MEI: Kings of the court
Junior boys seize the day and win provincials in three straight
MEI junior players Levi Block and Daniel Siemens, above, block a shot by a Kelowna Secondary player in the provincial final Saturday at MEI Middle School.
Photograph by: Jean Konda-Witte , Abbotsford Times
It may have been a given that the MEI Eagles would win the provincials in junior boys volleyball in three straight sets on Saturday, but that was just half the story.
What has volleyball fans and rival coaches riled up and taking notice is how the young team of Grade 910 boys has conducted themselves throughout the season.
Not only have they not lost a single game this fall, they have only lost one set in the entire season.
"It's the strongest group of volleyball players I've ever seen at MEI," said tournament director Jeff Gamache, also a teacher at the Abbotsford school.
But there's more. In the tourney quarter-final against No. 2 ranked Oak Bay, No. 1 ranked MEI shut out the Victoria team 25-0.
"In volleyball land I've never heard of that before," said Gamache.
"This is the most dominant junior team we've ever had. It's a special group of guys that can deliver a performance like that."
On Saturday, MEI won the best-of-five final, beating Kelowna Secondary in three straight sets, 25-15, 25-20, 29-27.
They are all very good friends and have played together in club volleyball for years explained Gamache.
"It took a lot of hard work; they've spent years together building friendships and bonds and the fruit of that came out this weekend."
Under the tutelage of head coach Brad Knodel and assistant coach Rick Ball, three Eagles were named to the tournament all-star team including tourney MVP (setter) Jordan Koslowsky.
"He was exceptional," said Gam-ache.
Keaton Boughen (the go-to guy for kills) was named first team all-star and Levi Block, second team all-star.
"He [Block] had great spiking, good serving, passing and provided leadership," added Gamache.
Libero Bryson Marazzi was fantastic all tournament.
"He's like your unsung hero." All are Grade 10 students and will be stepping up to the MEI varsity team next year.
The Grade 9s provided great defence and they included standouts Kaden Gamache, Josh Fefchak and Joel Sinclair.
After three tries, dating back to 2005, this was the first year MEI was able to capture the B.C. title while hosting the tournament.
"Winning at home in provincials; it was a huge bonus," added Gam-ache.
MEI junior players Levi Block and Daniel Siemens, above, block a shot by a Kelowna Secondary player in the provincial final Saturday at MEI Middle School.
Photograph by: Jean Konda-Witte , Abbotsford Times
