Ocala Star-Banner Boys Volleyball Team, Player of the Year nominees

As the popularity of boys’ volleyball expands around the country, interest in the game in Marion County grows. Even on the heels of a highly anticipated era, the level of play continues to rise among the Ocala area schools.

For the first time in program history North Marion made its first Marion Athletic Conference final as Jaydon Williams emerges as a top outside hitter. Forest regains its foothold as the top boys volleyball program in the area after securing the Marion Athletic Conference trophy. These events shaped the volleyball season in Marion County and influenced the all-county voting pool.

Match statistics and more were considered when choosing the 2025 Star-Banner All-County Boys Volleyball team. On May 27, every Athlete of the Year winner will be announced at the MESPY’s. We’re announcing our finalists with their accolades and feats to hold you over until the big day.

Player of the year nominees

Luis Monserat, Freshman, West Port

Monserat led a young team through one of the toughest strength of schedule in the county. Through 84 sets of play he helped the Wolf Pack establish a formidable defense.

The freshman setter had a state-high 97 aces — the eighth best mark in the nation. His 392 digs made him one of the best defensive playmakers in the state.

Xavier Sahajpal, Senior Forest

The county championship goes through one of the best setters in the county. With Sahajpal at the center of the action spreading around 392 assists.

Sahajpal was so balanced in his sets four of his teammates recorded 80 or more kills. His ability to make every pass in the book helped Forest become the highest scoring offense in the county.

All County Boys Volleyball Team

S: Michael Reid, West Port – 62 kills, 42 aces, 28 blocks, 152 digs, 676 assists

S: Xavier Sahajpal, Forest – 28 kills, 25 aces, 12 blocks, 100 digs, 392 assists

OH: Brody Wilemon, Forest – 141 kills, 23 aces, 17 blocks, 187 blocks,

RS: Jeremy Croft, Forest – 271 kills, 31 aces, 19 blocks, 177 digs

OH: Jayden Williams, North Marion

OH: Michael O’Brien, Lake Weir

L: Luis Monserat, West Port – 97 aces, 463 digs, 27 assists

MB: Dylan Bethea, West Port – 109 kills, 74 blocks

Honorable mention

Logan Vincent (Belleview), Roman Valencia (Belleview), Yadiel Roman (Dunnellon), Kelvin Jacobs (Dunnellon), Landon Nuzum (Forest), Tito Gonzalez (Lake Weir), Jcruz Popoca (North Marion), Zach Phan (Vanguard), Francisco Inzunza (North Marion), Dominic Vennard (Vanguard), Logan Horne (North Marion), Jameson Goodwin (Vanguard), Trey Northey (Forest), Jamian Avery (West Port).