Combo of Seniors and Rising Stars Lifts Boys Volleyball to Quarterfinals
After going 10-0 last season, the team finished 9-1 this year.
By SARFRAZ KHALBASH, THOMAS MCGARRY, DAVID YU, and KAI LE LIANG
Boys Volleyball fell to the Bronx High School of Science 2-1 in the second round of the playoffs on May 18. Despite the disappointing end to the season, the team is hopeful and ready for next year.
The team started the season with a 2-0 loss against Brooklyn Tech on March 21, but they didn’t let it hinder their performance, going on a nine game win streak with six blow-outs.
“Our first game has stuck with me the most, a game we definitely should have won,” said middle blocker Ivan Chen ‘24. “However, we learn from our mistakes and continue to push forward.”
“It's incredible to see how much some of the players have improved,” said head coach Tommy Ma. “We were able to make different adjustments and strategies to win the next nine games.”
Wrapping up the season with a 9-1 record, good for first in the division, the boys began the playoffs with a 2-0 win against Hunter College High School.
The next game, against Bronx Science, was a fierce one, with both teams at each other's throats. The first match was won by Bronx Science 29-27, but it was followed by a quick 25-18 victory for Midwood. In the last match, despite a good performance by our Hornets, Bronx Science's serves were too much, and Midwood fell 25-19.
“Our team's strength is definitely our offense, to convert and hit the ball fast,” Chen said. “However, staying consistent has been our obstacle while serving, attacking, running plays, defending, and such.”
Despite the loss, the team sounds more than ready for next year. “I know that no matter what, we’ve worked really hard, and it's bigger than just volleyball,” said middle blocker Amir Nabiyev ‘23. “The friendships I’ve made will last longer than this season.”
“I feel really excited for the future,” said outside hitter Max Kogan ‘24. “We have a lot of bright upcoming players and we are devoted to improving throughout the year. You heard it here first: next year, we’re winning.”
Star opposite hitter Benjamin Nirenstein ‘24 agreed. “The future is looking great, and next year might be our strongest year,” he said.
The squad has a plethora of young, talented players just waiting for their time to shine. One of them is the team's setter, Kadon Lai ‘25. This season, he earned a mind-boggling 188 assists.
“It feels good to put up numbers, definitely,” said Lai. “Being a young starter is not easy, but I am looking forward to coming back. Not only to go undefeated, but hopefully to bring a banner back to the school.”
Another young star is libero Otto Liang ‘25, who had 14 aces, 42 service points, and an impressive 61 digs this year.
“I feel grateful for playing on the team because I feel that I’m part of something that will reflect on the school's athletic history,” said Liang. “I feel very blessed for the opportunity to showcase my volleyball skills not only as a player, but also as a teammate.”
Mr. Ma said, “I'm proud of how much [the underclassmen] have progressed and where they are at right now. I believe with patience, hard work, and dedication, they will become some of the best players in the PSAL in one or two years.”
Of course though, we do need to give credit to the older members of the team as well. Kogan put up 43 kills during this season as well as 27 digs and 20 service points. Nirenstein delivered the most kills at 123 and the most aces by far with 36.
In their senior years, Vincent Ouyang recorded 190 assists, Mark Afanasyev earned 34 service points and kills, and Isaac Cheung had 58 kills, 35 digs, and 35 service points.
With six years of coaching experience under his belt, Mr. Ma has become a real inspiration to the team.
“Coach Ma has been a vocal role model of mine on and off the court,” said Chen. “We share a relationship where I absorb his knowledge of the game and life. He’s wise with his words. I trust him to the fullest.”
The coach and upperclassmen have built the environment around them well.
“Everyone is encouraging and thoughtful,” said Lai. “Everyone wants to help each other get better.”
“In practice, we have lots of fun, but we also take every rep just as seriously,” said Liang. “During games, every touch counts, so we take every single one of them as seriously as possible. Although we make mistakes, we just laugh it off and focus on the next play. This environment is great to be around because we can learn a lot while still having the most fun.”
With these rising stars set to build on the graduating seniors’ legacy, the future looks bright for Boys Volleyball.