SMASHING SUCCESS: Canton boys VB team off to great start
Micah Styles, shown smashing a kill against Divine Child, also swims for Canton High School.
When you’re coaching a school’s first-ever boys varsity volleyball team, it’s hard to say if your players’ skill level is closer to that of a casual family-reunion-type player or that of an Olympian.
Following the Cobras’ first six matches this spring, Canton Head Coach Bev Lardin’s roster is closer to Olympic than reunion.
Fueled by the efforts of multiple players who have significant experience in club volleyball, the Cobras started their season 5-1 heading into Wednesday’s matches against Novi and Northville.
During Monday’s three-set sweep of Dearborn Divine Child, the Cobras displayed cohesiveness and a clear understanding of the sport’s intricacies.
Canton’s number 67 is a rocket launcher
Also, it doesn’t hurt to have a 6-foot-7 hitter like Micah Styles – who by the way wears the number 6-7 — and experienced captains like Abhiram Moolagani and Connor Dickinson, the team’s fantastic setter.
“First of all, this is a great group of kids,” said Lardin, a physical education teacher at Canton High School. “It’s nice having some of my players in my classes, too. They’re very coachable and they’re making my first year as a coach run as smoothly as possible.”
Canton’s only loss prior to Wednesday was a hard-fought 25-19, 25-17 setback to Hartland, which is among the inaugural state-ranked teams.
Interest in boys volleyball strong
Lardin said 25 Canton students tried out for the team. That number was cut to 15 as Lardin wants all of the players on varsity to receive ample playing time.
“Seven kids who tried out kind of cut themselves because after the first tryout they realized they weren’t quite good enough,” Lardin said. “I had to cut three others, which was tough.
Lardin said she feels fortunate to have a player of Dickinson’s caliber to help run the offense.
“Connor has played a lot of volleyball for L2, which is a great program,” Lardin said. “As far as all-around players, our best is probably Abhiram, who can do it all.”
Sophomore libero is solid
Sophomore libero Cain Koche was a defensive wizard against Divine Child, while outside hitter Mason Kozak displayed some serious hops.
Lardin will be assisted by Canton senior Abby Valenzuela, who starred for the Cobras’ girls team this past fall.
“Abby is an amazing player and it’s great to have someone like her to be a source for advice for the players who don’t have a ton of experience.
“So far, everything is going great. We’re still learning how the rotation aspect works, but they boys are learning fast.”
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
