Over the past two seasons, the Saint Ignatius volleyball program has blossomed into the dominant force in Northeast Ohio volleyball.
So, it's no surprise that the Volleyball Cats dominated the Ohio High School Boys Volleyball Association (OHSBVA) North Region team.
The Wildcats placed two players apiece on the first, second, and honorable mention teams. And for the first time in program history, a Wildcat is the North Region Player of the Year.
In the midst of a remarkable junior campaign, Philip Catanzaro garnered the treasured honor as the top volleyball player in Northeast Ohio volleyball.
The recognition is well-deserved. Catanzaro has guided the Wildcats to a 17-4 record in 2018. The Volleyball Cats are a good squad without Catanzaro on the floor, but when the 5'11" force of nature steps onto the court, the Wildcats become a great team.
Through 21 contests, Catanzaro has tallied 141 of the team's 639 kills. Few players are as deadly at the net. Just as adept in the back row, Catanzaro has tabbed 110 digs this year. The junior has a whopping 55 aces from the service line, along with a serve percentage of 85.8%. If you're an opponent, you don't want to see Catanzaro on the court.
"Phil is very deserving of his player of the year honor," said Head Coach Jacob Layden. "All year, he was able to lift us up when our energy level and execution was not where it needed to be. He also was able to play his best volleyball against our best competition and in critical situations."
Joining Catanzaro on the first team is Quinn Flanagan. The sophomore sits just behind Catanzaro with 139 kills. Adding 20 blocks, Flanagan has showed off his power at the net. The 6'3" outside hitter can coax fire flames out of the ball with his powerful spikes or tap it to gaps into opposing teams' defenses. With 71 digs and 38 aces under his belt this year, Flanagan is part of a bright future for the Cats.
Teddy Koncelik and Aidan McCaffrey earned spots on the second-team. Koncelik has burst forth as a special middle blocker this season. Using his 6'5" frame, Koncelik has served as a critical member of the front row in 2018. The skilled junior has recorded 83 kills thus far, adding a team-best 36 blocks.
McCaffrey has delivered wonderful results as the squad's setter. The senior leader has tabulated an impressive 448 assists so far this season, averaging eight per game. McCaffrey has also accounted for 67 digs and 24 blocks, always ready to contribute in any way possible.
David Castele and Vincent Holzheimer round out the Wildcat honorees with spots on the honorable mention squads. A quiet team leader, Castele has done it all for the Wildcats this year. The senior has 85 kills, 80 digs, 35 aces, and 15 blocks thus far. His efforts as an outside hitter have helped tremendously. Holzheimer has similarly played a significant role for the Wildcats, filling the spot of libero for most of the season. Holzheimer tops the team with 160 digs in a strong sophomore season.
"I'm proud of all six guys, along with our entire team," said Layden. "Each player has worked hard all season long. And as a team, our guys have given a great effort all season."
The Volleyball Cats will round out the regular season on Thursday, traveling to face the Massillon Jackson Polar Bears.