Huntington Varsity Boys’ Volleyball Returns to Court

Following an absence of about 15 years, Huntington High School reinstated its varsity boys’ volleyball team this past fall and the Blue Devils were more competitive than most opponents imagined they would be.

The program’s reinstatement was in the cards once a boys’ volleyball team was also reinstated at J. Taylor Finley Middle School, which happened four years ago.

Coached by high school physical education teacher Eric Mininni, the Blue Devil varsity was captained by Caleb Palermo and Spencer James. Palermo went on to earn All-Division honors. James was named All-Academic.

Palermo played middle hitter and racked up 217 kills, 35 serve aces, 48 blocks and 157 digs. “Caleb Palermo is one of the best student athletes that I have ever coached,” Mininni said. “He was a beast in the middle and our offense ran through him. He was as coachable of a player as I have ever met. He wanted to do everything in his power to will our team to victory and he was able to accomplish that twice and almost did it a few other times.”

James played outside hitter and he recorded 243 digs, 47 serve access, 32 kills and a pair of blocks. “Spencer is Mr. Reliable,” Mininni said. “He’s another awesome, coachable kid who came to practice everyday and work to become an amazing volleyball player. Already an accomplished passer, Spencer took his game to another level, becoming an accomplished outside hitter. He was a great leader for our team and held the team accountable.”

The team leaders also included:

Markis Ponce: Senior, Setter: Notched 12 serving aces and 142 assists.

Gabe McManus: Freshman, Setter: Tallied 21 serving aces and 257 assists.

Matthew James: Senior, Libero: Five serving aces, 135 serve-receive, 102 digs.

Henry Scmid: Senior, Middle Hitter: 27 serving aces, 32 blocks, 97 kills

“This was definitely a hard working team that left it all on the court,” Mininni said. “This team was definitely willing to put in the work to try to improve.”

Expected to return next year are Louis Chavez, Dennis McCook, Giovanny Saravia, Henry Schmid, Jeremiah Dasque DeLeon, Danny Paiz, Gabe McManus, Luca Fiore, TJ McDiamrid and Steven Lapp.