4/29/25

New Jersey’s high school boys volleyball landscape in 2025 is a showcase of elite talent, statistical depth, and tightly contested team rivalries. The NJP Player Rater algorithm has evaluated hundreds of players using a composite formula that accounts for all-around statistical production, including kills, blocks, digs, assists, and aces, across thousands of sets statewide. A parallel ranking system, the NJP Computer Team Ranker, measures team success using overall win-loss records, set performance, point differential and schedule strength.

At the top of the player list is Troy Markle, a senior from Old Bridge. Markle leads all players with a 532.47 rating, significantly influenced by his 361 assists and 39 aces across 30 sets. Markle’s versatility as both setter and offensive contributor is evident, and his impact mirrors Old Bridge’s No. 1 team ranking and perfect 16-0 record. The synergy between Markle’s production and his team’s performance underscores the reliability of NJP’s evaluation metrics.

Just behind Markle is Adam Uryniuk of Weehawken, a dynamic outside hitter and setter hybrid with 193 kills, 80 digs, and 58 aces across 25 matches. His rating of 526.57 not only reflects strong statistical volume but also highlights his outsized influence on a Weehawken team ranked 94th with a 6-6 record. Uryniuk’s presence reveals how exceptional players can shine even on mid-pack teams.

Satkirt Singh from Eastern ranks third at 487.44. A middle blocker and outside hitter, Singh has compiled 131 kills and 15 blocks in 19 matches while contributing 15 aces and 60 digs. Eastern, ranked 47th overall with a 10-5 record, benefits greatly from Singh’s ability to disrupt at the net and transition into offense.

Colonia boasts two top-tier players—Daniel Latkowski (ranked 4th at 466.73) and Noah Sims (28th at 327.44). Latkowski’s 200 kills, 38 blocks, and 50 digs anchor Colonia’s offense, while Sims adds 114 kills and strong secondary stats. Colonia ranks 28th overall, showing that elite talent at multiple positions can stabilize a team’s output across a challenging schedule.

Summit High School’s trio of top-20 players—Alex Vehap (6th), Romir Tandon (8th), and Jonathan Liang (20th)—shows how depth of skill across multiple roles can lift a program. Vehap has 324 assists and 15 aces, Tandon contributes elite defensive metrics with 132 digs and 34 assists, and Liang adds 119 kills and 51 digs. Summit’s strong player base contributes to their competitiveness in a tightly matched league.

St. Joseph (Metuchen), ranked third statewide with a 12-3 record and a 24-11 set mark, features two players in the top 20: Dominic Nycz (7th) and Gian Gomez (15th). Nycz leads with 172 kills and 21 blocks, while Gomez provides an additional 157 kills and consistent support defensively. Together, they form one of the most potent offensive duos in the state.

Notably, defensive specialists and liberos are increasingly well represented in the rankings. Ryan Kim (13th, Dwight-Morrow), Lucas Lamboy (66th, Northern Burlington), and Vincent Fraticelli (107th, Toms River North) showcase the growing impact of backcourt contributions. Kim averages 5.7 digs per set, Lamboy tallies 176 digs in 27 matches, and Fraticelli boasts 188 digs with an ace efficiency that complements his defensive work.

Among up-and-coming players, Benjamin Barninger of Randolph (ranked 62nd) stands out. A junior middle blocker, Barninger has racked up 116 kills and 37 blocks in 32 matches. His school, Randolph, is ranked 15th in New Jersey and is undefeated at 15-0. Barninger’s contributions are critical in both offensive conversions and net defense.

Another emerging talent is Ian Soberano of Barnegat, ranked 18th as a sophomore. With 74 kills, 66 digs, and 15 aces, Soberano’s versatility at the net and backline indicates a trajectory toward top-tier status. Teammate Jack Buscaglia, ranked 27th, complements him with 70 assists and 25 aces.

Lenape’s dynamic duo, Joseph Novellino (11th) and Mark Szatkowski (37th), add strength to a team ranked 13th overall. Novellino’s 299 assists and 81 digs speak to his role as an anchor in offensive organization, while Szatkowski’s 95 kills and 64 digs enhance the team’s balance.

Teams with elite rankings also display strong internal parity in contributions. Monroe, ranked fifth overall, fields three players in the top 70: Joel Abraham (19th), Shreesh Santhosh (60th), and Suvidh Kolluru (65th). Abraham’s 116 kills and 70 digs place him among the state’s most efficient outside hitters.

West Caldwell Tech, ranked 21st overall, is a unique case. Despite a team ranking outside the top 20, it features three players in the top 100: Timothy Smith (12th), Dennis Ayora (25th), and John Jimenez (83rd). The disparity between individual and team performance may stem from schedule strength or match outcomes in tightly contested sets.

Elizabeth, ranked 17th, is another team with multiple top-50 players. Leo Fontaine (23rd) and Gabriel Perreira (32nd) lead the charge with a combined 203 kills and 216 digs. Their well-rounded stat lines hint at the team’s emphasis on a two-way game and transitions.

Harrison, the No. 6 team with a perfect 13-0 record, benefits from elite cohesion and consistent performance across all sets, posting a 26-1 set record. Although individual players don’t dominate the top 25, the team’s collective output and 10.04 average point differential underscore their system-based success.

Piscataway, ranked 10th, is powered by a defense-first approach. Muaz Hussainy (70th) and Chris Wilson (199th) combine for 275 assists and 102 kills, supporting a team whose 5.63 average point differential is among the best in the state.

Fair Lawn, ranked 11th with a 22.18 rating and an 11-4 record, showcases Benjamin Braudo (34th) as their key offensive leader with 126 kills and 131 digs. This dual role illustrates the value of two-way players in high-level programs.

Hackensack (ranked 19th, 12-0) and Ramapo (23rd, 7-1) are further examples of programs where team results are driven by discipline and balance. Their relatively lower presence in the top 25 player list points to contributions spread across lineups.

At the conference level, Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division is the most powerful. It includes Old Bridge (1st), St. Joseph (3rd), Monroe (5th), South Brunswick (24th), and Colonia (28th). Collectively, these teams hold 12 of the top 50 players, demonstrating how elite competition fosters individual excellence.

Team performance based on NJP’s Computer Rankings reveals strong alignment with top player concentration. Old Bridge, the No. 1 team, has four players in the top 100: Markle, Lapinski (31st), Fernandes (46th), and Ali Chaudary (52nd). Their cumulative production across all statistical categories underlines the team’s dominance.

Another power cluster is found in the NJAC, where Randolph and Morristown maintain highly competitive rosters. Randolph’s undefeated record, combined with strong performances from Barninger and setter Kevin Tinio (84th), has made them a top-15 contender.

In the Hudson County Interscholastic League, Hudson Catholic (32nd) has surged to a 12-0 record, driven by Alan Santiago (33rd) and Reza Mahlou (174th). While Santiago’s 150 kills place him in the top 5 for total offensive output, the team’s success is equally rooted in their efficient point spread and defense.

Daniel Ennis of Scotch Plains-Fanwood has made a major impact this season and ranks 9th statewide with a rating of 397.94. Ennis has accumulated 193 kills, 104 digs, and 82 service points across 32 matches, showcasing one of the most balanced stat lines in the state. His contributions have been a major factor in Scotch Plains-Fanwood’s strong competitive standing and reflect a complete player who supports offense, defense, and transition phases with consistency.

Southern Regional remains one of the most storied and consistent volleyball programs in New Jersey. While no Southern player ranks among the very top ten individually, their balance, system play, and leadership core continue to make them elite. Leaders such as Jonah Krinic, Logan Homme, and Marcus Bulawski contribute significantly across multiple categories. Krinic provides offensive support with 57 kills and 50 digs, while Bulawski contributes 72 kills and 44 digs while excelling as a middle hitter. Their depth allows Southern to win key matches without relying heavily on one statistical star, a hallmark of championship-level programs. Southern remains a formidable opponent in Group 3 competition and continues to show why it is a perennial threat in both the Shore Conference and statewide tournament play.

Other programs such as Dwight-Morrow, Bergen Catholic, and Summit provide deep player pools and strategic execution. Dwight-Morrow, with both Ryan Kim and Dawid Niedziela in the top 25, provides elite backcourt play that complements offensive execution.

As the season continues, several players are making late surges in production. Gian Gomez (St. Joseph Met.), John Howard (Pleasantville), and Victor Silva (Vernon) are seeing increased impact across matches, indicating that NJP’s algorithm adjusts accurately to evolving performance trends.

St. John Vianney is a program on the rise, steadily building a more competitive presence within their region. Peter Gioacchini and Isaiah Boone are leading the way. Gioacchini, a setter, has produced 272 assists and 45 digs while managing the offense efficiently. Boone, an outside hitter, has added 113 kills and 70 digs to the team’s arsenal. Their contributions exemplify how a strong setter-hitter combination can provide a solid foundation even as the program seeks to climb further in the standings. Their play has made St. John Vianney a dangerous team capable of upsetting higher-ranked opponents.

Kingsway continues to establish itself as a well-rounded and dangerous squad in South Jersey. Billy Palese and Connor Brown have been pivotal contributors this season. Palese, the team’s primary setter, has delivered 246 assists in 24 matches, orchestrating Kingsway’s offensive attack with precision. Brown, playing as an outside hitter, has added 62 kills and 43 digs, providing balance in both front court and back court play. Evan Frederick has also been a key contributor with 87 kills and 33 digs, adding an additional scoring threat. Kingsway’s improvement in competitive matches has been driven largely by the steady development of these core players.

Finally, the NJP Player Rater provides a revealing look into positional dominance. Setters such as Arsh Trivedi (Hillsborough, 16th), Jeremy Brady (Eastern, 26th), and Jason Dunn (Washington Township, 43rd) are highly rated despite modest kill totals, due to their high assist counts and strong defensive work. This reinforces the comprehensive nature of the rating system in accounting for every phase of volleyball.

New Jersey’s boys volleyball scene in 2025 is thriving with elite talent, emerging stars, and dominant programs. The NJP Player Rater and team computer rankings provide an invaluable dual-lens view into how individual excellence and team success often go hand-in-hand. As the postseason nears, the synergy between stat leaders and championship contenders will become even more pronounced.