Section V is loaded with talent in boys volleyball: Meet 46 of the best
Spencerport is on a remarkable run.
Many players return from the Rangers' 2022 Division II state finals appearance, which came after capturing fifth Section V title in seven seasons. Coach Aaron Austin pointed to the commitment of Spencerport's families, and the dedication of the modified and junior varsity teams, for his varsity team's success. Many athletes play multiple sports while keeping volleyball a priority.
Spencerport's All-Greater Rochester first team selections return in seniors Collin Auburn and Shaun Cannon, and junior Brody Jackson, who overcame an injury to produce a memorable postseason run. Those three, as well as Jackson Brumm, Gage Berry, Dominic Kessler, Peyton Healy, Bailey Zambuto and Nate Long, each played in an AAU national tournament with their respective travel teams in July in Orlando. Many of them used that experience to push each other and make their teammates better.
"During tryouts I saw them come together quicker than ever before," Austin said. "Everything I was worried about went away. They have that switch now."
Spencerport was locked in during the first few days of practice. The Rangers have bought into Austin's defensive philosophies and ball control. The team's youth and inexperience hurt them in those areas last fall. Such focus and growth may result in another long postseason.
Spencerport's schedule is tough again. The Rangers host Division I state champion Orchard Park (Section VI) in the Wednesday, Aug. 30 opener before playing Division I runner-up Webster and Section V Class A runner-up Fairport in their first three games. Fairport and Section III teams Fayetteville-Manlius and Jamesville-DeWitt — which beat Spencerport in the Division II state final — will be part of Spencerport's tournament on Saturday, Sept. 30.
"They gotta come out pretty hot," Austin said.
Section V's top returning boys volleyball players
Chris Ambesbury, Gates Chili: Outside hitter.
Collin Auburn, Spencerport: Senior was an AGR first team and NYSPHSAA all-tournament team middle blocker after helping the Rangers win a third straight Section V title.
Gage Berry, Spencerport: Junior outside hitter.
Jack Bones, Fairport: AGR first teamer led team in kills (188), aces (44) and digs (148); guided Red Raiders to the Section V finals and made all-tournament team; brings "demanding presence" and "determined intensity" to compete and win; vocal leader; complete player who excels in all skill areas.
Jackson Brumm, Spencerport: Senior 6-foot-5 middle blocker was second team all-county, AGR honorable mention, and NYSPHSAA all tournament team selection; plans to study engineering and play volleyball in college.
Shaun Cannon, Spencerport: Senior setter made AGR first team after guiding Rangers to third straight Section V title in 2022.
Alex Carpentier, McQuaid: Senior outside hitter.
Liam Clark, McQuaid: Senior middle blocker.
Galen Croise, Rush-Henrietta
Ryan DeJohn, Irondequoit
Lawson Drawbik, Penfield: Senior outside averaged 3.2 kills per match; improved passing this offseason.
Kevin Giacobbi, McQuaid: Senior middle blocker.
Vincenzo Giangreco, McQuaid: Senior outside hitter.
Ryan Gill, Victor: Junior right side/middle hitter.
Jacob Grams, Webster: Senior middle and right side led team in blocks; AGR and Monroe County second team after guiding team to Section V title.
Bodey Groff, Webster: Senior setter led team in assists; Monroe County first team.
Jack Harrington, Brighton: Outside hitter for the Bruins.
Peyton Healy, Spencerport: Outside/right side enters first varsity season; totaled 92 kills, 8 blocks and 12 aces in national tournament.
Justin Hogancamp, Rush-Henrietta
Brennan Hoelperl, McQuaid: Junior, opposite hitter and setter is one of two returning starters; tall, strong left-handed hitter; "great" serve; among team leaders in aces; league all-star and AGR honorable mention.
Andrew Howe, Fairport: Led team in assists (503) and second in aces (34); All-Monroe County second team; one of Section V's best setters; "tremendous" leader; sets a "dynamic" and "diverse" offense with spot-on accuracy.
Brody Jackson, Spencerport: Junior outside hitter was made AGR and was named MVP of the Section V Class B tournament.
Fritz Jeff, McQuaid: Senior defensive specialist.
Dominic Kessler, Spencerport: Junior setter/libero is a two-time All-County honorable mention; placed 13th at 2023 AAU Championships; 3rd at 2022 USAV Nationals; 5th at 2022 USAV Beach Nationals.
Doug Klueber, Pittsford: The junior outside's experience will be relied upon in program's second season back from hiatus; can perform every skill needed in volleyball; continuing to develop into a strong young player with a bright future.
Luke LeClair, Gates Chili: Sophomore libero was Spartans' Defensive Player of the Year an all-county pick.
Max Lent, Brighton: Setter for the Bruins.
Cal Lill, Webster: Senior outside and middle was a Monroe County honorable mention and NYS good sport recipient.
Nate Long, Spencerport
Ryan Murphy, Penfield: Senior outside/right side, averaged 4.2 kills, 2.2 blocks per match; improved passer.
Talin Parks, McQuaid: Freshman libero is the only player in program history to play varsity as a seventh grader; started at libero last year as an eighth grader; among team leaders in digs and aces; league all-star and AGR honorable mention.
Joey Preische, Webster: Senior outside hitter was an AGR and Monroe County first teamer, made NYSPHSAA tournament team; second in team kills, serve receives and digs after Section V title run.
Kevin Qian, Victor: Senior outside hitter.
William Rappold, McQuaid: Senior middle blocker.
Jaylen Ridgeway, Gates Chili: Middle hitter.
Edrian Rivera, Spencerport: Senior outside and libero; helping make the Rangers program a family.
Jake Seklar, Gates Chili: Senior outside hitter enters second season starting; "outstanding" leader and captain.
Chris Shutt, Irondequoit
Zach Sipos, Canandaigua: Junior outside was an AGR second teamer.
Seth Smith, Churchville-Chili
Michael St. Denis, Churchville-Chili
Luke Sullivan, Fairport: Poised to be team's top middle; grew some inches and gained "tremendous" strength over offseason; enters fall a "different" athlete and looks to control the middle of the net.
Aidan White, Fairport: AGR first teamer led team in blocks (64) and was second in kills (183) kills; made Section V All-Tournament team after 2022 finals run; dominates at the net with size and athleticism; go-to man when Fairport needs a kill; his "massive" block takes opponents out of their offense.
Phoenix Winters, Pavilion
Bailey Zambuto, Spencerport: Junior libero had 32 assists, 202 digs, 15 aces; All-County honorable mention; Stale finalist two years.
Luke Zimmermann, McQuaid: Junior setter/outside hitter was called up last year; versatile all-around player; can also play opposite and libero; "great" court sense and ball control; "sparkplug" who energizes team on the court and sideline.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Section V boys volleyball 2023: Top players entering the season
