Section V boys volleyball playoff top seeds, best players, what to know
Webster coach Greg Kennedy said he's been "tempering expectations" this season.
The Lakers are coming off their first Section V title in 26 years. Webster's magical run ended in the state final. Graduation and injuries have hindered Webster a bit, Kennedy's Lakers are still 16-3 and will be the No. 2 seed entering Section V's Class A tournament this week.
"We're trying to find right combination," said Kennedy, the 2022 All-Greater Rochester Coach of the Year.
"If we're 100% healthy that would be wonderful. That's why I've been very proud of them. Our seniors stepped up really well."
Health is wealth
One thing Kennedy wants to see from Webster in the postseason is health. Joseph Preische and Gavin Terp have held down the hitting spots as the Lakers prepare for the postseason.
Webster's Cal Lill put down 27 kills on 35 swings in the season opener but went down the following match with a wrist injury. He's since recovered but recently rolled his ankle and is on the mend. Evan Cattron has filled in "wonderfully" for Lill, who was the Sportsmanship Award winner at the 2022 state tournament.
"Evan is playing wonderfully ... but I feel bad for Cal," Kennedy said.
Middle Jacob Grams has also battled back and knee problems, but has shown the "best" attitude and remains a good student and volleyball player when available. Preische is playing "excellent" on the outside and is one of Webster's better ball controllers.
Nick Ange's transition as the lone setter has helped. Ange and Brodey Groff both set during Webster's 2022 postseason run. Groff has since moved to libero and left Ange to spread the kills.
"Nick is 100% committed to distributing the ball to all the hitters. He doesn't rely on one guy. Every single guy on attack better be ready because Nick will get you the ball," Kennedy said.
Groff's move to libero was essential. His passes keeps Webster in system, and a good touch will give Ange five options to set to.
"Volleyball is a game of quick reaction and anticipation," Kennedy said. "Someone may be powerful enough to take over a match, but usually you can defend a team with one option."
More: Section V boys volleyball scores for the 2023 season
Section V boys volleyball tournament top seeds, championship schedule
Many local coaches believe Fairport may be the best team in the state. Coach John O'Dell's Red Raiders return many key players.
"Fairport is go good. They are powerful, they keep the ball alive, and they can score from multiple places. That's Webster's goal this year," Kennedy said.
Class A: No. 1 Fairport (16-0), No. 2 Webster (16-3).
Championship: Finals are at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 at Finger Lakes Community College.
Class B1: No. 1 Spencerport (14-5), No. 2 Irondequoit (12-5).
Championship: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 at Victor.
Class B2: No. 1 Midlakes (10-9), No. 2 North Rose-Wolcott (9-6).
Championship: 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 at Victor.
More: Fearless with a 'never quit attitude.' Meet Section V boys volleyball's top liberos
Section V boys volleyball hitters and setters to watch for in the postseason
This list was compiled by Section V coaches.
Nick Ange, Webster: Senior setter.
Noah Barravechia, Spencerport
Gage Berry, Spencerport: Made Spencerport's all-tournament team. Returning second team all-county.
Jack Bones, Fairport
Shaun Cannon, Spencerport: All-Greater Rochester setter in 2022.
Ryan DeJohn, Irondequoit
Ryan Gill, Victor: The junior outside hitter is also a strong right side for the Blue Devils. Averages seven kills and two blocks per game.
Jacob Grams, Webster: Outside hitting over .340.
Jack Harrington, Brighton: The junior is obsessed with volleyball. Plays club in the offseason and spends summers playing doubles on the beach. He routinely racks up 10 kills per match and had as many as 16. "His love for the sport keeps him focused on improving his skills and helping his teammates be competitive," Brighton coach Eric Gruner said.
Brody Jackson, Spencerport: Made AGR and was MVP of section tournament in 2022. Recently placed fifth at the Wisconsin Cow Fair.
Elijah Johnson, Penfield
Dominic Kessler, Spencerport: Fought injuries during season but may return.
Liam Kilminster, Irondequoit: Senior setter.
Doug Klueber, Pittsford: Guiding a rebirth for a Pittsford program that won a Section V title in the 1990s before disbanding in the 2000s.
Cal Lill, Webster: Outside hitting over .340.
Mitchell Minor, Brighton: Sophomore is rapidly becoming one of the best hitters in the area. He also routinely gets 10 kills per match. "Seeing him learn to read the defense and know where to place the ball has been one of the things I am most impressed with. With two more years to go in high school, I certainly see him as one of the top players in Section V," Gruner said.
Ryan Murphy, Penfield
Joey Preische, Webster: Outside hitter leads team in kills.
Kevin Qian, Victor: Senior is having an "amazing" season averaging 18 kills and 2 aces per match at outside hitter. Qian, a captain, is top of his class and plans playing volleyball at MIT. He volunteers his time working with our youth programs and is a huge role model.
Luke Sullivan, Fairport
Mike St. Denis, Churchville-Chili: Can end a rally from all three front row positions, and receives a higher percentage of sets in the back row than any other player in the county.
Gavin Terp, Webster: Hitting .504 efficiency from middle hitter.
Aidan White, Fairport
Liam Yusko, Fairport
David Zunger, Victor: The junior is one of the stronger setters in the league averaging 24 assists per match.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Section V boys volleyball playoff top seeds, best players for 2023
