Meet the Defensive Standouts Shaping the 2024 High School Volleyball Season

In high school volleyball, defense is as crucial as offense, and digs often pave the way to victory. For Section III, the upcoming 2024 season is set to shine a spotlight on the players with the keenest instincts and lightning-fast reactions. These standout athletes, whose impressive 2023 digs stats have been reported by local coaches and covered at syracuse.com, lead the pack in turning defensive plays into game-changing moments. In this article, we explore the top returning boys volleyball digs leaders, break down what makes a great dig, and discuss how their performances not only elevate team success but also inspire communities across Central New York.

What Is a Dig—and Why It Matters

A “dig” in volleyball is more than just a defensive play; it is a lifeline. When an opposing team spikes the ball, a well-executed dig keeps the rally alive by preventing the ball from touching the court. This action demands a combination of quick reflexes, smart anticipation, and an unyielding determination to support the team. As defensive specialists, these athletes demonstrate that while scoring is celebrated, stopping a powerful attack with a perfectly timed dig can be the turning point in any match.

Persistent and precise, these digs are essential when rivals are determined to dominate the net. In a game where every play counts, the art of digging not only defines individual skill but also sets the tone for a team’s overall performance.

The Leaders: 2024 Returning Digs Standouts in Section III

The latest statistics for the 2023 season have highlighted these athletes as the top returning digs leaders in Section III. Their numbers, recorded by Section III coaches and confirmed by syracuse.com, speak to their extraordinary defensive skills and consistent contributions on the court.

Top Returning Digs Leaders

• Tommy Clonan (East Syracuse Minoa) – 211 digs
  Tommy Clonan heads the leaderboard with an impressive 211 digs, showcasing both agility and leadership on the court. His ability to read the opposing team’s attacks makes him indispensable for East Syracuse Minoa.

• Shah Sahak (Liverpool) – 206 digs
  Not far behind, Shah Sahak represents Liverpool with 206 digs. His consistency in defensive plays has helped his team maintain a robust presence in high-pressure situations.

• Jack DeForge (Liverpool) – 147 digs
  With 147 digs, Jack DeForge is another vital cog for Liverpool. His performances have often been the catalyst for turning defense into quick offensive opportunities during critical moments in matches.

• Justin Diep (Baldwinsville) – 139 digs
  Justin Diep’s 139 digs underline his commitment and skill. At Baldwinsville, his ability to keep the ball in play under challenging circumstances makes him a player to watch.

• Donovan Randall (East Syracuse Minoa) – 111 digs
  With 111 digs, Donovan Randall complements the defensive firepower at East Syracuse Minoa. His precision and swift responses have been key in thwarting opponents’ attacks.

• Kellen Conway (Liverpool) – 107 digs
  Kellen Conway adds further strength to Liverpool’s defensive line with 107 digs. His performance on the court serves as a testament to Liverpool’s deep pool of talent.

• Avery Kielbasinski (Jamesville-DeWitt) – 80 digs
  Avery Kielbasinski’s 80 digs highlight a rising talent at Jamesville-DeWitt. His defensive efforts have quickly put him on the map as one of the new faces to watch next season.

• Ben McHerron (Liverpool) – 77 digs
  Ben McHerron’s contributions for Liverpool cannot go unnoticed—77 digs and a reputation for resilience in challenging plays firmly establish him among the elite.

• Sean Frawley (Liverpool) – 63 digs
  Sean Frawley brings 63 digs to the table, rounding out a roster from Liverpool that is recognized for its collective defensive expertise.

• Tyler Quarry (East Syracuse Minoa) – 50 digs
  Tyler Quarry’s role in East Syracuse Minoa is highlighted by his 50 digs, making him a crucial part of the team’s ongoing defensive strategy.

• Ryan Sullivan (East Syracuse Minoa) – 47 digs
  Ryan Sullivan, with 47 digs, maintains the balance of defense for East Syracuse Minoa, efficiently covering the court during opponents’ aggressive plays.

• Mac Fitzgerald (Oswego) – 47 digs
  From Oswego, Mac Fitzgerald’s 47 digs may be modest in number compared to the leaders, but they demonstrate his consistency and commitment in every match.

• Jeremiah Plewak (Living Word Academy) – 43 digs
  Jeremiah Plewak from Living Word Academy rounds out the longer list with 43 digs, reflecting his growing importance on the defensive end.

• Chase Loveless (Liverpool) – 43 digs
  Another Liverpool standout, Chase Loveless, matches Plewak with 43 digs, emphasizing the school’s reputation for producing strong defenders.

• Ethan Nguyen (Syracuse) – 30 digs
  Although Ethan Nguyen’s 30 digs are on the lower end of this elite group, his potential and growth are drawing attention as Syracuse seeks to bolster its defensive lineup.

Source: syracuse.com

Analyzing the Trends and Impact

Liverpool’s Defensive Dominance

Liverpool High School clearly stands out from the rest of Section III in terms of defensive production. With multiple players—Shah Sahak, Jack DeForge, Kellen Conway, Ben McHerron, and Sean Frawley—recording high dig stats, the school has built a formidable reputation for its defensive anchors. Coach Robert Benson remarked, “Liverpool’s depth on defense makes it tougher for opponents to score. Every dig they make is a building block toward victory.”

East Syracuse Minoa’s Consistency and Leadership

East Syracuse Minoa also figures prominently among the leaders, with standout performances by Tommy Clonan, Donovan Randall, Tyler Quarry, and Ryan Sullivan. The consistency from these players has allowed the team to maintain competitive form in challenging matches. Their leadership and relentless pursuit of the ball offer an example for younger teammates to emulate.

Emerging Talent and Growing Competitiveness

Apart from the traditional powerhouses, schools like Jamesville-DeWitt, Oswego, Living Word Academy, and Syracuse are beginning to make their presence felt. With players like Avery Kielbasinski and Ethan Nguyen stepping up, the defensive landscape in Section III is becoming more balanced and competitive. This evolution is critical for the future of high school volleyball in the region, ensuring that defensive skills continue to receive the recognition they deserve.

The Role of Accurate Stat Reporting

Accurate statistics not only record athletic achievements but also help shape team strategies and school legacies. It is vital that all stats are fully and accurately reported. Section III coaches are encouraged to review their data and, if any figures are missing or incomplete, to send updated information to hssports@syracuse.com. This accuracy is essential for ensuring every defensive effort is recognized and that each athlete’s contribution is duly noted.

Robust stat reporting also aids in analysis, helping observers, coaches, and fans draw meaningful insights from each season. With complete data, schools can better assess player performance, refine defensive strategies, and further cultivate upcoming talent.

The Broader Impact of Defensive Excellence

Emphasizing digs and other defensive metrics elevates the game and helps balance the focus between offense and defense. Defensive standouts inspire teammates, shape team identity, and demonstrate the crucial value of hard work, resilience, and strategic thinking. As veteran sportswriter Lester Holt might observe, “Sports are won not by the flash of a single spike alone, but also by the grit behind an unyielding defense that turns futility into opportunity.”

Defensive plays can launch a comeback, shift momentum within a game, and even influence the final outcome of a season. For the athletes identified here, each dig not only prevents the opposing team from scoring but also signals dedication, preparedness, and an unwavering team spirit. Their contributions are critical in setting new standards for high school volleyball in Central New York.

Celebrating the Defensive Heroes

Section III’s top returning boys volleyball digs leaders for 2024 highlight the importance of defense in high school sports. These players, from established programs like Liverpool High School and East Syracuse Minoa to emerging talents from schools such as Jamesville-DeWitt and Living Word Academy, prove that outstanding defensive performance is essential to success on the court.

Their impressive stats, skillful play, and continual drive to improve inspire not only their teammates but also the broader community of high school athletes and fans. As their schools prepare for the 2024 season, the hope is that these defensive aces will continue to set the standard for excellence, forging new paths and reminding us all that defense is the first step toward victory.

Call to Action:
If you’re a coach with updated statistics or a fan with insights about your team’s defensive brilliance, share your thoughts and help ensure every player’s hard work is recognized. Send missing or updated stats to hssports@syracuse.com and join the conversation about the future of high school volleyball in Section III.