April 21, 2006

LeyVa captures section volleyball championship

Ruiz, Brown, Nwuzi lead the way

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

The LeyVa boys seized the Santa Clara County Section volleyball championship from 16 competing middle schools in the program’s fledgling third year this spring, yet several stars will not play on in high school.

LeyVa’s co-Most Valuable Players Kimo Ruiz (L) and Tristan Brown (R) pose with the laurels of the school's first ever section championship this spring.

While LeyVa is quietly building a second-to-none feeder program for local high schools to forecast future lineups from, the real benefactors—Mount Pleasant, Silver Creek, and Evergreen Valley High Schools—remain without boys’ volleyball programs.

“It’s unfortunate, but none of the schools we feed into have boys’ volleyball programs,” said LeyVa Coach Annie Williams. “Maybe this trend at the junior high level will catch on in high school. My goal is that players leave LeyVa with a new appreciation for the sport and continue playing even if it is purely recreational. Nonetheless, if they do choose to play competitively, I know they can all be successful.”

In her second year leading the Bulldogs (9-2, 6-2), Williams said the boys enjoyed their finest season, based on common ‘zen’ composure on the floor and the fact that they perpetually played hard, indifferent to pressure. The success poured out, she said, and sooner than expected.

“To win league my first year and then a section title in my second was so exciting for all of us,” said Williams. “Hopefully we can continue adding dates to that banner and really build a winning reputation for LeyVa Volleyball. I have been lucky enough in the last two years to get really athletic, hardworking, and cooperative young men to play for me.”

LeyVa returned just two players from last season; however, that included Co-Most Valuable Player Tristan Brown and, perhaps the most talented player in the league, Chijoke Nwuzi.

Newcomer Kimo Ruiz split MVP honors with Brown.

Brown was the team’s most prolific setter. He never left the floor, according to Williams.

“His major strength is his knowledge of the game and ability to make smart decisions on the court,” said Williams. “Tristan is also very quick and has great hands.”

Nwuzi was reportedly the team’s most dominant player.

“After every game, I got comments about how awesome this kid was from random refs and people in the stands,” said Williams. “I would say he was the most intimidating and most powerful player in the league. When he was on, he would come away with an easy 15 kills per game.”

Sizable Nwuzi intends to play basketball at Oak Grove next year.

Ruiz was the sleeper star this season. In his first year playing volleyball, he became a student of the game with consistency and dedication. Williams said that Ruiz went out, gave 110-percent, and always did what was asked.

“Kimo scored many crucial kills and aces for us in the close games we played during league,” said Williams. “Even when we lose the first game or are down by several points, this team always stays focused and finds a way to come back. They are not the least bit phased by pressure.”

Williams cited an early game versus Sylvandale that changed the season and solidified the Bulldog persona.

“We were down by 18 points and miraculously came back to win 26-24,” said Williams. “Most teams would have missed a serve or made an error, but this team had the common goal of winning and didn't let anything get in their way.”

Williams also described a difficult mid-season span when four of six starters were inactive, due to sickness and injury.

“It really opened their eyes,” said Williams. “Other players had to step up and become leaders, but we still ended up winning all those games. It showed them that we had a lot of depth and potential.”

LeyVa also stacked momentum when they upset previously undefeated Ocala in the final regular season match of the season. They cruised from there, hammering Murphy, Bret Harte and Mathson to win the section.

“I always tell my boys to play with pride,” said Williams. “Everything they put over that net has to represent their best effort. I also am a strong believer in brains over brawn at this level because you see that it is always the team with the least mistakes that wins. It is great to slam down a really hard kill. But it is defense, service consistency, and ball placement that really win games at this level.”