Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
McCarthy out; Gibbons will go to state tourney
Archbishop McCarthy will not get the chance to defend its state boys volleyball title this weekend in Naples as the Mavericks fell 3-0 to Cardinal Gibbons in Tuesday’s regionals.
The Chiefs (23-4), advancing to the eight-team state tournament for the first time in nine years, swept the Mavs 25-15, 25-20, 25-18 at Archbishop McCarthy High in Southwest Ranches.
Junior outside hitter Reece Kramer led Gibbons with 19 kills, three blocks and nine points, aided by the presence of 6-foot-7 junior middle blocker JT Martin, a favorite this season for Broward Player of the Year honors. Martin had 12 kills and four blocks, while junior setter Ethan Shinn finished with 38 assists.
Gibbons had lost to McCarthy in three of its four trips to the state play-in round — in 2010, 2012, 2015 — since its previous appearance in the state tournament in 2008.
Two weeks ago, Cardinal Gibbons also swept McCarthy in a regular season match-up.
Cardinal Gibbons will face Boca Raton in the state quarterfinals at Golden Gate High School at 3 p.m. The Chiefs lost to the Bobcats 5-3 earlier in the season, but coach Mike Zarate likes Cardinal Gibbons chances this time around.
“Last time we played at Boca High, it was at their place. … Their fans are not going to be able to rattle us this time,” Zarate said. “We’re also a more balanced and more physical team than before.”
Boca, Suncoast returning to state
Boca Raton remains undefeated after downing Monarch 3-1 to advance to the quarterfinal round of the state tournament. The Bobcats (23-0) were led by Matt Savocka, who finished the night with 46 assists and the game-winning ace.
While Boca Raton currently boasts a flawless record, coach Brian Reim is looking forward to avenging last season’s quarterfinal loss.
“This is a redemption year for us,” Reim said. “Last year we did the same thing — we went to go play in the quarterfinals and ended up losing in five [sets]. We’re looking to come out and get our first big win in states on Friday. “
Suncoast emerged victorious over host John I. Leonard on Tuesday night. The Chargers claimed the first set, but Suncoast won the final two sets to advance to the state quarterfinals where they’ll again face Miami Killian.
Suncoast was upended by the Killian last year in the state semifinals and while coach Louis Hedlund wasn’t completely satisfied with his team’s performance against John I. Leonard, he believes his team is ready to avenge last year’s loss.
“Today wasn’t perfect, but Killian better watch out,” Hedlund said.