Loudoun County, Va. — Boys Volleyball has arrived in Loudoun County, and teams and players are already making their mark. After two weeks of regular season play, top teams have started to emerge. While there is still plenty of time for things to change as players continue to develop and teams find their rhythm, the hottest teams to start the inaugural season are featured here.
1. Freedom
The Eagles are a perfect 6-0 through the first few weeks of play, having only dropped one set each to Potomac Falls, Loudoun County, and No. 4 Broad Run. Sweeps of Woodgrove, Dominion, and Rock Ridge also helped them earn the top spot in the first edition of the LoCo Top 5. Led by senior outside hitter Simon Bigham, senior setter Eistein Gunawan, and junior right side hitter James Glover, the Freedom team includes experienced weapons who are familiar with the game and know how to score. The Eagles will look to continue their winning ways when they host Stone Bridge on September 10, Osbourn Park on September 14, and Loudoun Valley on September 17. They will also be tested against No. 2 Lightridge on September 15 in what could be a battle for the top spot in the next LoCo Top 5.
2. Lightridge
The Lightning are off to a quick start, also boasting a 6-0 record. After winning a 5-set battle against Independence in their first match of the season, Lightridge cruised to sweeps of John Champe, Woodgrove, Loudoun Valley, and Heritage and picked up a 4-set victory over Loudoun County. Junior outside hitter Peter Kwon is a 6-rotation player who brings knowledge and experience to the game, while junior middle hitter Vishnu Venkatesan and sophomore outside hitter Tyson Burgess show promise, power, and potential. The Lightning will be at home for their next three matches, including games against Potomac Falls on September 14, No. 1 Freedom on September 15, and Stone Bridge on September 17.
3. Tuscarora
The Huskies earned sweeps against Potomac Falls, Stone Bridge, and John Champe to start the season 3-0. Although they haven’t been tested as much as other teams on this list (yet), Tuscarora has established a baseline of consistency and fundamentals. Even when they were down during some sets, the Huskies maintained composure and found ways to turn the tide in their favor. Behind the leadership of junior outside hitter Drew Dickersheid, ball control of junior setter Kellen Hill, and power of junior middle hitter Aloysius Jose, Tuscarora brings a well-balanced team effort to the court. Games against Dominion on September 15 and Heritage on September 17 will determine if the Huskies can keep their win streak alive.
4. Broad Run
The Spartans opened the season on a 3-0 win streak with victories over Stone Bridge, Potomac Falls, and No. 5 Briar Woods, and the only blemish to their record is a 3-1 loss to No. 1 Freedom. Senior outside hitter Joshua Collins is experienced at multiple positions and skills and elevates the level of play for this team. Other key contributors include a young mix of up-and-coming players: sophomore setters Skyler Amaya and Connor Bibbs, freshman right side hitter Harsha Selamselam, and sophomore libero Matthew Wong. Broad Run has a full week to prepare for their next matches when they’ll host Riverside on September 14 and John Champe on September 15.
5. Briar Woods
Four straight sweeps over Independence, Woodgrove, Loudoun County, and Heritage got the Falcons off to a strong start. Although they dropped a tight match to No. 4 Broad Run, they rebounded with another sweep over Riverside. The offense is run by senior setter Nicholas Friend and anchored by 6-rotation sophomore outside hitter Caden Sorensen. Senior right side hitter Charlie Hartmann is another critical contributor who can find ways to score from the pins. Briar Woods will continue with district play when they host Stone Bridge on September 14 and travel to Potomac Falls on September 15 and John Champe on September 17.
On the bubble: Independence
After dropping their first match to No. 5 Briar Woods, the Tigers went to five in their next three matches, gaining victories against Patriot and Riverside and falling to No. 2 Lightridge. A sweep of Stone Bridge and a loss to Battlefield put Independence at 3-3 and just outside the Top 5. The Tigers’ next match is on September 9 against Osbourn Park. After that they are on the road at Loudoun County on September 14, Unity Reed on September 15, and Patriot on September 17. A few more wins could give this team what they need to break into the LoCo Top 5.