SVCA Preseason Players to Watch
A-South
Colin Gan, Sr. L, Central Regional
After serving as Central’s setter last season, Gan will transition to the libero position for his senior year. Entering his third varsity season, Colin has plenty of big game experience and should thrive in his new defensive role.
Imre Homoki, Sr. OH, Central Regional
A Second Team All-Shore selection by the SVCA last spring, Homoki should be one of the dominant hitters in the Shore this season. Imre will play a crucial role in Central’s offensive game plan during his senior season.
Reese Mangold, Sr., S, Central Regional
A season after leading the team in digs from the libero position, Mangold will be moving to the setter position for his senior year. Solid hitters on the pins should help Mangold make a smooth transition.
Konrad Bieniek, Fr., L, Jackson Memorial
The younger brother of Memorial’s go-to player, Konrad Bieniek will look to make a name for himself during his freshman campaign. Jackson will count on Konrad to make an immediate impact because despite his youth, he is an experienced volleyball player.
Justin Bieniek, Sr., OH/OPP, Jackson Memorial
Senior outside hitter Justin Bieniek is quickly approaching 500 career kills and should come close to the mark during his senior season. In addition to being a standout on the volleyball court for the Jaguars, Bieniek is also a standout in the classroom and is currently ranked in the top of his class.
Shane Neilan, So., S, Jackson Memorial
A year round volleyball player, Neilan will be counted on to pace the Jaguar’s offense this season. The sophomore has a solid group of hitters around him and will look to establish himself as one of the division’s top setters.
Cameron Bassford, Jr., S/OPP, Lacey
Junior co-captain Cameron Bassford will being taking over the setter position this season after the graduation of Lacey’s all time assist leader, Jason, his older brother. Cameron is ready to step into a leading role for the Lion’s this spring.
Carl Bullock III, Sr., S/OPP, Lacey
As team captain, Bullock will lead Lacey with the hopes of replicating last season’s success. A standout on both the court and in the classroom, Carl will attend Misericordia University next fall and play volleyball while working towards his degree.
Matt Perrone, Sr., L, Lacey
Coming off one of the best season in school history, Perrone will once again anchor the Lion’s defense. On pace to shatter both the career and single season digs record, Matt will be continuing his academic and athletic career on the volleyball team at Misericordia University next fall as well.
Shane Bent, Sr., MB, Southern
A First Team All-State selection last spring, Bent will be one of the most explosive players on the court this season. A force on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, Bent should be among both the conference and the state leaders both kills and blocks, and he will be a go-to option for setter Matt Maxwell.
Arvind Kumar, Sr. OPP, Southern
Although this will be his first season at Southern, Kumar will make an immediate impact for the Rams this year. With a tremendous all around game, Kumar should quickly emerge as one of the Shore’s top players and will be a great option at the pin for Southern.
Matt Maxwell, Jr. ,S, Southern
A year after a Second Team All-State selection, Maxwell will transition from libero to setter for the Rams. While taking over the reigns from Southern great, Brennan Davis, will not be an easy task, Matt’s tremendous knowledge of the game and terrific all-around skill set makes him the logical choice to control the Rams explosive offense.
Brandon Lombardo, Sr., OH, Toms River East
As team captain for the Raiders this spring, Lombardo will play a key role in the team’s success. A great server, strong hitter, and a quick force on defense, Lombardo will do a little bit of everything for his Toms River East squad.
Brett Turner, Jr., OH, Toms River East
With a tremendous vertical leap, Turner will be the first line of defense for Toms River East. The junior’s blocking ability could be a difference maker up front for the Raiders in a tight match.
Brendan Edwards, Jr., MB, Toms River North
The Mariners will look to Edwards to control the play through middle of the court this season. With Edwards size and athleticism, look for him to be among the division’s leaders in blocks.
Jason Kapp, Jr., OH, Toms River North
Junior outside hitter Jason Kapp will be counted on to produce as one of the primary offensive weapons for the Mariner’s this season in a division that will be highly competitive.
Kolin Thievon, Sr., S, Toms River North
Toms River North will turn to Thievon to run their offense this season. Thievon will have a solid core of hitters around him as the Mariners look to establish themselves as one of the teams to beat in the division.