junior Branch Barnes is one of the state’s bests, while Harrison Landry (setter), Matt Salerno and Nicholas Bonavire also lead the group.
Brookline had a special run to the Final Four last year that it’s capable of again, led by sophomore standouts Alec Smagula (setter) and Amir Tomer (libero), as well as junior Kristaps Vaivars.
Division realignments brings another top dog to Div. 1, as Milford boasts a senior-heavy group that was the closest of any to beat Needham last year. Alex Guerra is a force at the net as one of the state’s most overpowering hitters, while defensive star Alex Gomes and middle hitters Joey Newman and Ryan Franklin help the team stand out.
A shakeup in the Merrimack Valley Conference’s structure has freed up the schedule for more nonleague games, which perennial contender Lowell is taking advantage of in search of making the leap to its first title. Reigning player of the year Cody Fitzpatrick and setter Tyrell Lout make for a top duo as the leaders of a large returning cast. Methuen is perhaps its biggest challenge within the conference, powered by James Levesque and Drew Eason. Chelmsford, North Andover and Andover are other teams expected to be competitive.
Winchester has high aspirations within a challenging schedule, standing as the early favorite in the Middlesex League behind an elite hitter in Jamie Watt. Lexington setter Jack Fan has a crop of talented sophomores around him to contend as well.
The Dual County League will be tough again, anchored by a Cambridge group expected to be in the mix come June. Seniors Henry Bonney, Tashi Mulug-Labrang and James Rochberg lead the Falcons. Senior leadership is strong for Lincoln-Sudbury in hopes of returning to the form of a 2021 state final appearance, as Sebastiano D’Ambrosio, Kieran Fagan, Tim Langille and Timmy Kearney stand out. Newton South and Acton-Boxboro will be competitive.
St. John’s Shrewsbury feels it has the talent to make the same state semifinal noise it made last year, it just needs to settle in. Francis McGonacle and Eric Barcelos are dangerous weapons for setter Suraj Marla. BC High didn’t graduate anyone and will be tough to beat in the tournament, led by Mason Cleary, James Shriver and Liam Poole. St. John’s Prep always competes as well.
North Quincy features one of the state’s top players in Cameron Johnston as another new threat in Div. 1 after the realignment. Greater New Bedford moves up to compete as well behind Colin Stuessi. New Bedford expects to have its best season in coach Ben Kaeterle’s tenure by returning a strong cast, anchored by setter Carter Barbosa, libero Davon Centeio, Nick Rosa and Amir Salih Tavares.
The realignment has shifted a large chunk of Div. 2’s expected contenders into Div. 1, but there’s still plenty of excitement to follow at the top.
Last year saw the first ever all-Western Mass. state final in boys volleyball, which we could see develop again. Reigning champion Agawam boasts junior setter David Dzhenzherukha, senior hitter Emil Zhmaidziak and sophomore standout Joe Culhane to give it a good shot at a repeat title. Runner-up Westfield is right behind it, showing off an equally good chance at coming out on top this time. Returning setter Ryder Finnie has much of the offense returning around him, highlighted by Miles Shepards.
The two already have played to a 3-2 finish early this season to preview a potentially thrilling matchup late in the tournament.
After a bit of a rebuild last year, Wayland stands as perhaps the biggest threat to upend those two. Sophomore sensation Finn Bell has drawn comparisons to some of the elite players in state history, pairing with Joe Kelly for a dynamic duo. Mason Lee and setter Joey Burke look good so far to leave Wayland with lofty aspirations.
O’Bryant isn’t necessarily expecting to replicate last year’s historic run to the Final Four after graduating its two best players, but aren’t putting a cap on what a young and promising group can achieve. Setter Max Dong and Otavio Perks lead the way.
Medfield is always competitive and is expected to make a run. Western Mass. could be very well represented in the tournament as well, anchored by Longmeadow and West Springfield.
Players to Watch
Branch Barnes, Natick; Henry Bonney, Cambridge; Finn Bell, Wayland; Adam Christianson, Newton North; Mason Cleary, BC High; Devin Dellamarggio, Needham; David Dzhenzherukha, Agawam; Kieran Fagan, Lincoln-Sudbury; Jack Fan, Lexington; Ryder Finnie, Westfield; Cody Fitzpatrick, Lowell; Alex Gomes, Milford; Alex Guerra, Milford; Harrison Landry, Natick; James Levesque, Methuen; Luke Lorence, Needham; Tyrell Lout, Lowell; Francis McGonagle, St. John’s (S); Alec Smagula, Brookline; Simon Vardeh, Newton North; Jamie Watt, Winchester
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