Introducing the 2023 Standard-Times Boys Volleyball Super Team and Honorable Mention
Here's a look at the top boys volleyball players on the SouthCoast in 2023.
SUPER TEAM
Tayshaun Andrade, GNB Voc-Tech, Senior
In his first year playing libero, Andrade anchored Voc-Tech’s defense with a team-high 304 digs (14.5 per match). “We saw in preseason that he could make the movements that were needed,” said GNB Voc-Tech head coach Richie Gomes. “He was a defensive specialist last year and he carried the role over.” Andrade also had 42 service aces, averaging 2 per match. “He’s very strong,” Gomes said. “He’s a very confident and aggressive player. He’s probably one of the biggest liberos we’ve had at 5-11. He was definitely solid for us.”
Carter Barbosa, New Bedford, Junior
Barbosa made the Whalers go as the most experienced returning player and a two-year starting setter. “He was one of the main returners,” said New Bedford head coach Ben Kaeterle. “He was the glue from the previous year.” Barbosa finished the season with 607 assists and did a great job of setting up his younger teammates for success. “I was more impressed with his transition from a group of five experienced hitters to a new group of hitters and building the chemistry. He led by example and was a super positive kid.” Barbosa, a two-time Standard-Times Super Teamer, was named MVP of the Southeast Conference. He also surpassed 1,000 career assists this year. He enters his final season with 1,264.
Dilson DaCosta Teixeira, New Bedford, Senior
DaCosta Teixeira emerged as one of New Bedford’s top hitters by the end of the season, earning Southeast Conference All-Star honors. The senior middle hitter was second on the team with 205 kills. “He had a slow start to the season, but came on in the second half,” said New Bedford head coach Ben Kaeterle. “He was one of our go-to hitters and was a huge presence in the middle. He was an explosive hitter.” DaCosta Teixeira had over 20 kills in a pair of games during the season.
Camden Morin, GNB Voc-Tech, Senior
A standout in basketball, Morin gave volleyball a try as a first-year senior and enjoyed success as a 6-foot-6 middle hitter. “Camden was a growing piece all season,” said GNB Voc-Tech head coach Richie Gomes. “He averaged 4-5 blocks per match and we haven’t had someone do that in a long time.” Morin finished the year with 155 kills (7.4 per match) and 88 blocks (4.2 per match). “He replicated basketball moves on the volleyball court and was successful,” Gomes said. “He was our third offensive weapon and could take over a game. He performed extremely well in the playoffs. I wish we had him for another year or two.” Morin helped the Bears reach the Div. 2 Elite 8.
Nick Rosa, New Bedford, Sophomore
Rosa enjoyed a breakout campaign for Whalers in his first year on varsity. The sophomore outside hitter slammed down a team-high 210 kills and was named a Southeast Conference All-Star. “He had a seamless transition going from JV to varsity,” said New Bedford head coach Ben Kaeterle. “He’s a very intense player and explosive on the outside. He’s aggressive and competitive. It’s a bright future for him. I’m excited to see what he can do in the future.”
Colin Stuessi, GNB Voc-Tech, Junior
Stuessi made a smooth transition from libero to hitter and finished the season with 213 kills (10.1 average per match) and 21 blocks. He also came up with 235 digs (11.2 per match) to earn his third selection to the Standard-Times Super Team. “He’s been starting as a libero since freshman year so his ball control and understanding of the game made it easy,” said GNB Voc-Tech head coach Richie Gomes. “Colin grew about five inches and I don’t think he’s done yet. Once he grew, we knew we were going to transition him to hitter.” Stuessi was a South Alliance All-Star and played a role in GNB Voc-Tech reaching the Div. 2 Elite 8.
HONORABLE MENTION
Evan Fagundes, GNB Voc-Tech, Senior; Jack Gwodz, GNB Voc-Tech, Sophomore; Connor Silva, New Bedford, Senior; Ronis Ayala, New Bedford, Senior; Amir Salih Tavares, New Bedford, Sophomore.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: 2023 Standard-Times Boys Volleyball Super Team
