The 2024 boys volleyball season is set to kick off with the Kellam Knights securing the top position in the rankings, despite losing significant talent from last year’s state championship team. The Knights, who clinched the Class 6 title last season, will aim to navigate the challenges of replacing key players while maintaining their winning momentum.
Strong Foundation Despite Departures
Kellam, renowned for winning its first boys volleyball title last season, is tasked with filling the void left by six graduating seniors, including standout players Joel Eanes and Austin Makovec. Despite these departures, the Knights showcased their prowess with a dominant performance at the Great Bridge preseason jamboree, finishing with a perfect 4-0 record and winning all eight sets.
The team’s core remains strong, with junior Dylan Calkins, who contributed 118 kills last year, alongside the Pyka brothers, Nathan and Bennett. Nathan led the team in digs (169), while Bennett excelled as the primary setter with an impressive 905 assists. The Knights, under coach Aaron Campbell, are poised to defend their title and continue their legacy.
Competitors Emerge from the Beach District
First Colonial High School, ranked second, returns a formidable roster of 16 players, including first-team All-Tidewater selection Bo Sawyer. Last season, Sawyer recorded 376 kills, leading the Patriots. Coach Austin Mehl noted, “Every year he has gotten bigger, better, and stronger.” The Patriots are eager to build on last year’s success, which saw them finish with a 20-4 record.
In third place, Kempsville also aims for a strong start, led by senior setter Wyatt Strawbridge, who tallied 186 kills alongside 289 assists last season. His synergy with junior outside hitter Trent Beeson, who contributed 175 kills, could prove pivotal for the Chiefs this season.
Peninsula District Teams to Watch
The Peninsula District is also making strides, with teams like Heritage and Denbigh looking to establish themselves as serious contenders. Heritage, who finished with an 18-6 record last season, is led by outside hitter Marcus Dozier. Dozier, the reigning region player of the year, is joined by Isaac Ward-Payton, aiming to elevate the Hurricanes further in the competitive landscape.
In a bid to enhance the district’s profile, the recently revived Great Bridge jamboree featured eight top teams, allowing coaches to gauge their squads’ readiness for the upcoming matches. The event, led by coach Bryan Stambaugh, provided critical pre-season insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the teams.
As the season unfolds, teams such as Granby, Kecoughtan, and Grassfield are expected to challenge for supremacy in their respective districts. Granby, with senior middle blocker Gabe Sol and setter Will Findlay, is looking to build on last year’s successful run to the state semifinals. Meanwhile, Kecoughtan is poised to rival Heritage in the Peninsula District, bolstered by key players like Gavin Holbrooks.
With the season set to begin, the anticipation for thrilling matches and emerging talent is palpable across the Hampton Roads area. The combination of established stars and rising players promises an exciting season ahead.
