Conference Preview: SEC
Day 1 of the girls’ high school season has come and gone with some high-quality volleyball. However, that does not mean our conference previews are done! Next up is the SEC! The Super Essex Conference has talent at every position…
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Continue ReadingDay 1 of the girls’ high school season has come and gone with some high-quality volleyball. However, that does not mean our conference previews are done! Next up is the SEC! The Super Essex Conference has talent at every position on the court making it difficult to give recognition to everyone. So let’s give it a shot by looking at the favorites, dark horses and players to keep an eye on.
Last Season
In the SEC, it was an intriguing season to say the least with one squad going unbeaten in their regular season, Columbia which was a massive shocker to many. A senior-heavy group turned the tables from a struggling 2019-20 season. However, the team did not play in postseason play. Meanwhile, Verona went on to win a sectional championship.
Favorites
Verona
Verona is the clear frontrunner in my opinion this season. The team has a majority of their core returning and this team is coming off a sectional title. They can beat you in a multitude of ways and their only losses last season were in three-sets. Every match they play, they will have a chance. This team is in my preseason top 10 because I believe they are threat not just for the SEC but the entire thing.
Livingston
One of the two teams to take down Verona last season was Livingston. The teams success is playing together and sharing the ball around. They had six players with 20 plus digs which showcases how they have all bought in. A young core returns who had significant playing time so will be a matter of whether they can take the next step.
Dark Horses
Barringer
Barringer is a deep with extreme depth that had 10 players record significant stats. A rotation that deep makes it a struggle for any team to prepare for and with 8 of them returning this season. Don’t be surprised if they make a significant push in the SEC. This is a team that understands who they are and the depth gives them a substantial advantage.
West Caldwell Tech
Lastly, we have West Caldwell Tech. A team that is going to be senior heavy with an all-around player in Angelyse Orellana who led the team in kills, assists and aces. She was second in digs. The team has talent but it will come down to how far she can carry them.
Players to Watch
Angelyse Orellana (West Caldwell Tech; S)
Patricia Rakova Patricia Rakova OH Verona | 2023 State NJ (Verona; OH)
Gabriela Rojas (Belleville; DS/L)
Jenna Ly (Livingston; S)
Jenna Vega (Cedar Grove; OH)
Lucinda Edwards (West Orange; OH)
Jacqueline Rosario (Payne Tech; S)