January 26, 2020 – By NJP

When we think about Most Valuable Players to their team in NJ High School Volleyball, Griffin Fieseler is always near the top of the list. The 6’7″ setter has been the centerpiece of the Bridegwater Raritan volleyball team for the past two years. And this year, he may have all of the pieces around him to reach a state final. BR takes down our #5 Pre-season ranking and is favorites to reach their Sectional despite the high quality of teams and schools in the Central.

Griffin has already committed to D1 NJIT and will join a Highlander team that continues to rise on the NCAA Volleyball front. But he will keep that achievement on the back burner for now as he focuses on bringing his high school team to the top of the rankings in his senior year.

Having two older brothers play volleyball is always a great way to get some inspiration. His brother Jack graduated in 2013 and Tim in 2016. Both were standout players with Tim winning a state championship in 2015. Nothing would be better for Griffin than to match his brothers accomplishment. The experience of watching his brothers have fueled the fire for Griffin.

Griffin won Player of the Year honors from NJP in 2019 as a junior. We feel he is the best player in New Jersey, a high honor in s state with 150 boys high school teams and over 1,700 varsity players.

Last season, Griff did get a chance to get some hitting opportunities in a 6-2 scheme, which he relished. He had 159 kills to go with his over 500 assists (for the third year in a row).

Griffin can be an intimidating image for opponents . His size is one thing, but watching him warm up gives most opposing teams a sick feeling. He can be a powerful hitter when asked and carries himself with confidence and maturity, much like a college player.

His experience this winter with SixPack 18-1 will certainly pave the way for him being in top form for the high school season in Spring. The team has already won a bid to Nationals in Reno Nevada in July and continues to be seen as the best club team in New Jersey.

Here is our interview with Griffin…

Hi Griffin… Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Griffin Fieseler. I am a senior at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.

How long have you played volleyball?

I have played club volleyball since 7th grade and high school volleyball since freshman year.

What inspired you to take up volleyball initially?

Both of my brothers also played volleyball at Bridgewater and seeing them play inspired me to pick up the sport.

Who is your support group?

My biggest support group is definitely my parents, who come out to all of my high school games and club tournaments. My friends at school are also a big support and they always draw a big crowd for our home games.

How will your high school team do in the upcoming season? Do you have a lot of returning players? What will be the key to success?

I think that we will have a very strong team this year and have a great chance at making a deep run in the playoffs. Our ultimate goal this year is to win the state final. I think the key to success this year is outworking other teams in practice and really focusing on mastering ball control and the fundamentals of the game.

NJP considers you as one of the top players in the state. Do you plan on playing in College? (If so, which ones are you looking at?)

I am playing D1 next year at NJIT.

Which schools are your biggest rivals?

Hillsborough, St. Joe’s, Fair Lawn, and Southern are some big rivals and should make for some exciting competition this upcoming season.

What is your favorite volleyball story?

Winning sectionals my freshman year. It was a crazy 3 set match and our stands were completely filled. It was probably the most fun I’ve ever had in a game.

https://www.hudl.com/profile/11031830/Griffin-Fieseler

Who is your favorite college or pro volleyball player and why?

Micah Christenson because he has butter hands.