BHS Volleyball Team Eyes Return to the Playoffs

By KEN HAMWEY,

Bulletin Sports Writer

The Bellingham High boys’ volleyball team is aiming to improve on last year’s .500 record.

Coach Steve Mantegani’s squad finished at 9-9 last season, then split a pair of matches in the tournament, defeating Innovation Academy before losing to Keefe Tech. Mantegani’s goals this season are to not only return to the playoffs, but to return with a winning record.

At the Bulletin’s deadline, the Blackhawks were off to a good start to achieving their coach’s goals. They were 5-2, a record that included a 3-2 victory over powerful Medfield.

The only coach the boys program has known, Mantegani started the sport in 2019 and has guided the Blackhawks to four tourney appearances. 

“The victory over Medfield was the first time we’ve beaten them, he said. “Definitely a great win for us. Our goals are realistic, and we believe we’ll achieve them. We lost only two seniors from last year’s squad and have six returnees with varying degrees of experience.’’  

Mantegani’s cast has a variety of strengths and he’s optimistic those assets will improve as the season moves along. 

“Our experience is a plus,’’ he said. “Our core players have 2-3 years of varsity experience. We also have good athleticism; the boys are very coachable and their skills and techniques are at a high level. The team has hard-working competitors and they’re mentally tough. Our ball control, serving and passing are also plusses.’’

Senior Jack Davidson is a capable outside hitter who has four years of varsity experience. “Jack works hard, and he’s strong and aggressive at the net,’’ Mantegani said. “He relies heavily on his technical skills, and his passing and ball control have improved.’’ 

Junior Aiden Gibbs plays setter, and he’ll be counted on to quarterback the offense. “Aiden has been our starting setter for two years,’’ Mantegani said. “He’s athletic and has great hands. A strong server, he knows how to direct our offense.’’

Junior Thomas Crandall returns as the team’s libero (defensive specialist). “A two-year starter, Thomas is our QB of serve-receive,’’ Mantegani noted. “One of our best passers, his technique is very sound.’’

Mantegani considers Hesrick Richards the Blackhawks’ strngest hitter. “A 6-foot-2 junior, he’s in his second year of varsity competition as a middle hitter, and he’s effective blocking and jumping,’’ said Mantegani.

Esdras Goncalves, a junior outside hitter, is a second-year player who has improved. “Esdras is athletic, jumps well and hits the ball hard,’’ Mantegani offered.

Junior Wagner Lourenco is another second-year player. “An outside hitter, he jumps effectively, hits hard and is very athletic,’’ the coach said.

Sophomores Caleb Platek (outside hitter) and Lucas Lahousee (defensive specialist) and junior Rehan Shah (middle hitter) are all in their first year on the varsity. “We are hoping that Caleb, Lucas, and Rehan can contribute as the year goes on, and they strengthen their skills and techniques,’’ Mantegani said.

Mantegani’s son, Justin, who coaches the freshmen girls’ squad in the fall, is directing the boys’ junior-varsity team. “Justin knows the game, and the players know him well since he teaches at the high school,’’ his father said.

This year’s team is a co-op venture. Holliston and Medway High don’t have a boys’ volleyball program but now have joined BHS. Players from those two schools, however, will compete solely at the jayvee level to comply with MIAA rules. “The two schools hope to begin a boys’ varsity program next year,’’ Mantegani said.