The Wrap on 2022 RI Boys’ Volleyball
June 20th, 2022
Division One RIIL boys’ volleyball came down to the two schools that graced the number one spot in the ResV Systems power rankings in 2022. North Kingstown, the defending champs, led by Mason Andrade, were looking to cement a back-to-back title finish. The La Salle Academy Rams met them at the peak and were hungry to knock those Skippers off the precipice. The Rams, led by Greg Bousquet and Brendan Pendergast, appeared to have the upper hand through most of the match…a match that went five sets and featured some great play on both sides of the equation. In the end, Andrade took control of the event, finishing with 26 kills, 15 digs, 3 aces and 2 blocks to secure a second title and complete an AVCA All-American year.
Division Two had a different story line. Mount Saint Charles / North Smithfield (The Hybrid) controlled the tempo of the year finishing without a blemish and only being pushed once. Connor DeSousa had owned D2, and rightfully earned a spot as one of the top players in the state, as he helped push the North Mountie Men to the pinnacle match. The Westerly Bulldogs, however, had a different view. They were the third seed in the tournament and had clawed their way to the final with a unique offense that caused issues for opponents. Led by the trio of Jackson Oogle, Marcus Haik, and Dante Wilk, the Bulldogs were the definition of lightning in a bottle…where they were able to score points in bunches, but also give up a bunch if things went south. In the end of a grueling five set contest, The Hybrid stood atop the mountain, undefeated and exhausted at the puzzle that was Westerly.
Division Three featured a different Cinderella at the ball. Johnston had their eye on the Lincoln Lions since the midway point of the season. The Lions went undefeated in the regular season, which featured two wins over the Panthers. However, the playoffs are a different animal and the Lions succumbed to the Exter West Greenwich Knights in a five-set thriller at the semi-finals. The Knights led by Andan Fry were the fourth seed and suddenly found themselves in the top match where the lights are brightest facing the second seed. Johnston wasted little time bringing the heat with Josh Philbrick scoring almost at will. The Knights were able to get a set win, but in the end, the Panthers claimed the D3 title.
2022 Final RI Boys’ Volleyball Power Rankings…
North Kingstown
La Salle Academy
Chariho
Cranston East
Mount Saint Charles / North Smithfield
Hendricken
Coventry
Westerly
East Greenwich
East Providence
Pilgrim
Cranston West
West Warwick
Johnston
Lincoln