Week Nine…Four Left with Gold on the Mind…
6/2/24
I may have talked about this before…but it’s worth revisiting…
The performance bell curve was taught to me by Nancy Somera in 2017. It stated that your goal as a coach was to get your players playing at peak performance for as long as you can in a match. When things go wrong, and they will go wrong, the coach needs to identify where the players are on the curve and adjust properly to somehow get the team back to peak performance.
At the top of the bell curve is peak performance. Players in that zone, have been trained properly and are applying said training to the match play. They aren’t learning (learning is for the practice gym), they’re applying…two entirely different things…and in each play they’re reading the scenario and applying the proper action to get the best result. You can be in peak performance and still lose the point and even the match…perhaps your opponent is better trained, more physical, or even the ball just doesn’t bounce your way…but your only chance to win at a high level against a solid to better opponent means living in peak performance for the majority of the match.
At the left side of the bell curve is boredom. When a team is bored, the players struggle to string things together because there is nothing challenging coming from the opponent. Teams that train to compete with themselves, and not to the opponent, do better here because the competition doesn’t matter. The competition lies against itself. Nonetheless, when not stimulated to compete, players fall to the boredom side and become sloppy, unengaged, even mocking the opponent…which is never a good idea.
At the right side of the bell curve is overwhelmed. Deer in headlights. Here, the play is moving too fast for the player to comprehend. The environment is too crazy to focus. The training they’ve had is not advanced enough to counter the expertise of the opponent. Quicksand forms…i.e. the ability for the players to move competently is slogged and slowed. Even easy plays become adventures, all the while the opponent takes the team less and less seriously. The wheels to the train come off and the crash usually leaves the team deflated.
Oddly enough, overwhelmed and bored provide the almost the same result…inefficient, sloppy, and ugly play. In the final four of the playoffs both can be seen. If one team goes into overwhelmed and stays too long, the opposing team can land themselves in boredom. The most exciting matches are when both teams hover at peak performance, only dipping into overwhelmed from time to time with good coaching bringing them out of it relatively quickly. The quickest matches are when one team goes into overwhelmed, while the other stays in peak performance. See Westerly at Lincoln last week.
Fans of volleyball love this time of year as the best teams duke it out for the right to be called champions. Thus, here is to all the teams left…may they stay in peak performance for as long as possible!
Finals Fours…
D1:
North Kingstown vs. North Smithfield at Rhode Island College - Seems fitting that the only team to sneak a win on North Kingstown will now see the Skippers at Rhode Island College for the D1 semi-finals. The pin advantage belongs to the Skippers, Middles and Setting are with North Smithfield, and the Liberos are a push. I have NK in five, but you never know how things will unfold. Here are some other questions to think about…
Questions…
Can Quinlan Fahy slow down Tom Matchett?
Can Connor DeSousa outscore Ryan Rathbun?
Can North Smithfield serve receive the serving of Ryan Harrington and Cody Tow well enough, so Caden Sullivan isn’t constantly on the run?
Can North Kingstown’s setting situation rise to the occasion?
Which Libero will make the game changing play, Ben Sousa or Stephen Dufour?
Cranston East vs. LaSalle Academy at Rhode Island College - One of the upsets of the season was by the Cranston East Bolts when they hosted the Rams. To that point, only North Kingstown had dented the defending champs and thus the Bolts dismantling of LaSalle was jarring. Now the Rams and Bolts get to settle it on the neutral floor of Rhode Island College…which I believe plays better for LaSalle. I have LaSalle topping the Bolts in four, especially if CE serves quasi poorly. More things to consider…
Questions…
Can LaSalle pass well enough to run the offense and be dominant at the net?
Can Dennis Dixon score enough in the middle to give some split blocks to the pins?
Can Jahmir Evans and David Green score enough points to not allow triple blocks on Ephraim?
Can Ty Cotta out duel Larry Yin at the Libero position?
Can Carlos Lora generate enough kills to compliment Charles Pincince against the top blocking team in the state?
D2
Cranston West vs. Lincoln at Cranston West - During the week that Cranston West suffered their first defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs, Lincoln piled on and scored a knockout making it a two-match slide for the Falcons. The CW would only taste defeat one other time, again with those darn Bulldogs. Now, Lincoln travels to the Nest of Cranston West in what could be a defining match for D2. Lincoln, the defending champs, feel like last year’s team…clicking on all cylinders late. The CW is at home and their barn is no picnic. I’ve lost on the Lions once already…thus, I’ll pick the Lions in four. Here are some questions for the match to consider…
Questions…
Can the Falcons survive the tips and rolls that inevitably will come their way from Lincoln?
Can the front line of the Lions stifle Chris Harvey on the pin?
Can the CW slow down the attack from Austin Noel?
Who will win the libero battle, as the ball control situation may mean everything in this one?
Can Christian and Ashton Mak slow down Wayne McNamara enough to stay two ahead?
Barrington vs. East Providence at Barrington - Eagles and Townies split in the regular season, both getting victories on their home floor. Barrington’s win was early on when East Providence was having trouble getting their footing. The Townies got their five-set win when Barrington started to feel the heat of being a top player late in the ball game. Both of these teams thrive at home, so lucky for the Eagles, EP has to come to them. The Townies barely survived Central (having the match I thought Westerly and Lincoln would have), but there has been some rest in between and usually that’s not what is afforded after a playoff five-set grind. I still think Barrington has it here and though it may go five, Eagles break through to the finals. Thoughts to consider…
Can EP slow down the middle attack of the Eagles, Jimmy Ciummo especially?
Can the Eagles frustrate DJ Lepine and Jordan Rodrigues on the pins?
Can Loden Broe get his attackers the best matchups possible?
Can Cam Kelley generate enough points from the service line to go with his attacks at the net?
Who will make the key play for their team, Luke Andsager or Brandon Mimande?
D3
Tolman vs. Portsmouth at Tolman - Portsmouth’s upset of Scituate, great for Portsmouth, but a weird match to watch. It was almost as if Scituate failed to realize that Portsmouth was aiming to win the matchup. Granted, I wasn’t in the gym, but watching from the lonely camera in the corner, it just appeared Scituate never got going. Still, all the praise to Portsmouth who now have a tougher challenge ahead…Tolman. The boys from Pawtucket aren’t just the number one seed. They are the team destined to set things right. I have Tolman in three, however, if Portsmouth can lull Tolman to sleep as they did to Scituate…perhaps the volleyball Gods will share their disdain for destined futures. More thoughts on the match…
Questions…
Can Portsmouth win the battle in the middle with John Casey and Jaylen Ivy?
Can Fernando Baptista find openings for strong matchups throughout the match?
Can Tolman slow down the pin play of Sean Wilkey?
Will Portsmouth have enough net presence to dissuade Julio Correia from taking over the match?
Whose ball control will win the day and send their team to RIC?
Central Falls vs. Juantia Sanchez at Central Falls - This one is challenging for a number of reasons. First, we don’t know if Central Falls will beat Johnston to get here. Odds are yes, they will, but they play the games for a reason. Secondly, should Central Falls upend Johnston, they will turn around and host Juanita Sanchez in the semifinals and JS is no easy vic. Central Falls is a one / two combo, whereas JS is more of a balanced attack that oddly comes mainly through the middle of the court. Two vastly different styles, only one winner. Two enter, one may leave…for all of you Mad Max fans out there. Lots of “ifs” but I’m going to go with Juanita Sanchez in four. Something tells me this JS side is bound for a finals visit. Other questions on this one…
Questions…
Can JS devise a game plan to slow down Jamilson in this match?
Can Central Falls pass well enough to allow the offense to get the necessary swings needed and keep Jovanny Lopez in the setter box?
Can Central Falls adjust their blocking to take away some opportunities from Eliah Torres and Cristian Caceres?
Can Jonathan Lopez put up a strong enough block to catch Jamilson a couple of times?
Whose serve and pass game will get it done enough to advance?
Big State Games of the Week…
Ephraim Abhulime - Pin - LaSalle Academy - 20 kills, 2 blocks, 13 digs vs. Bishop Hendricken
David Green - Pin - LaSalle Academy - 13 kills, 5 digs vs. Bishop Hendricken
Ali Abdur-Razzak - Setter - LaSalle Academy - 44 assists, 9 digs, 3 blocks vs. Bishop Hendricken
Jordan Rodrigues - Pin - East Providence - 14 kills, 8 digs vs. Central
Brandon Mimande - Pin - East Providence - 11 kills, 5 aces, 3 blocks, 12 digs vs. Central
Pedro Medeiros - Middle - East Providence - 4 kills, 6 aces, 5 blocks vs. Central
Jet Nascimento - Pin - Central - 28 kills, 15 digs at East Providence
Allen Saurez - Libero - Central - 19 digs, 3 aces at East Providence
Thanantkul Chan - Setter - Central - 32 assists, 5 digs at East Providence
Cody Tow - Pin - North Kingstown - 12 kills, 3 aces, 5 digs vs. Chariho
Quinlan Fahy - Middle - North Kingstown - 10 kills, 4 blocks vs. Chariho
Carlos Lora - Pin - Cranston East - 13 kills, 12 digs, 2 blocks vs. East Greenwich
Larry Yin - Libero - Cranston East - 20 digs vs. East Greenwich
The Third Annual ResV Systems Charity All-Star Match is on June 15th at East Greenwich High School! 9:30am start for the Girls Match, 1:30pm start for the Boys Match. Over 50 student athletes participating! First usage of the Super Point! Fan games between sets three and four (Bounce Contest, Ace Jack Pincince, and more)! Portion of the Proceeds go to the Tomorrow Fund!
Many Thanks to our Sponsors of the ResV All-Star Match…South County Volleyball Club, New England AAU, Lost Traveler, A+ Kettlecorn, Envy Volleyball Club, KG Podcast, and Lockdown Volleyball Club!
ResV Team of the Week…
Pin- Jet Nascimento (Central) - Sr. - Jet saved his last match of his high school career to be a borderline masterpiece. All season, Central struggled to win matches, and though they won enough to get in the playoffs, going to EP is hardly a reward for the season. Jet went off, though, scaring EP to five with 28 kills and almost pulled off the upset.
Pin- Ephraim Abhulime (LaSalle Academy) - Sr. - If the big fella gets going, trouble has come to you. Ephraim dropping 20 kills on Hendricken in the quarters signifies two things…first, he could lead them to a second championship if he can replicate that performance just two more times. Second, if he can roll like this for the rest of the playoffs, his teammates will score at will seeing single or no blocks. Trouble has come, indeed.
Middle- Quinlan Fahy (North Kingstown) - Sr. - Big Q has helped NK submit the final piece of the puzzle. Most figured that Harrington and Tow would lead the charge, and they have. The question was could there be another pin or two to stretch the net? Enter Ryan Rathbun. Rathbun’s emerging success was helped immensely by Fahy scoring points. If Q got going, there just wasn’t enough blockers to stop it all and hence Rathbun had singles or an open net. Q’s blocking is what most recognize, but his ability to score opened up everything and this week, score he did.
Middle- Pedro Medeiros (East Providence) - Sr. - What I like about Pedro’s game is that he is remarkable at blocking one-on-one in the middle. Normally, a one-on-one situation plays well for the attacker, especially in the middle. Not with Medeiros. He’s got a knack for dropping his hands into the attack and securing a block point when everyone in the gym is thinking the opposite will occur. His play this past week was crucial for EP advancing.
Pin- Carlos Lora (Cranston East) - Sr. - There is little question that Lora’s presence on the floor changed the trajectory of the Cranston East season. Once Carlos was available, CE started winning matches. Lots of them. His passing ability along with his defensive ground game immediately shored up weaknesses for his side, and it was only a matter of time before his offense would catch up. Now getting 10 plus kills a night along with his standard digging and passing…well, CE is in the final four…and they want more.
Setter- Ali Abdur-Razzak (LaSalle Academy) - Sr. - It’s been an interesting season for the senior setter. Regardless of it all, his play in the quarterfinals was tip top. 44 assists in a three setter is tough to do and it showcased if you are going to stop the Rams, your lefts better be able to block what’s coming from the right. Ali is a good blocker, a strategic thinker, and can certainly lead his squad to collect all the marbles. Only two more to go to do just that.
Libero- Allen Saurez (Central) - Sr. - Like his teammate, Jet, Saurez gave his all in his final match as a high schooler. Pushing East Providence to the limit, Suarez collected 19 digs and 3 aces, keeping his team in the match to the very end. Liberos are often like a lighter when camping…you don’t need one, but you’re so happy if you have one that does the job. Saurez did the job well this past week and rightly so is recognized.
ResV Top 15…(Teams in Bold are still alive in the Playoffs)
North Kingstown (18 - 1)
Cranston East (18 - 3)
North Smithfield (15 - 4)
LaSalle Academy (16 - 4)
Classical (10 - 9)
Barrington (13 - 4)
East Providence (15 - 4)
Cranston West (14 - 4)
Lincoln (13 - 4)
Westerly (9 - 8)
Bishop Hendricken (7 - 12)
East Greenwich (6 - 13)
Tolman/Shea (17 - 2)
Central Falls (16 - 2)
Juanita Sanchez (16 - 3)
Receiving Votes… Portsmouth, Mt. Hope, Toll Gate, Scituate, Chariho, Central, Johnston
ResV Player of the Week…
Week 1 - Spencer Warburton (East Greenwich)
Week 2 - Jack Kenyon (Westerly)
Week 3 - Charlie Pincince (Cranston East)
Week 4 - Ryan Harrington (North Kingstown)
Week 5 - Ben Warr (Bishop Hendricken) / James Men (Classical)
Week 6 - Tom Matchett (North Smithfield)
Week 7 - Jack Kenyon (Westerly) / Ephraim Abhulime (LaSalle Academy)
Week 8 - Jack Kenyon (Westerly) / Jet Nascimento (Central) / Caleb Xum (Cranston East)
Week 9 - Ephriam Abhulime (LaSalle Academy) / Jet Nascimento (Central) - Ephraim’s 20 kills and Jet’s 28 kills showcased two players putting it together in the quarterfinals and doing their job in a playoff atmosphere. Only Ephraim is moving on, but Jet’s play, along with Ephraim’s, were easily the top level of play on the week.
ResV Honorable Baller of the Week…
Week 5 - Cam Dotter (Coventry)
Week 6 - Bill Gates (South Kingstown)
Week 7 - Masiah Prak-Preaster (Coventry)
Week 8 - Ivan Ramos (North Providence)
Week 9 - Sean Wilkey (Portsmouth) - Wilkey’s team advanced, upsetting Scituate, and a lot of that match went the way it did due to the blocking of Mr. Wilkey. He set his block well, ensured the attackers could really do a lot of damage down the line and his attacking kept pressure on Scituate ensuring that, if nothing else, siding out in transition would be uncomfortable.
To send season updates, stories, and players to consider…or inquire about coffee beans that Coach roasts himself, to Coach Reslow - Scott.Reslow@protonmail.com
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