June 9, 2025
The stage is set for what promises to be an absolutely electrifying week of New Jersey high school boys volleyball as four championship finals unfold across the state. From Wednesday through Thursday, June 11-12, the culmination of months of grueling competition will determine the ultimate champions in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4. These matchups represent the pinnacle of high school volleyball excellence, featuring teams that have battled through conference tournaments, sectional playoffs, and regional finals to earn their place on the sport’s biggest stage.
Group 1 Final: #40 Hudson Catholic vs. #19 West Caldwell Tech
Thursday, June 12 at 4:00 PM
In what promises to be an absolutely thrilling championship battle, the Hudson Catholic Hawks (22-4, 12-0 HCIAL National) will face off against the West Caldwell Tech Eagles (24-6, 8-2 SEC American) in the Group 1 championship final. This matchup features two championship-caliber programs that have both earned their place on this stage through exceptional play and unwavering determination.
Hudson Catholic’s Outstanding Journey
The Hawks have been nothing short of sensational this season, posting an impressive 22-4 record while maintaining perfect conference play at 12-0 in the ultra-competitive HCIAL National division. Under the guidance of head coach Fernando Colon, Hudson Catholic has demonstrated the kind of consistency that championship teams are built upon.
Leading the Hawks’ attack is senior outside hitter Alan Santiago, whose statistics tell the story of a player who rises to every occasion. Santiago has been a force of nature with 295 kills and an outstanding 66 aces, demonstrating both power and precision that has terrorized opposing defenses all season long. His ability to terminate rallies and serve with devastating effectiveness makes him perhaps the most dangerous weapon in Group 1 volleyball.
The Hawks’ balanced attack is further enhanced by sophomore outside hitter Reza Mahlou, who has contributed 178 kills while adding 66 aces of his own. This dynamic duo gives Hudson Catholic a formidable one-two punch that has proven capable of overwhelming even the strongest defensive units.
In the back row, senior setter Angel Adames has been the orchestrator of this high-powered offense, distributing 539 assists while contributing 36 aces. His court vision and leadership have been instrumental in maximizing the potential of Hudson Catholic’s attacking arsenal.
The Hawks’ path to the final has been nothing short of dominant. They cruised through their sectional bracket, defeating Thomas Edison Energy Charter (2-0), Sterling (2-0), Pennsauken Tech (2-0), and capping their South Jersey Group 1 run with a stunning victory over St. John Vianney (2-0). Each victory demonstrated different aspects of their championship caliber – from their ability to start strong against over matched opponents to their clutch performance in pressure situations.
West Caldwell Tech’s Resilient Campaign
The Eagles enter this final with an impressive 24-6 record and have shown extraordinary resilience throughout their championship journey. Coach Natasha Batista has molded a team that exemplifies championship determination, as evidenced by their ability to win close matches and overcome adversity when it matters most.
Senior setter Dennis Ayora has been the heartbeat of West Caldwell Tech’s offense, tallying an astounding 802 assists while adding 24 aces. His ability to distribute the ball effectively and keep opposing defenses guessing has been crucial to the Eagles’ success. Ayora’s experience and poise under pressure will be vital assets in the championship atmosphere.
The Eagles’ offensive attack is powered by senior outside hitter Timothy Smith, whose 414 kills and 54 aces represent a season-long commitment to excellence. Smith’s ability to score from multiple positions and serve with authority has made him one of the most feared players in the SEC American conference.
Adding depth to their offensive arsenal is junior middle blocker Ibrahim Dessources, who has contributed 198 kills and 87 blocks while adding 11 aces. His presence at the net provides both offensive firepower and defensive intimidation that has been crucial to West Caldwell Tech’s success.
The Eagles’ championship run through the North Jersey Group 1 bracket has been a testament to their mental toughness. They opened with a solid win over North Arlington (2-0), followed by victories over Jefferson (2-0) and Hoboken (2-0), before capturing the sectional title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Harrison. Each step of this journey has prepared them for the ultimate test.
Championship Analysis
West Caldwell Tech enters this final with a rating of 22.11 compared to Hudson Catholic’s 20.34. This gives the Eagles a slight edge on paper, though both teams have proven their championship mettle throughout the season.
This matchup promises to be a fascinating battle between two high-powered offenses. Hudson Catholic brings explosive offensive firepower led by Santiago and Mahlou, while West Caldwell Tech counters with exceptional ball distribution from Ayora and a more balanced offensive attack anchored by Smith’s consistent production.
The key battle will likely be won in the service game, where both teams have demonstrated exceptional ability throughout the season. Hudson Catholic’s perfect conference record suggests a team that knows how to win when it matters most, while West Caldwell Tech’s higher overall rating and experience in pressure situations throughout their challenging conference schedule could prove decisive.
Prediction: West Caldwell Tech in 2 sets – The Eagles’ higher rating, combined with their balanced offensive attack and experience in pressure situations, should provide the edge needed to capture the Group 1 championship. UPDATE: WCT WINS 2-0
Group 2 Final: #5 St. Joseph (Metuchen) vs. #28 Randolph
Wednesday, June 11 at 4:00 PM at Randolph
The Group 2 championship presents one of the most compelling matchups of the entire finals week, as the St. Joseph (Metuchen) Falcons (26-5, 6-4 GMC Red) travel to face the Randolph Rams (25-4, 11-0 NJAC) in what promises to be an absolutely thrilling encounter between two of New Jersey’s elite volleyball programs.
St. Joseph (Metuchen): The Resilient Falcons
Under the expert guidance of head coach Miguel Cabrita, the Falcons have compiled an outstanding 26-5 record while navigating the challenging waters of the GMC Red division. This team has shown tremendous character throughout the season, particularly in their ability to bounce back from early-season setbacks and peak at exactly the right time.
The Falcons’ offensive attack is spearheaded by senior outside hitter Gian Gomez, whose 284 kills represent one of the most prolific single-season performances in program history. Gomez’s ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with his 33 aces, makes him a constant threat that opposing defenses must account for on every play. His leadership and clutch performances have been instrumental in the Falcons’ championship run.
Complementing Gomez’s firepower is junior outside hitter Dominic Nycz, who has contributed 293 kills and an impressive 44 aces. This dynamic duo gives St. Joseph one of the most potent offensive combinations in all of Group 2 volleyball. Their ability to attack from multiple positions creates matchup nightmares for opposing blockers and defensive specialists.
The Falcons’ offense is expertly orchestrated by senior setter Sean Martinez, whose 351 assists and 17 aces demonstrate both precision and versatility. Martinez’s court awareness and ability to find the hot hand have been crucial factors in maximizing the effectiveness of the Falcons’ attacking arsenal.
Adding another dimension to their offense is freshman outside hitter Saizo Takenaga, whose 111 kills and 15 aces represent an outstanding debut season. His emergence as a reliable scoring option provides the Falcons with the depth necessary to sustain their high-level play throughout long matches.
St. Joseph’s path to the final has been nothing short of spectacular. They dominated their South Jersey Group 2 bracket, starting with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Manchester Township that set the tone for their entire playoff run. They followed this with convincing wins over St. Augustine (2-0), Pinelands (2-0), and concluded their sectional run with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Holmdel that showcased their ability to perform under maximum pressure.
Randolph: The Dominant Rams
The Rams enter this championship final with an exceptional 25-4 record and a perfect 11-0 mark in the highly competitive NJAC conference. Head coach Erik Novack has built a program that embodies consistency, excellence, and championship-level preparation.
Randolph’s offensive attack is anchored by junior middle blocker Benjamin Barninger, whose 252 kills and 64 blocks represent dominant two-way play that has been virtually unstoppable all season long. Barninger’s ability to score efficiently while providing intimidating net presence makes him one of the most complete players in Group 2.
The Rams’ offense flows through senior setter Kevin Tinio, whose extraordinary 592 assists and 44 aces illustrate his dual role as both distributor and scoring threat. Tinio’s leadership and experience in pressure situations will be invaluable assets in the championship environment.
Adding consistent offensive production is junior outside hitter Jan Rostek, who has contributed 109 kills and 16 aces while providing the steady presence that championship teams require. His ability to score in crucial moments has been a hallmark of Randolph’s success throughout the season.
The Rams’ balanced attack is further strengthened by junior opposite Gabriel Sherwood, whose 114 kills and impressive 40 aces demonstrate his ability to impact the game from multiple positions. This depth of talent gives Randolph the flexibility to adjust their attack based on game situations.
Randolph’s championship journey through the North Jersey Group 2 bracket has been a masterclass in execution. They opened with a solid victory over Chatham (2-0), followed by wins over Teaneck (2-0) and Bergenfield (2-0), before capturing their sectional title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Garfield. Each victory has built upon the previous one, creating momentum that could prove crucial in the final.
Championship Analysis
St. Joseph (Metuchen) holds a rating of 23.43 compared to Randolph’s 21.82. This gives the Falcons the edge on paper and with their prior dominance of winning sectional and group championships, they are in a great position for a three-peat.
This final presents a classic contrast in playing styles and strengths. St. Joseph brings explosive offensive firepower with Gomez and Nycz leading a balanced attack that can score from multiple positions. Their ability to generate aces and maintain offensive pressure has been a constant throughout their championship run.
Randolph counters with exceptional balance and depth, led by Barninger’s dominant two-way play and Tinio’s outstanding distribution. The Rams’ perfect conference record demonstrates their ability to win consistently against high-level competition, while their championship experience could prove invaluable in crucial moments.
The key to this match will likely be determined by which team can establish early momentum and maintain their composure during the inevitable momentum swings that occur in championship-level volleyball. Both teams have shown the ability to perform under pressure.
Prediction: St. Joseph (Metuchen) in 2 sets – The Falcons’ higher rating, combined with their explosive offensive attack and momentum from their dramatic sectional victories, should provide just enough firepower to capture the Group 2 championship. UPDATE ST. JOE’S WINS 2-0
Group 3 Final: #2 Southern vs. #3 Scotch Plains-Fanwood
Thursday, June 12 at 6:00 PM at Scotch Plains-Fanwood
The Group 3 championship showcases two absolute powerhouses of New Jersey high school volleyball, as the Southern Rams (29-1, 10-0 Shore A South) travel to face the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Raiders (27-4, 7-1 UCC Watchung) in what promises to be an epic battle between two of the state’s most dominant programs.
Southern: The Unstoppable Rams
Southern enters this championship final with a most impressive season, one of the best in all of New Jersey high school volleyball, posting a phenomenal 29-1 record while maintaining perfect conference play at 10-0 in the Shore A South division. Under the expert leadership of head coach Eric Maxwell, the Rams have established themselves as the standard by which all other programs are measured.
The Rams’ offensive attack is led by senior outside hitter Aiden Krinic, whose 284 kills and 22 aces represent elite-level production that has been consistent throughout their dominant season. Krinic’s ability to score in crucial situations and maintain his effectiveness over the course of long matches makes him one of the most feared attackers in South Jersey.
Providing excellent complementary firepower is senior opposite Jonah Krinic, who has contributed 207 kills and 27 aces while demonstrating the kind of versatility that makes Southern’s offense virtually impossible to stop. The Krinic brothers form one of the most dynamic sibling combinations in New Jersey volleyball history.
Southern’s offensive production is expertly distributed by junior setter Logan Homme, whose 761 assists and 27 aces showcase his ability to both create scoring opportunities and contribute directly to the team’s offensive output. His court vision and decision-making under pressure have been instrumental in maximizing the effectiveness of Southern’s talented attacking corps.
Adding significant depth to their offensive arsenal is senior outside hitter Jack Malandro, who has contributed 105 kills while providing the steady presence that allows the Rams to maintain their high level of play throughout extended matches.
The defensive backbone of this championship team is anchored by senior libero Brody Reynolds, whose 187 digs and leadership in the back row have been instrumental in Southern’s success. His ability to extend rallies and create transition opportunities has been a crucial factor in the Rams’ dominance.
The Rams’ championship journey has been nothing short of spectacular. They dominated their South Jersey Group 3 bracket, starting with a convincing victory over Long Branch (2-0), followed by wins over Howell (2-0) and Jackson Memorial (2-0), before capturing their sectional title with a solid 2-0 victory over West Windsor-Plainsboro South. Their ability to win decisively throughout their playoff run demonstrates the kind of championship mentality that separates elite teams from merely good ones.
Southern’s regular season was highlighted by quality victories over strong competition, including wins over Marlboro, Bridgewater-Raritan, and Kearny. Their only loss came in a thrilling 3-2 setback to Old Bridge, a result that may have actually benefited the Rams by providing valuable experience in handling adversity.
Scotch Plains-Fanwood: The Tenacious Raiders
The Raiders enter this championship final with an outstanding 27-4 record and have demonstrated exceptional consistency throughout their campaign under head coach Brock Hor. Their 7-1 record in the highly competitive UCC Watchung division speaks to their ability to perform against elite competition on a weekly basis.
Scotch Plains-Fanwood’s offensive attack is powered by junior outside hitter Daniel Ennis, who’s extraordinary 413 kills and 47 aces represent one of the most prolific individual seasons in New Jersey high school volleyball. Ennis’s ability to score from anywhere on the court and serve with devastating effectiveness makes him a legitimate game-changer who can single-handedly alter the momentum of any match.
The Raiders’ balanced offensive approach is enhanced by junior outside hitter Brandon Indoe, who has contributed 279 kills and 13 aces while providing the consistent production that allows the team to maintain pressure on opposing defenses throughout entire matches.
Orchestrating this potent offense is sophomore setter Brody Balestrino, whose 854 assists and 20 aces demonstrate exceptional court vision and the ability to make plays under pressure. His youth belies his poise and decision-making ability, making him one of the most promising young talents in the state.
Adding another dimension to their attack is junior middle blocker Aaron Frank, who has contributed 131 kills and 39 blocks while providing the net presence that makes the Raiders’ offense even more difficult to defend. His ability to both score and intimidate at the net has been crucial to their success.
The Raiders’ championship defense is anchored by senior libero Andrew Sicinski, whose 310 digs and 36 aces demonstrate his dual role as both defensive stalwart and serving threat. His leadership and experience will be crucial in the championship environment.
The Raiders’ path to the championship final has been a testament to their mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure. They navigated through the North Jersey Group 3 bracket with victories over Don Bosco Prep (2-0), Belleville (2-0), Fair Lawn (2-0), and captured their sectional title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Millburn. Each of these victories required different strengths, demonstrating the Raiders’ versatility and championship resolve.
Championship Analysis
The NJPowerRanking system provides crucial insight into this championship matchup, with Southern holding a rating of 26.66 compared to Scotch Plains-Fanwood’s 23.37. This significant difference in ratings suggests that Southern enters as the clear favorite, but championship finals often produce surprises that defy conventional wisdom.
This final presents a fascinating study in contrasting approaches to volleyball excellence. Southern brings an almost perfect record and the confidence that comes from dominating competition throughout the season. Their balanced offensive attack, led by the Krinic brothers and expertly distributed by Homme, gives them multiple ways to win matches.
Scotch Plains-Fanwood counters with explosive individual talent in Ennis and the kind of battle-tested experience that comes from competing in one of New Jersey’s most challenging conferences. Their ability to win close matches and perform under pressure could prove crucial in the championship environment.
The key to this match will likely be determined by which team can impose their preferred style of play and maintain their composure during crucial moments. Southern’s near-perfect record suggests a team that rarely makes critical errors, while Scotch Plains-Fanwood’s impressive playoff run demonstrates their ability to rise to any occasion.
Prediction: Southern in 3 sets – The Rams’ superior rating, combined with their near-perfect record and exceptional depth, should provide enough of an advantage to capture the Group 3 championship, though expect the Raiders to make this a memorable battle. UPDATE: SOUTHERN WINS IN 3 SETS
Group 4 Final: #1 Old Bridge vs. #21 Livingston
Wednesday, June 11 at 6:00 PM at Livingston
The Group 4 championship presents what appears to be the most lopsided matchup of the finals week, as the dominant Old Bridge Knights (31-1, 12-0 GMC Red) travel to face the overmatched Livingston Lancers (17-11, 4-6 SEC American) in what should be a showcase of Old Bridge’s overwhelming superiority.
Old Bridge: The Unstoppable Knights
Old Bridge enters this championship final as the clear and overwhelming favorite, posting the most impressive overall record among all finalists with an extraordinary 31-1 record while achieving perfect conference play at 12-0 in the GMC Red division. Under head coach Andrew Hopman, the Knights have established themselves as the undisputed premier program in New Jersey volleyball, combining exceptional talent with championship-level preparation that has produced near-perfect results.
The Knights’ offensive attack is led by junior outside hitter Oskar Lapinski, whose 306 kills represent consistent excellence throughout their dominant campaign. Lapinski’s ability to score efficiently while maintaining his effectiveness over the course of long matches makes him one of the most reliable and devastating attackers in the entire state.
Providing excellent complementary firepower is senior middle blocker Adrian Marke, who has contributed 234 kills while demonstrating the kind of consistency that championship teams require. His presence in the middle creates opportunities for the entire offensive system to function at peak efficiency while providing intimidating defensive presence.
The Knights’ offense flows through senior setter Troy Markle, who’s exceptional 748 assists and 48 aces showcase his dual role as both distributor and scoring threat. Markle’s leadership and experience in pressure situations will be invaluable assets in the championship environment, and his ability to find the open attacker has been a key factor in Old Bridge’s dominance.
Adding significant depth to their attacking arsenal is senior outside hitter Logan Fernandes, whose 134 kills and 16 aces provide the kind of balanced production that makes Old Bridge’s offense virtually impossible to stop when firing on all cylinders.
The Knights’ defensive foundation is built around senior libero Ali Chaudary, whose 317 digs and exceptional court coverage have been instrumental in their success. His ability to keep rallies alive and create transition opportunities has been a crucial factor in Old Bridge’s complete dominance of every opponent they’ve faced.
Old Bridge’s championship journey has been nothing short of a masterpiece in volleyball excellence. They cruised through their South Jersey Group 4 bracket with convincing victories over Washington Township (2-0), South Brunswick (2-0), Kingsway (2-0), and captured their sectional title with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Monroe. Each victory demonstrated different aspects of their championship caliber and their ability to adjust to any style of play.
The Knights’ regular season was highlighted by an impressive array of quality victories, including wins over Southern, Jefferson, Cherry Hill West, and multiple victories over conference rivals. Their only loss came in a 2-1 setback to Scotch Plains-Fanwood, a result that has only strengthened their resolve and focus for this championship run.
Livingston: The Overmatched Lancers
The Lancers enter this championship final with a modest 17-11 record that pales in comparison to Old Bridge’s dominance throughout the season. Head coach Dan Kim has guided his team through what can only be described as a miraculous playoff run that has exceeded all reasonable expectations, but they now face a Knights team that operates on an entirely different level.
Livingston’s offensive attack is led by senior outside hitter Arya Deshmukh, whose 203 kills represent solid production but falls far short of the explosive offensive capabilities that Old Bridge brings to the court. While Deshmukh has been consistent throughout their playoff run, he will face the most challenging defensive unit he has encountered all season.
The Lancers’ offense is orchestrated by senior setter Duncan Sturt, whose 554 assists and 22 aces demonstrate his ability to distribute effectively, though his numbers pale in comparison to the offensive firepower that Old Bridge generates on a nightly basis.
Adding production is senior outside hitter Shawn Xia, who has contributed 164 kills and 10 aces, providing steady play that has been sufficient against lesser competition but will be severely tested against Old Bridge’s superior talent and depth.
Championship Analysis
The NJP algorithm reveals the massive gulf between these two finalists, with Old Bridge holding a rating of 30.00 compared to Livingston’s 21.95. This represents the largest gap in ratings among all four championship finals and accurately reflects the reality that Old Bridge enters this match as an overwhelming favorite to capture the championship in dominant fashion.
Old Bridge brings superior talent at every position, exceptional depth that allows them to maintain their high level throughout entire matches, and an almost perfect record that demonstrates their ability to dominate quality competition consistently. Their balanced offensive attack, led by Lapinski and Marke and expertly distributed by Troy Markle, combined with outstanding defensive play from Chaudary, gives them every possible advantage heading into this final.
While Livingston’s playoff run has been an inspiring story of exceeding expectations, they now face a reality check against a Knights team that has proven its superiority against much stronger competition throughout the entire season. The talent gap is simply too substantial for this to be a competitive match.
Prediction: Old Bridge in 2 sets – The Knights’ overwhelming superiority in talent, depth, and experience should result in a dominant performance that captures the Group 4 championship in convincing fashion. This matchup represents a showcase opportunity for Old Bridge to demonstrate why they are considered the premier program in New Jersey volleyball. UPDATE: OLD BRIDGE WINS IN 2 SETS
Overall State Champion Analysis
The stage is set for an absolutely incredible week of championship volleyball that will determine the ultimate champions across all four groups. While three of the four matchups promise competitive drama and exceptional talent on both sides, the Group 4 final appears destined to be a demonstration of Old Bridge’s complete dominance of New Jersey high school volleyball.
With the Group Championship format, and the Tournament of Champions a thing of the past, NJP will incorporate one NJ State Champion based on our rating system. There are a few possibilities that will need to play out but by running a number of scenarios through the algorithm, it’s safe to say the following:
Old Bridge will most likely be the #1 team in 2025. If they win, they have earned that spot based on the math. If they lose, they may still earn that spot based on their entire portfolio of games. If they lose convincingly, it opens the door for Southern or SPF to move up.
Southern has had an outstanding season. Their fall into the Group 3 bracket hurts them dramatically when vying for the overall state championship. If they had the opportunity to avenge their earlier season only loss to Old Bridge in the championship game in Group 4, they would have every right to claim the overall championship. But dropping to Group 3 pits them against #3 SPF instead of #1 Old Bridge. They will need to win big and have Old Bridge lose big for consideration as #1. A win would solidify their final ranking at a minimum of #2.
SPF holds the only win this season over #1 Old Bridge in a 5-setter. If they win convincingly over Southern, they would have recorded wins over both #1 and #2 in 2025. The Raiders 4 losses are crushing when crunching the math on their overall rating. A win would propel them to #2 at minimum.
St. Joe’s Metuchen, with 5 losses, is just about eliminated from #1 contention in our algorithm. They have a chance to get to #3 in NJ if the right combination of scores and results occur.