Newton North's Adam Christianson (right) hits the ball over the Natick defense in an earlier game this season. (Chris Crist/Boston Herald)
Needham has dominated the men's volleyball world and been a symbol of success since spring sports resumed after the pandemic. And for three years he continued to chip away at Newton North's historic territory, but the results fell short.
In 2022, the Tigers ended Needham's 120-set winning streak, but lost the match. Although their season ultimately ended in the second round of the state tournament, the Rockets once again finished undefeated and won their second straight title.
In 2023, Newton North became the first team since 2019 to win two sets against Needham. However, they still lost a five-set match and were defeated again by the Rockets in the First Division. Needham advances to the state finals as a three-peat.
It was fitting that when Needham's 77-game winning streak came to an end on April 11 of this year, it was Newton North who did it in a five-set thriller. But after the team celebrated for a while on the court, both head coach Nile Fox and star senior Adam Christianson downplayed the storyline that came with the victory.
It was great to end the streak, but the pride of beating Needham wasn't about Needham. It was about Newton North and what it means to Newton North aiming for its first state title.
“Obviously, that win was really special. I personally know a lot of the people on the Needham team and I know how good they've been over the past few years,” senior captain Sam Huang said. Told. “It was special, but I agree with Adam and Niall. Sure we beat them and ended the winning streak, but the season is still very fresh. …It was special back then too. It's still special, but we still have a lot of work to do and we have to play again. We can't let that get to us.”
“We're trying to be the first (win the title) in men's history,” Christianson added. “We know we can do it and we have the ability to do it.”
Christianson is arguably the top player in the state, displaying an elite serve, above-average setting, and dominant hitting. Juan and Peter Real have the height, athleticism and game-changing blocking ability from midfield, while Simon Balde is a premier hitter and Paul Nelson finds different ways to positively impact wins. I am. Brady Dwyer stepped up as a libero and another setting option behind Christianson and Joaquin Cuevas-Torres.
Christianson touts his depth, which even two years ago was lacking on a team that relied heavily on former stars. But what really separates this group is experience, with most of the top players returning from last year.
That includes some reps in the state's most loaded conference, who also have to overcome repeated injuries and heartbreaks.
“The last loss last year was tough, but I think they're really motivated to get to a point where we can win again, a point where we can go back and try to win this year. ” Fox said. “I think (the biggest thing that makes us special) is that we have experience and we've been through this moment.”
“We all knew what it felt like to lose in the state finals, so I think we're all driven by the same motivation,” Huang added. “It was brought up not as a negative thing, but as something that could be used to further our practice.”
A culture focused on winning state titles has also made a big difference.
Approximately 20 players were candidates for the national team in 2021, and Huang was one of several selected. Christianson encouraged him to continue doing so with his club team in the offseason, and since then, Phan, along with many of his teammates, has grown by simply playing volleyball as much as possible.
Former coach Richard Burton's legendary career in charge of the boys and girls program will end in 2021, and Fox, who was an assistant at Needham from 2018 to 2021, will take over. Mr. Fox is in frequent communication with Mr. Burton, seeking his advice, and trying to stay true to some of the things Mr. Burton has implemented.
Since taking over, Fox has won two state championships with the Newton North girls. Last year was the Tigers boys' first trip to the state finals, and the program has grown to include two of his junior varsity programs.
“We’re just trying to get better as a program every day,” Fox said. “All I've seen is the growth of the players. And the alumni… (they've) been a really big part of the program and really helped build what we are now.”
Both Hwang and Christianson say Fox's style has also been a huge influence.
“(Before) everyone wasn't so keen on the game, but now everyone on the national team can't slack off and has to focus on the sport,” Christianson said.
They need that commitment as they face a busy division. 1 field.
Newton North may have beaten Needham, but the fifth set ended 16-14. Cuevas Torres' injury factored into losses to Natick and Brookline since starting the year undefeated, but that doesn't include the minefield of other dangers the Tigers have yet to play. . Competition is fierce.
But so is Newton North, given how battle-tested it has been over the past few years.
side out
The first set of MIAA power rankings were released Friday. Needham remains in first place in the division. Bay State Conference powerhouses Natick and Newton North are right behind them. Western Massachusetts controls the division. Westfield came in second with four of the top five spots.
Bedford's new head coach, Ben Ketterle, said before the season started that this year's group looked promising. The Whalers are 9-0 for the first time in Keterle's eight-year tenure as head coach and are in high position, 10th in the division. 1 power ranking. … With a 3-0 win over St. John's on April 16, Natick head coach Peter Sucho achieved his 500th career win for the men's and women's programs. The Redhawks presented him with a plaque to commemorate Thursday's milestone and five-game winning streak.
Undefeated Greater Lowell (8-0) ranks highest ever in the MIAA division at No. 6. 2 Power ranking. Medfield (7-3) showed off its strength as it trailed in five sets on Tuesday. … Lowell remains the Merrimack Valley Conference champion and suffered his first loss of the year to Methuen in a five-set thriller on Friday.