Peter Samore
LA CANADA HIGH -- At the beginning of the season, La Canada boys'
volleyball Coach Kevin Boyke didn't envision his team earning a spot in
the postseason. The Spartans did not not have a setter and were coming
off a dismal 1-9 Rio Hondo League record the season before.
Boyke, in his first season as coach, came in to see that his team had
a sizable amount of height and quickness. However, the team was
young--featuring only two seniors--and this might it might not have been
enough to get into the playoffs.
But the Spartans matured quickly, finishing third in league and
entering the postseason as a wild card team. La Canada (11-9) defeated
both Bishop Amat and Cypress highs and now finds itself hosting Dos
Pueblos High of Santa Barbara at 7 p.m. tonight in a CIF Southern Section
Division II second-round playoff match.
"We've come in everyday and given 100 percent to accomplish our
goals," Boyke said. "It shows in the wins and after a couple of playoff
games, we get to bring one home."
All top-three Rio Hondo teams--San Marino and South Pasadena highs are
the others--are still in the postseason. Like La Canada, Dos Pueblos
(13-9) finished third in the Channel League behind Santa Barbara and San
Marcos highs. And like the Rio Hondo teams, all three Channel teams play
second round matches tonight.
"That says something about our leagues," Boyke said. "That shows we're
definitely one of the most improved teams. Everyone is still in
contention."
The Chargers bring Allan Mount with them to La Canada High. In their
win against Whittier High Friday night, Mount had 15 kills and eight
blocks. Teammate Damon Jenkins is known for his leaping ability and
contributed 10 kills and six blocks.
Though Dos Pueblos is known for being a little slow on the court, it
is one of the better blocking teams in Santa Barbara.
Because the Spartans haven't seen the Chargers this season, Boyke says
his team will go all out and swing at everything in the first game and
make adjustments after that.
Perhaps what will help La Canada the most is playing on its home
court.
"We should have a huge crowd behind us," senior Jason Kim said. "We
always do well at home."
Boyke added: "I'm real excited about being at home. We've been on the
road the last two matches. It's nice to have Dos Pueblos drive down
instead of us going up there."
Village Christian at Bishop Diego, 7 p.m.: The Crusaders (22-0) travel
to Santa Barbara tonight to face the Cardinals in a CIF Southern Section
Division III second-round playoff match. Bishop Diego finished third in
the Tri-Valley League and is coming off a first-round win Friday over St.
Joseph High, 8-15, 16-14, 15-7, 15-7.
Village Christian, the Alpha League champion, beat Brethren Christian
15-7, 15-6, 15-10 Thursday at Village Christian.
The Cardinals feature 6-foot-10 Nick Scheftic in the middle, who had
20 kills and 10 blocks Friday. The also have hitter Brad Vickers, who
added 13 kills in Friday's win.
Like Dos Pueblos, Bishop Diego is regarded as a good blocking team.
However, speed is somewhat to be desired, something Village Christian may
be able to take advantage of.
IF YOU GO
WHO: La Canada and Dos Pueblos highs
WHAT: CIF Southern Section Division II second round boys' volleyball
playoff match
WHEN: 7 p.m. tonight
WHERE: La Canada High, 4463 Oak Grove Dr., La Canada
