Division: I
Coach: Ryan Smith (5th year)
Last year: 2-14, did not make tournament
Returning starters: Thomas Sheehan, sr., OH; McKenzie Moehlmann, sr., DS
Top newcomers: Albert Lapiejko, so., MB; Michael McKinney, jr., OH; Raymond Lapiejko, fr., S
Outlook: The Bears have a young team with only two seniors, who also happen to be the only two returning starters. “We have a lot of young players who are eager to compete,” Coach Smith said. “Being consistent and working to improve every day will be a major focus for this team.”
Teams to beat: Hollis/Brookline, Timberlane, Windham, Pinkerton
John Stark
Division: I
Coach: Dave Simeone (3rd year)
Last year: 10-8, reached quarterfinals
Returning starters: Robbie Yelle, sr., MH; Robert Blouin, sr., OH; Griffin Caswell, sr., S
Top newcomers: Joseph Simeone, jr., OH; Johan French, so., DS
Outlook: The Generals have a strong group of returning starters in captains Caswell, Blouin and Yelle who will be playing in different roles this season. Caswell will shift from libero to being the primary setter and Blouin will shift from setter to outside hitter. Yelle is expected to do well as a middle hitter while also taking on a more active role as a back row defender. Senior Noah Payeur and Simeone will anchor the front row and senior Justin Bowen and French are aggressive defenders. “(The captains) are as strong as I’ve seen since I’ve been involved,” Coach Simeone said. “The rapid development of our other players gives me confidence that we’ll grow into a very good team.”