A quick glance at what to watch for when the SJS boys volleyball tournament begins on May 13.
The Sac-Joaquin Section Boys Volleyball playoffs begin on Tuesday, May 13. Here’s a quick look at each division.
DIVISION I
THE FAVORITE: Granite Bay (22-11). The Grizzlies’ only loss to a SJS opponent came in the first match of the season, when Div.-II favorite Whitney-Rocklin toppled Granite Bay 3-0. Head coach Bruce Honberger and the program are seeking their fifth section title in the six years that boys volleyball has been a sanctioned sport. The Grizzlies return senior setter Garrison Schlauch, senior opposite Brandon Freitas, and have superb depth at all positions. Until someone can knock off the champs, Granite Bay is still the team to beat.
CONTENDERS: Ponderosa-Shingle Springs (16-9), Nevada Union-Grass Valley (18-9), Grant (18-1).
PLAYER TO WATCH: Tanner Charron (Ponderosa). The senior outside hitter leads a solid offensive attack for the Bruins with 273 kills and has also contributed 145 digs and 62 service aces. The Culver-Stockton (NAIA) commit has superb power and an excellent bond with Ponderosa junior setter Taylor Charron, Tanner’s younger brother.
OUR PICK: Granite Bay 3, Ponderosa 1.
DIVISION II
THE FAVORITE: Whitney-Rocklin (26-5). Despite suffering their first SJS loss to Capital Athletic League rival Rio Americano-Sacramento in early May, the Wildcats appear to be better than any Divi. I or II school in the section. Senior setter Kirk Basquez has plenty of options with seniors David Parker (UC Irvine) and Kalen Stewart-Harris (BYU). Along with junior Cavan Stewart, the three have combined for 811 kills. The defending champions should make it to their third consecutive Div. II final and make some noise in the CIF Northern Regional tournament.
CONTENDERS: Rio Americano-Sacramento (26-5), El Dorado-Placerville (18-11), Placer-Auburn (18-11), McClatchy-Sacramento (17-3).
PLAYER TO WATCH: David Parker (Whitney). A USA Junior National Team player and UC Irvine commit, Parker is the area’s best player and among the top hitters in all of Northern California. The senior leads the Wildcats with a section-best 379 kills and has added 59 aces and 47 blocks despite playing with quality offensive teammates Stewart-Harris (218 kills) and Stewart (214 kills).
OUR PICK: Whitney 3, Rio Americano 1.
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