The MIAA boys’ volleyball season is underway. Here are 12 players to watch from Eastern Mass. leagues and conferences.
Finn Bell, Wayland — Entering the year as Wayland’s career kills leader, the senior outside is dangerous with every touch. He recorded 414 kills last season as the Warriors made the D2 final a second consecutive year.
Ben Cleary, BC High — As a junior, the outside set the program record for kills in a season (341) while providing invaluable passing and more than a few blocks.
Matty Cloonan, Needham — On a Rockets team that refuses to miss the D1 finals, Cloonan emerged as a top outside option. The team graduated middles and right sides, so the emphasis may be stronger on the left pin.
Gus Da Silva, Milford — Taking over for graduated Alex Guerra at outside is a daunting task, and even as he was finding the right balance, Da Silva put up 368 kills, 206 digs, 29 aces, and 20 blocks. He’s in line for a big senior year for the Scarlet Hawks, back in D2.
Luke Dratch, Natick — In terms of pure setting, there may not be anyone better in Massachusetts. Starting for the first time as a junior last year, Dratch compiled 800 assists, 45 kills, 20 blocks, and 21 aces
Tri Duong, Latin Academy — Entering his junior year season, the 5-foot-4-inch libero is one of the best in the state at keeping a volleyball off the floor.
Baylor Mandell, Newton South — An invitee to the National Team Development Program, the sophomore, who transferred from Weston, brings power to the outside and a deceptive serve.
Otavio Perks, O’Bryant — He picks his moments, but Perks can take over a match when he needs to. The City League’s best hitter, Perks makes a strong duo with setter Max Dong.
Nic Sanchez de Rojas, Lexington — The only member of the Minutemen’s big three at the net to return this season, the senior aims to continue momentum from what was one of Lexington’s best seasons, reaching the D1 quarterfinals. He can hit anywhere along the net, and has the quickness to find and adjust angles.
Vitou Seng, Lowell — Centerpiece of a Red Raiders squad that continues its hold on the Merrimack Valley, Seng sets at an elite level, but also put up 100 kills and wasn’t afraid to dig a few balls.
Alec Smagula, Brookline — The senior, named a captain his freshman season, is relentless in finding ways to influence a match. As a setter, he touches the ball the most, and in the Warriors’ championship run last year he racked up 669 assists and more than 160 digs, 45 kills, and 40 blocks.
Ridty Tauch, Chelmsford — Having played backyard volleyball growing up, the junior is blossoming as an attacker in the indoor game. He leads a Lions squad that looks to make noise in the Merrimack Valley and beyond.
AJ Traub can be reached at aj.traub@globe.com. Follow him on X @aj_traub and Instagram @ajt37.