SVCA Preseason Players to Watch
A-North
Robert Mahala, Sr., OPP, Christian Brothers Academy
Entering his fourth varsity season, Mahala’s experience should help steady the Colts as they tackle a tough non conference schedule. Mahala will likely be one of the go-to hitters in the Colts’ offensive scheme this spring.
Ed Manganiello, Sr., S, Christian Brothers Academy
After anchoring the offense for the majority of last season, Manganiello’s play will be a crucial factor in the Colts’ success, as they look to make deep runs in both the Shore Conference and state tournaments once again.
Chris Smallwood, Sr., OH, Christian Brothers Academy
As a junior, Smallwood notched 131 kills for the Colts. The senior could be a difference maker for the Colts up front this during the 2018 campaign.
TJ Briscoe, Jr., OH, Colts Neck
Although the production of Nick Panicali (now at Sacred Heart University) will be difficult for Colts Neck to replace, TJ Briscoe is poised and ready to step into a feature role for the Cougar offense this spring.
Andrew Finnegan, Sr., OH, Colts Neck
A Second-Team All-Shore selection just a season ago, Finnegan amassed nearly 150 kills and 180 digs as a junior and looks to build off of that foundation this spring. Finnegan’s well-rounded skill set should make him one of the top players to watch in the conference this season.
Tim Wu, Jr., L, Colts Neck
On the heels of a sophomore season that saw him anchor the Cougar defense and tally more than 300 digs, junior Tim Wu is looking to cement himself as one of the premier liberos in the conference this spring.
Dan Cutaneo, Sr., OH, Freehold
A team captain and three year varsity starter, Cutaneo will be expected to lead the Colonial offense. After tallying 141 kills last season, Cutaneo will look to surpass that number during his senior year.
Justin Krauss, Sr., S/L, Freehold
After serving as the varsity libero for the past two seasons, Krauss will be sliding into the role of setter for the Colonials this spring. With nearly 150 digs in his career, Krauss will now change gears to anchor the Colonial offense for 2018.
Brandon Downey, Sr., S, Howell
Entering his senior season, Downey is on pace to crack into the top five of the career assist record at Howell this season. Behind Downey’s leadership, look for the Rebels to be in the hunt for the A-North division title this spring.
Mat Nikishi, Sr., L, Howell
Already the owner of the Rebels career record for digs, Nikishi will look to add to his current total and eclipse his own single season record, which he set at 258 digs last season.
Alek Roschko, Jr., OH/OPP, Howell
With a solid defense and experienced setter on the floor around him, Roschko will provide a lot of offensive firepower for Howell this season.
Myles Baillie, Jr., OH/OPP, Long Branch
Entering his second full season playing on the varsity squad, Baillie will be the focal point of the Green Wave offense this spring.
Jael Cordero, Sr. DS, Long Branch
After breaking into the starting rotation in the middle of last year, Jael Cordero has developed into Long Branch’s most dependable blocker. A big presence up front, Cordero provide the first line of defense for an athletic Green Wave squad.
Alec Bakholdin, Sr. OH, Marlboro
Expect senior Alec Bakholdin to be counted on as one of the primary offensive targets for the Mustangs this spring.
Chris Dinh, Jr., S, Marlboro
The Mustangs will lean on the athletic play of junior setter, Chris Dinh, this spring. Dinh is one of the more experienced players on the team, and he will be entrusted to run the offense once again this season.
Noah Lee, Jr., L, Marlboro
Another dynamic junior in the Mustangs lineup, Lee amassed 170 digs during his sophomore season. Tasked with once again anchoring the Marlboro defense, look for Lee to replicate the success of his sophomore campaign.