Edited by Richard Smith West Valley Preps
The regular season for high school boys' volleyball began in late February. West Valley Preps asked Peoria coaches to take a look at the team.
cactus cobra
4A West Valley Region
coach: Jana Henige (6th year head coach)
Records for 2023: 17-17, 5-5 Regional (4A Quarterfinals)
What is your team's best attribute entering this season? I think the best thing about our team is our athleticism and height and how much we enjoy playing with each other.
What does your team need to improve to have a successful season? Some players will play new positions that they have never played before. They will need to continue learning and improving their skills at new positions as the season progresses.
Who is your team leader? Our seniors Brady Henige, Brayden Lagahuaina, Josiah Haislip, and our freshman Tommy Henige. Brady and Brayden have played on the varsity team all four years and are reliable players on and off the court. This is Josiah's second year playing volleyball and his second year on the national team. He leads by example with a great work ethic. Although Tommy is young, he is one of the few players who has played club volleyball. He has a lot of knowledge of the game and is always trying to help his teammates learn.
Who are the newcomers who could make an impact on the national team? ommy Henige will make an immediate impact. He has been playing club volleyball with Aspire VBC since he was 11 years old. His club team won a national championship, and Tommy was a big part of that success. Also joining the team this year are brothers Matthew Johnson and Vinny Vitale. They filled the necessary roles as setters and liberos.
What needs to happen this season for your team to make the state tournament or achieve the goals your program has set? For our team to advance to the state tournament, our players must believe in themselves and each other. Trust in the team culture they've built. To outperform each opponent. They need to come out of the gym in better shape every day, and they need to be motivated to see it through.
100th anniversary coyote
5A Northwest Region
coach: Kari Bauer (19th year as head coach)
Records for 2023: 8-15, 2-8 Region (5A 1st round)
What is your team's best attribute entering this season??They are a very close-knit group and close friends off the court.? They are always pulling each other along.
What does your team need to improve to have a successful season? We need to continue to be able to play at a high level when playing against fast teams. It is also important to have consistent general ball control.
Who is your team leader? senior Boaz Swartz, junior Max Bautista and senior Christian Brooks.
Who are the newcomers who could make an impact on the national team? Senior middle blocker Josh Platten made an immediate impact on our blocking. He and junior Tanner Trembley have done a great job in the midfield so far. Junior Josh Flores was also a pleasant surprise.
What needs to happen this season for your team to make the state tournament or achieve the goals your program has set? He needs to continue to improve his control of unforced errors and his serve and passing game.
ironwood eagles
5A Northwest Region
coach: Damon Mays (fourth year as coach)
Records for 2023: 32-8, 7-3 region (5A runner-up)
What is your team's best attribute entering this season? We are balanced and have depth on our roster.
What does your team need to improve to have a successful season? Be consistent in all areas of your game and win the mental battle.
Who is your team leader? Elijah Kyriac, Ethan Jones, Kayden Raymond.
Who are the newcomers who could make an impact on the national team? River Kinman, Evan Beebe, Jayden Truble
What needs to happen this season for your team to make the state tournament or achieve the goals your program has set? Be disciplined, be consistent, and trust the process.
sunrise mountain mustang
5A Northwest Region
Records for 2023: Region 26-5, 10-0 (advanced to 2nd round of 5A playoffs)
coach: Tony Gale (21st year as head coach)
What is your team's best attribute entering this season? We have positional flexibility and two very good setters.
What does your team need to improve to have a successful season? We are a relatively inexperienced team this season, so our players will have to overcome the adversity that occurs most seasons.
Who is your team leader? Our team leaders are Pacen Craghead, Landon Abbott, and Dane Shepherd.
Who are the newcomers who could make an impact on the national team? New players on the varsity team that need to contribute to our success are Dane Shepherd, Brayden Case and Conlan Hopkins.
What needs to happen this season for your team to make the state tournament or achieve the goals your program has set? To achieve your goals, you need to attack your opponent, learn aggressive serves and serve-receives at a level that always stays in your system.
