By MARC RAIMONDI
The traditional powers were sent home early this season in the PSAL with a final four that featured Bryant, Academy of American Studies, New Utrecht and Brooklyn Tech. The Owls ended up with the city title, breaking Cardozo’s three-year reign atop the league.
In the CHSAA, Regis won the city title, despite a trying season in which its gym was destroyed in a fire. St. Francis Prep advanced all the way to the CHSAA Nassau/Suffolk final before falling to St. Anthony’s (L.I.).
All-City boys’ volleyball Player of the Year: Troy Gaugler, Bryant
His two brothers, Todd and Tyler, already had PSAL city championships at Cardozo and the running joke throughout the playoffs was that he wouldn’t be allowed home if he didn’t win one, too. Gaugler wouldn’t have to seek out a new place to live. The powerful senior outside hitter had 10 kills to lead Bryant past Academy of American Studies for its first title since 2005. He was easily the most valuable player in the postseason.
All-City boys’ volleyball Coach of the Year: Alex Chan, Regis
Emotionally, it was a tough year for Regis and Chan. The Upper East Side school’s gym was destroyed in a fire late in the season when the Raiders had earned home court advantage for the playoffs. Chan also was mourning the death of his grandmother. But he pulled the team together en route to a second straight CHSAA city championship.
First Team
S Hansel Collado, John F. Kennedy
The season completely changed when Collado returned from being sidelined with an appendicitis. The sure-handed senior and leader made Kennedy’s offense go, leading the Knights to the PSAL quarterfinals.
S Justin Dumadag, McKee/Staten Island Tech
Smooth with excellent size, Dumadag not only ran MSIT’s offense to perfection, he caused all kinds of trouble for opposing teams at the net. The senior won MVP honors in the Seagulls’ Cardozo tournament victory.
OH Nino Hot, Academy of American Studies
Known for his long hair, Hot did a little bit of everything to lead the Eagles to the PSAL city championship match. The senior has a powerful swing, was a good passer and an excellent server — but his leadership is what Coach Josh Yang appreciated most.
OH Michal Kasza, Academy of American Studies
Not the tallest or most physically imposing, Kasza could still really pound the ball. American Studies fed off his energy en route to the PSAL city championship match. The sophomore could be the city’s best player the next two seasons.
MH/OH Tony Koyfman, Bayside
The 6-foot-8 tower was a menace at the net and perhaps the city’s most dominant player. Koyfman helped Bayside hand Cardozo its first league loss in seven years and although the Commodores didn’t make a deep playoff run, the senior was a true star.
L Godwin Sequeira, Bryant
Star outside hitter Troy Gaugler drew most of the press, but Sequeira was the backbone of the team, a point that Coach Steve Hagenlocher would make often. The junior was arguably the best defensive player in the city.
Second Team
OH Joon Baak, Hunter College HS
A natural libero, Baak played out of position out of necessity and still excelled, helping Hunter to the PSAL quarterfinals. His passing and defense was superior to anyone else.
OH/S Bryan Hu, Seward Park
Whether it was a booming kill or a perfectly placed set, Hu made big play after big play for Seward Park. His versatility was a major reason the Bears advanced to the PSAL quarterfinals.
OH/S Qing Ze Jiang, New Utrecht
The junior had to step up when Li Fu Chen was lost for the playoffs in warm-ups before the first round. All he did was lead the Utes to their first-ever PSAL semifinals under Coach Jennifer Lopez.
OH Yanni Malo, St. Francis Prep
The senior packed a serious punch in leading St. Francis Prep to its first CHSAA Nassau/Suffolk championship match in five years. Malo was the Terriers’ go-to hitter in big spots.
OH Brian Ryu, Brooklyn Tech
The hard-hitting Ryu took on the pressure of being the team’s lone regular returning stride. The senior helped lead the Engineers to their second PSAL semifinals appearance in two years.
OH/S Glenn Vargas, Seward Park
Smooth with his sets, Vargas was also dangerous on the outside with his big swing. He and Bryan Hu combined for one of the city’s best 1-2 punches in leading Seward to the PSAL quarterfinals.
Honorable Mention
OH Angel Acosta, John F. Kennedy
OH Serhan Akturk, Midwood
OH Mirsad Bektesevic, Bryant
MH Billy Carballeira, Regis
OH Tyler Gaugler, Cardozo
S Jerry Henriquez, Bronx Science
OH Francis Jimenez, Richmond Hill
MH Anthony Jones, Brooklyn Tech
MH Kevin Leu, Hunter College HS
OH Alex Ratner, McKee/Staten Island Tech
