Movin’ On up
ADAMS TWP — Time will inform if Mars’ boys volleyball staff can prolong the prowess it has earned into postseason play, however the items are in place for the Planets to show in a really particular 12 months.
Coming into this week’s play, the unbeaten Planets (10-0, 5-0) are the top-ranked Class 2A staff within the WPIAL and rated 4th-best within the state.
The Planets haven’t dropped a set all season. They received their first part crown final 12 months earlier than putting third within the WPIAL.
“We misplaced only one participant from a very robust core from that staff and had excessive hopes getting into this season,” stated veteran Mars coach Michael Nypaver. “That stated, to be as dominant as we’ve been, we have now exceeded expectations thus far. However there’s a lengthy option to go.”
The return of beginning setter Kyler Robinson has given the staff a sturdy basis on which his teammates can stand and flourish in their very own proper.
“Kyler has executed an outstanding job of operating the offense,” stated Nypaver. “He was superb final 12 months, however is that significantly better now. He retains the staff targeted.
“He’s opening up alternatives for the hitters and so they’re benefiting from them.”
Kyler is averaging 32 assists per match, a lofty quantity contemplating all the staff’s video games have resulted in sweeps.
“I’m seeing the court docket loads higher this 12 months and have extra of a reference to the hitters,” stated Kyler, a junior. “I used to be capable of get work in with a few of them over the summer season.”
Kyler is one in all 4 staff captains, becoming a member of center hitter Kaden Gratton, outdoors hitter Derek Piatek and rightside hitter Liam Quinn.
“I’ve been impressed with the staff’s skill to maintain working to enhance regardless of the hype with the undefeated report and the excessive rating,” stated Nypaver. “Kaden has had loads to do with that and stays on his teammates. He’s a powerful and vocal chief. He was a captain for the soccer staff final fall and that was a great expertise for him.”
In his first 12 months as a starter, Kaden, a senior, is relishing his function.
“My dad has lots of management expertise and I attempt to emulate what he does,” he stated. “I take pleasure in lifting the blokes up.”
“All the pieces Kaden does, he does for the staff,” stated Kyler. “He embodies the function of a captain.”
Ryan Ceh leads a diversified assault on the internet with 12.6 kills per match and has added a team-leading 20 blocks. Colton Riska, a libero, leads the best way in digs (84) and aces (18).
“Colton’s power is rubbing off on the remainder of the staff and (outdoors hitter) Tyler Raabe has improved loads,” stated Nypaver, who associated that there hasn’t been a lot rhyme or purpose to the remainder of the Class 2A subject to this point.
“Thus far this season, outcomes have been very unpredictable,” stated Nypaver. “There have been some mind-boggling scores in matchups that I didn’t anticipate. If the rankings imply something, we’ve performed quite a lot of the highest groups and will run into them once more within the playoffs.”
Nypaver stated the protection wants work, however is bettering.
“Protection is a difficult a part of the sport,” stated Kaden. “It comes all the way down to court docket consciousness and passing.”
As spectacular because the Planets have been, as soon as the playoffs start it takes only one sub-par night time to derail desires of a protracted postseason run.
“We’re simply attempting to do what it takes to maintain our streak going,” Kaden stated. “If we proceed to focus from sport to sport, we have now the prospect to have a terrific season.”
