Much of the thrill in boys volleyball this 12 months circled across the concept of simply how skinny the road is that separates the contenders. A parity-ridden common season has confirmed that and the Div. 1 state event subject has the potential to scrub away the chalk.
But paradoxically sufficient, the first group most coaches have been excited to catch as much as continues to be unbeaten.
Contenders throughout each divisions flooded to play top-seeded Needham (22-0) in a rigorous common season, however the Rockets have overcome all of them to extend their win streak to 68 video games.
There’s no cause to imagine they will’t go the gap for a 3rd straight 12 months, solely twice permitting a group to get two set victories in opposition to it. Two-time All-Scholastic senior Raymond Weng is among the most elite, versatile gamers within the state, and pairs with All-Scholastic outdoors hitter Ethan McCarron to steer a group of standouts who thrive of their respective roles.
No. 2 Lowell (19-1) is on a collision course to fulfill the Rockets within the ultimate as one of many few titans Needham hasn’t confronted over the past couple of years, although. Its elite setting is surrounded by distinctive athleticism, which figures to present the Red Raiders the correct items essential to make a highly-anticipated run to their first state ultimate.
Much of that reward may be stated concerning the different high members of the Bay State Conference, too. The damage bug slowed No. 7 Newton North (14-6) down a bit, however the Tigers – as one of many groups to take Needham to 5 units – are one other ultimate favourite when taking part in their finest volleyball. No. 3 Natick (14-3) solely misplaced to Needham and Newton North, proving simply as harmful. No. 11 Brookline struggled to beat these high convention rivals however performed robust to face as a critical upset risk.
Still, the trail for anybody to achieve the Final Four is a difficult one. No. 4 St. John’s of Shrewsbury (15-4) has a robust probability of assembly Catholic Conference foe No. 5 St. John’s Prep (11-6) within the state quarterfinals, however that’s provided that they will advance previous formidable Merrimack Valley Conference powers No. 12 Haverhill and No. 13 North Andover. No. 6 Acton-Boxboro (16-1) is a legit energy, however doesn’t have a simple route, both.
Watch out for Middlesex League powers No. 9 Lexington and No. 10 Winchester, that are each well-coached and have upset potential. No. 8 Cambridge, No. 15 Andover, No. 16 Methuen and No. 17 Chelmsford additionally add to an entertaining pool of hungry groups, whereas No. 14 BC High, No. 18 Lincoln-Sudbury, No. 19 New Bedford, No. 22 Revere and No. 28 Malden will probably be robust outs.
After a attempting schedule that ran by the likes of Needham, Agawam (twice), St. John’s, Newton North, Milford and Wayland, top-seeded Westfield (19-2) appears just like the group to beat once more in Div. 2. Nick Maslar is as highly effective as they arrive inside a well-balanced group, and Westfield – in the hunt for a fourth state title in 5 seasons – would even be a robust contender within the Div. 1 subject.
While it doesn’t want to concentrate to Needham anymore, there’s nonetheless lots left on the Bombers’ plate. No. 2 Agawam (17-2) creeps across the nook as the one different group to beat Westfield this season, and each matches they performed went to 5 units. The Brownies are absolutely able to a deep run, and the 2 have a uncommon alternative for an all-Western Mass. state ultimate.
No. 3 North Quincy (17-3) appears to get again to the state ultimate and has an excellent probability to take action with everybody again from that run, however star-studded No. 6 O’Bryant (16-4) is a significant risk to nix that as early because the state quarterfinals. Junior-laden No. 4 Milford (13-6) impressively navigated the second-strongest power of schedule within the state, and its 16-14 loss within the fifth set to Needham is a far cry from when it misplaced to Westfield and Agawam early within the 12 months. But its tough path doubtlessly continues in opposition to a troublesome No. 29 Lowell Catholic (11-1), a heavy sleeper risk in No. 13 Wayland (8-12) and No. 5 West Springfield (13-5).
A stellar season from No. 9 Medfield (18-1) may ignite a deep run itself, and No. 7 Greater New Bedford (13-3) appears composed to shock some groups ought to it survive No. 26 Billerica (6-14). No. 18 Bellingham can be a critical risk to No. 15 Ludlow. Otherwise, it’s a largely Western and Central Mass. dominated subject with 10 first-round matchups hosted by these groups.
Predictions
DIV. 1
Champion: No. 1 Needham
Runner-up: No. 2 Lowell
Final Four: No. 1 Needham, No. 2 Lowell, No. 3 Natick, No. 5 St. John’s Prep
Sleeper: No. 10 Winchester
Best First-Round Matchup: No. 16 Methuen vs No. 17 Chelmsford
Potential Upset: No. 11 Brookline over No. 6 Acton-Boxboro
DIV. 2
Champion: No. 4 Milford
Runner-Up: No. 3 North Quincy
Final Four: No. 1 Westfield, No. 2 Agawam, No. 3 North Quincy, No. 4 Milford
Sleeper: No. 6 O’Bryant
Best First-Round Matchup: No. 15 Ludlow vs No. 18 Bellingham
Potential Upset: No. 7 Greater New Bedford over No. 2 Agawam
Source: www.bostonherald.com