After a 2023 season that had two Richmond-area volleyball teams crowned state champions, expectations remain high.
The dynasty is expected to continue for Patrick Henry, coming off its eighth consecutive state title dating to 2016. The Patriots took down Atlee in straight sets to cap it off as PH and the Raiders were two of four Richmond-area teams to play for a state title.
There won’t be a better rivalry to watch this season than Midlothian and Thomas Dale, who battled it out in the state final last year. After losing in straight sets in the regular season, the Trojans won the championship in five sets. It’ll be a spectacle when the two face off this season.
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So, what does the boys volleyball scene look like this year? Here’s a peek at the Times-Dispatch’s Top 5 and some players to watch heading into the season.
Returning All-Metro first-, second-teamers
Duke Flanagan, senior, Patrick Henry: Flanagan was one of many standouts on another great Patriots team last season. He was a first-team all-state and All-Metro selection. He had 224 kills, 34 aces, 80 digs and 24 blocks in 72 sets last season. He’ll look to fill the void left by departing seniors.
Caleb Brown, senior, Midlothian: A returner on the area’s other state champ, Brown held down the defense as a libero for the Trojans. He was the cornerstone on defense for Midlothian, recording 61 digs. On offense, he had 16 aces, 23 assists and two kills. He was first-team All-Metro and all-state.
Robert Seifert, senior, Hanover: Seifert, a second-team All-Metro selection, starred for the Hawks last year at outside hitter. He helped lead Hanover to the state semifinals and will be a part of an experienced core that’s returning.
Sam Cook, senior, Atlee: Cook is coming off of being named second-team All-Metro at outside hitter. He was a key contributor on an Atlee team that lost in the state finals to Patrick Henry last season.
Bryce Bedford, senior, Atlee: Another key returner for the Raiders, Bedford was named second-team All-Metro a season ago. He and Cook will use their experience to lead an Atlee team that lost second-team All-Metro selection Charlie Sheriff and honorable mentions Thomas Felimond and Vaughan Mayo.
Caleb Atherholt, senior, Mechanicsville: Atherholt returns for the Mustangs after a 13-10 season that included a gauntlet of games against Patrick Henry, Atlee and Hanover. The middle hitter was a second-team All-Metro selection in 2023.
Rankings
1. Patrick Henry: The dynasty keeps rolling for the Patriots. Patrick Henry dropped only two sets all of last season, when it captured an eighth straight state title. The Patriots did lose five starters from 2023, including the reigning All-Metro player of the year, Jason Matthews. The loss of experience and chemistry from last year’s team will be difficult to replace for coach Andy Steuart. The Patriots will rely on a mix of sophomores, juniors and seniors to build team chemistry with senior opposite hitter Duke Flanagan, a first-team All-Metro selection last year, and libero Tyler Patten, an honorable mention, leading the way.
2. Midlothian: A lot of the core that claimed the Class 6 championship will look the same. Reigning All-Metro coach of the year Ian Wajciechowski returns three seniors: 2023 All-Metro first-team libero Caleb Brown, honorable mention setter Kaden Odberg and middle hitter Jack Corazzini.
3. Thomas Dale: The Knights will look different this season after the graduation of two-time All-Metro first-team selection outside hitter Wesley Graves. Additionally, Thomas Dale graduated second-teamers outside hitter Matthew McGovern and setter Landon Andrews. The Knights are coming off of a fantastic 23-3 season that ended in heartbreak to Midlothian, where they lost the fifth set by two points.
4. Hanover: There might not be another team in the area bringing back more experience than the Hawks this season. After last year’s campaign ended in the state semifinals to Patrick Henry, Hanover lost only one starter. The group includes many year-round players with a lot of volleyball IQ. Coach Hilary Cassil expects the seniors to lead the way, including outside hitter Robbie Seifert, setter Hilton Shurn and middle blocker Danny Kilgore.
5. Deep Run: The Wildcats are the polar opposite to Hanover, with a lot of new faces and underclassmen bracing to start. It’s a young team with plenty of experience playing JV and with River City Volleyball Academy. The roster boasts three returning seniors: middle hitter Grant Nowlan and two outside hitters, Prakyath Ranga and Lucas Ryther. Last year, the trio helped Deep Run go 21-5 and reach the state semifinals, where the Wildcats fell to Thomas Dale.
On the cusp: Cosby (2023: 17-6, lost in region semifinals); Atlee (2023: 16-10, lost in state finals); Mechanicsville (2023: 13-10, lost in state semifinals).