La Jolla, top-ranked in the county, with
middle hitter-blocker Oliver Parker (17) and
teammates. (Photo by Ed Piper, Jr.)
By Ed Piper, Jr.
La Jolla's boys volleyball team is the first team, according to Viking coach and tournament organizer Dave Jones, to win the Beach City Invitational twice--in 2008 and this year.
"This has been a strong class all the way through," said Jones of his juniors, who make up a core of the team. "There were 20 players in the class two years ago." Things have jelled among the veteran and talented crop of players, which includes other classmen, many of whom play sand and court volleyball, resulting in the Vikings' top ranking in CIF San Diego Section before a 3-0 whitewashing by visiting Parker Wed., April 5.
Case in point: When La Jolla (now 19-5) won the Gold Division title of the BCI last month, Chase Blackwell, Gabe Vargas, and Luke Lentin were named All-Tournament. Blackwell is a senior, actually, while the others have blossomed as juniors.
In addition, going 5-1 in Hawaii, the Vikings had Berkeley Miesfeld and Nathaniel Gates placed on the All-Tournament team there. Miesfeld is a junior, Gates a sophomore.
By Ed Piper, Jr.
La Jolla's boys volleyball team is the first team, according to Viking coach and tournament organizer Dave Jones, to win the Beach City Invitational twice--in 2008 and this year.
"This has been a strong class all the way through," said Jones of his juniors, who make up a core of the team. "There were 20 players in the class two years ago." Things have jelled among the veteran and talented crop of players, which includes other classmen, many of whom play sand and court volleyball, resulting in the Vikings' top ranking in CIF San Diego Section before a 3-0 whitewashing by visiting Parker Wed., April 5.
Case in point: When La Jolla (now 19-5) won the Gold Division title of the BCI last month, Chase Blackwell, Gabe Vargas, and Luke Lentin were named All-Tournament. Blackwell is a senior, actually, while the others have blossomed as juniors.
In addition, going 5-1 in Hawaii, the Vikings had Berkeley Miesfeld and Nathaniel Gates placed on the All-Tournament team there. Miesfeld is a junior, Gates a sophomore.
Asked who his leaders are, Jones said, "They're all (leaders)." He went on to name the five who have gained all-tourney honors.
Speaking of his Coast Volleyball club teams, Jones said, "Luke is on the under-18's, Berkeley the under 17's. They are the two best setters in the county.
"Chase is on the under-18's, Nate and Gabe on the under-17's.
"Plus the non-club players have really stepped up. Daniel McColl is a three-sport star (with football and basketball) who has improved dramatically."
Asked if he is enjoying the ride, Jones said, "Oh, yeah. It's awesome."
Newly up from last year's junior varsity is Grant Starsiak, playing libero. "That is a new position for him," said his coach.
"They're motivated, they have a goal in mind and that's to win CIF. Business-like," Jones said of his players' approach.
Asked if he is enjoying the ride, Jones said, "Oh, yeah. It's awesome."
Newly up from last year's junior varsity is Grant Starsiak, playing libero. "That is a new position for him," said his coach.
"They're motivated, they have a goal in mind and that's to win CIF. Business-like," Jones said of his players' approach.
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