Crusaders Talk Of Town This Year
Hopes high for Coughlin squad to make run at Wyoming Valley Conference title.
Lake-Lehman’s Kevin Price returns the ball past Coughlin’s Michael Laiuvara and Anthony Feola during a recent volleyball game. Coughlin might be closing in on a Wyoming Valley Conference title this year. The Crusaders this year return all but one starter from last year’s squad, which finished 12-5 and earned a trip to the District 2 tournament. Lake-Lehman, meanwhile, isn’t expected to miss the playoffs for a second consecutive year. The Black Knights should contend for the conference championship.
Fred Adams /The Times Leader
When people talk about high school boys’ volleyball in Wilkes-Barre, they usually mention the program run by John Kablick at the former Bishop Hoban and this year at Holy Redeemer.
The talk of the town this season, however, is about a school located less than a mile away from Holy Redeemer – Coughlin.
Under head coach Dave Lapinski, the Crusaders returned all but one starter from last year’s squad, which finished 12-5 and earned a trip to the District 2 tournament.
This year, with expectations running high for the team and a win against Lake-Lehman already under its belt, Coughlin might be closing in on a Wyoming Valley Conference title.
“Last year was nice because we sneaked up on people,” Lapinski said. “I do feel people probably should be saying we have a good team, but we haven’t shown anything yet. People are saying that Coughlin can do this, Coughlin can do that, but we just have to go and play.”
Kablick finds himself in an unfamiliar position and the Royals could miss the playoffs in their first season of existence. The Royals open their season today against Hanover Area.
“We’re thinking a 9-7 or 8-8 record would be good for Holy Redeemer,” Kablick said. “Teams better put a whoopin’ on us this year because next year, we’re going to be good.”
Teams to watch
Here’s a look at the five teams that should be in contention for the top spot in the WVC:
Berwick: Under head coach Mike Bennett, the Bulldogs have been in the playoffs the last two years combining for a 29-3 record. Berwick should be in contention again and make a run at the conference title.
Coughlin: There are 33 boys out for the team this season and the Crusaders are becoming a force in the WVC. And not just for this season.
Lake-Lehman: The Black Knights aren’t expected to miss the playoffs for a second consecutive year. A number of key players return from last year’s team that missed the postseason by one game. Lake-Lehman should contend for the conference title.
North Pocono: Losing three top-notch players and still be in the hunt for the conference title? Yep, that’s the North Pocono tradition under mastermind head coach Chris Summa.
Wyoming Valley West: The Spartans should repeat as District 2 Class 3A champions unless a young Delaware Valley squad surprises. A WVC title will be tough for Joe Czopek’s bunch because they already dropped a decision to North Pocono.
Players to Watch
The league is stacked with outstanding hitters this season, but the talent doesn’t stop there. Here’s a look at some of the best players in the WVC:
Anthony Feola, Coughlin, setter: Considered by many to be the best all-around player in the league.
Wally Savage, Coughlin, hitter: With Savage and Feola, the Crusaders will be tough to beat.
P.J. Clifford, North Pocono, hitter: It’s a shame there couldn’t be a team consisting of all hitters.
Bruce Mosier, Lake-Lehman, hitter: Will help the Black Knights return to the postseason.
Cameron Guignet, Crestwood, libero: A solid defensive player and also contributes on the offensive end. He could be the leader that helps the Comets get to the postseason.
Max Reyes, Berwick, defender: A three-year starter for the Bulldogs, he bolsters the middle of the court and will also help the team offensively.
Circle the Calendar
In early-season showdowns, North Pocono knocked off Wyoming Valley West, Coughlin beat Lake-Lehman and the Spartans handed Berwick its first loss. The rest of the big meetings are about four weeks away, with the last 14 days of the regular season highlighted by matchups between contenders. Here’s a look at some of the important matches:
Berwick at North Pocono, April 30; North Pocono at Lake-Lehman, May 5; Lake-Lehman at Berwick, May 7; North Pocono at Coughlin, May 12; Coughlin at Berwick, May 14; final regular season date, May 15; District 2 championships, May 19-23; First round PIAA tournaments, May 27; PIAA championships at Penn State University, May 30-31.
