West Hempstead gets to .500

The price of having a successful program often means taking a step up in competition every now and then. Such is the case at West Hempstead, where the boys’ volleyball team is consistently among the more competitive teams in Class B.

After a 13-5 campaign in 2017, the Rams moved up to Conference B1, where they not only battle against the top programs in Class B, but also play crossover matches with all of the elite teams in Class A.

The team recently withstood a four-game losing skid, but after a 23-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-19 victory over visiting Garden City on Oct. 9, the Rams are a respectable 4-4 and have every reason to believe that they’ll be among the top seeds come playoff time.

“While we didn’t take any sets in matches with excellent teams like Massapequa and Plainview, we did a lot of things real well,” coach Andrew Wilson said. “We’re coming around. The key for us is to be more consistent. In terms of skills, we do everything pretty well. We just need to do it that way more often.”

Joe Chambers, a three-year varsity player, has been outstanding for the Rams. Whether the team is running 31s, slides, or quicks for Chambers, the senior middle has been dominant at the net. He was virtually unstoppable in registering 18 kills and seven blocks in the Garden City match.

Senior setter Teddy Kim has taken his game to a whole new level. Kim, who had a season-high 48 assists in a 25-16, 25-20, 25-23 victory at Jericho, has terrific hands, makes heady decisions, and gets it done at the service line with a serve that moves like a knuckleball.

Wilson has watched senior outside hitter Kohei Clark develop into a dominant performer over the past three seasons. When Clark’s serve is on, it’s a chore for opponents to receive. Clark had 17 kills in the sweep of Jericho. Senior right side Ryell Walker may not rack up gaudy numbers in the box score, but Wilson sees him as the ultimate team player.

While most of West Hempstead’s go-to players are seniors, athletic sophomore middle Dolapo Babalola is an efficient blocker and hitter who figures to be a big part of the program’s future. Junior libero Elliot Aramayo is a gym rat who play year-round. Aramayo passes well and has a solid service game.

Through hard work and perseverance, junior outside hitter Jake Suffa, who suffered an injury prior to the Garden City match, has seen his game improve markedly. Wilson hopes to get Suffa back on the court in 2018. Junior defensive specialist Mike Mistretta digs, passes, and serves well.

“I like how we bounced back after the four losses,” Wilson said. “We’re playing better as the season is progressing, and we still have room for improvement. The key is to finish strong, and to be playing our best volleyball at playoff time.”

The Rams travel to Great Neck North this Friday for a 4:30 p.m. match.