Youthful Volleyball Squad Still Has High Goals

Conference realignment exposes the 2010 Long Beach boys' volleyball to new – and possibly tougher – competition.

Coach Bill Gibson's Marines have graduated 11 seniors from the winning 2009 squad. This year's team is a mix of raw, untested talent and a core group of underclassmen that are ready for their moment in the Long Beach sun.

Team Name: Long Beach Marines

Team Record: 13 – 3.

Head Coach: Bill Gibson

Top Players:

• Bret O'Neill, junior outside hitter.

• Sal Saatchi, senior outside middle.

• Andrew Still, junior setter.

Team Breakdown:

Roster turnover leaves the 2010 Marines with some question marks. Many of the team's players are excited to prove they're up to the task of extending Long Beach High School's reputation as a volleyball powerhouse.

Josh Ayzenberg, a freshman starter, looks to be a strong contributor. John Anfosse has the entire team buzzing with his three-foot vertical leap, making him a threat for scoring kills at the net – and winning games.

"We're not the biggest team," said Saatchi. "Ball control and serving are going to be our strengths."

Expectations:

Despite their lack of veteran leadership, no one expects more from the 2010 boys volleyball team than themselves. "We have really high expectations," Saatchi said.

The team captains are ready to lead and they're confident their teammates are ready to step up for Gibson.

"We love Coach Gibson," said Still. "He's a cool coach; we play with him over the summer on the beach, which brings us even closer as a team."

Key Games:

Conference realignments leave the Marines facing some unknowns. But Saatchi and Still have JFK-Bellmore circled on their schedules. "They're big kids," said Still. "We'll try to outplay them with skill."

Saatchi could barely contain himself at the prospect of facing teams he's never seen before. "We look forward to new challenges," he said.