Sports
2025 News-Herald boys volleyball all-stars – News-Herald
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Luke Smiley
Mayfield, sophomore
Every team needs a leader. Luke Smiley has embodied that in several different ways. During his freshman year, he helped start the Mayfield boys volleyball team from scratch. This season, not only did he play at a high level, he propelled the Wildcats to the second seed in Division II, Region 7 and elevated the play of the team around him. While the team’s main setter, averaging 5.6 assists, he also helped Devan Calabrese grow into a second setter for Mayfield so that he could impact the game in other ways as well. Smiley was second on the team in digs per set (2.7) and kills (2.4), while being tied for the team high in blocks (0.4). He also led the area in aces with 92 to help earn second-team All-Ohio honors.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Mike McGarry, VASJ
Eleven games into the season, VASJ was stuck in a rut. At 5-6, the Vikings needed a kick. With a senior-laden squad, McGarry remained confident in the squad. That feeling rubbed off on the team, and what ensued was an 11-match win streak, a share of the NEOBVL title and a trip to the regional semifinals after an upset over second-seeded Mayfield. During that 11-match streak, the Vikings dropped just three sets and were a well-oiled machine. They had several attackers who could lead the group and a defense that kept them in sets all match long. With size up front, four of their starters standing over 6-foot, the block led the way all season. The end-of-season run can propel the team to a new level for years to come.
FIRST TEAM
(in alphabetical order)
MB Daelan Brandon, Sr., VASJ
The area’s leader in blocks per set, 0.9 was a spark for the Vikings all season long. He also contributed with 1.8 kills per set to help the attack grow. Thiel signee.
OH Dedrick Davis, Sr., VASJ
A six-rotation player for the Vikings, led the team in kills (2.5) while also averaging 2.3 digs and 33 aces. Indiana Tech signee.
OH/MB Ian Galati, Jr., Chardon
Last year’s player of the year, took on a bigger role from the pin this season as he focused on helping a younger team improve. Averaged 4.1 digs and 3.8 kills.
L Trent Hornak, Sr., Berkshire
Almost every ball over the net found a way to Hornak. Averaged 8.8 digs per set, almost double the player behind him in the area. Also added 30 aces for the Badgers.
S Ryan Kessinger, Sr., Berkshire
Spread it out to a very deep attack for the Badgers as he averaged 7 assists flat along with 62 aces. His growth helped lead Berkshire to a regional final.
S/RS Avery Laux, Jr., Chardon
Still a strong setter, averaged 4.6 assists per set. Also grew in both rows, being the second in both kills with 1.5 and digs with 2.1.
OH Sam Reynolds, Sr., Mentor
The area’s lead attacker with 4.8 kills per set as the Cardinals’ go-to hitter. Also compiled 51 aces and three digs, which also led the team.
OH Jake Starr, Sr., Berkshire
The lead attacker for the Badgers, averaged 2.6 kills per set and a six-rotation player. Was second on the team in digs (4.9) and aces (42).
S Noam Welch, Sr. Mentor
Grew as a setter over the season to help the Cardinals’ attack behind Reynolds grow this season. Averaged 7 assists with 2.7 digs and 29 aces.
SECOND TEAM
(in alphabetical order)
OH Devan Calabrese, Sr., Mayfield: While a strong hitter for the Wildcats, averaging a team-high 2.5, also led them in digs with 3.1.
DS/L Drake Martinez, Sr., North: Led the upstart Rangers from the back row with 2.6 digs.
S Joseph Monaco, So., VASJ: His growth was a key part in the Vikings run to a regional semifinal. Spread the ball out with 6.9 assists while also averaging 2.7 digs, 0.3 blocks and 49 aces.
OH/OPP TJ Nelson, Sr., Mayfield: Grew with his teammates this season with 2.3 digs, 1.9 kills and 43 aces.
OH Mario Romangi, Sr., Berkshire: An all-around player for the Badgers, averaging 3.4 digs and 2.3 kills.
OH Gavin Stewart, Sr., Euclid: Took over as the team’s No. 1 hitter and grew to with a young team.
S Mikhail Stitt, Jr., Euclid: Handled the transition from libero to setter well, led from the front row and will be a key piece in the team’s continued growth next season.
L Shane Wagenak, Sr., VASJ: Headlined a strong back row for the Vikings, racking up 2.7 digs and 10 aces.
DS/L Chazz Weigel, Jr., Mentor: Another strong year anchoring the back row for the Cardinals, with a tie for the team high in digs with 3. Also added 19 aces to his total.
HONOR ROLL
Berkshire: Levi Rohl, Maddox Fuentes; Chardon: Jacob Nieset; Euclid: Fred Johnson; Mayfield: Dominic Piscioneri; Mentor: Pavi Singh; North: Izzak Nelson; NDCL: Brennan Kogovsek; VASJ: Ryan Jones, Dallas Helmers
Originally Published: