The562’s coverage of high school volleyball in 2025 is brought to you by the MLP’s Bay Area Breakers.
The 2025 Long Beach boys’ volleyball scene has talent across the board, with plenty of key returners and rising stars set to take the stage this spring. Teams like Wilson are looking to win their fifth Moore League championship in a row, while Long Beach Poly looks to start its journey to another historic playoff run.
Check out where every team stands as the Long Beach volleyball season gets underway!
Wilson
There’s no doubt that all eyes on the Wilson volleyball team will be directed at UCLA commit and USA volleyball’s Marek Turner—the question is, “Who else on the team can he lift up?”
“The biggest thing Marek brings to the team is his leadership. We all know he can play the game at a high level. The question is, who else on the team can he lift up? If we can build up everyone on the team, Marek will not be the only thing our opponents have to worry about,” said first-year coach DJ Koenen.
Koenen inherits a team with only three returning varsity players but says he’s enjoyed the energy that his group brings to the gym every day as they continue to improve. The three returners include Turner alongside junior libero Nick Ferguson and middle Rony Sanchez. Senior Jinara Maes will also bring some experience with his strong leadership.
Despite a large group of newcomers, Koenen holds plenty of familiarity with a handful of new varsity players this year after coaching the Wilson JV team last year. Among a strong new group of varsity players, Koenen has high hopes for sophomores Mathias Espiritu and Blake Hardy, a pair of setters he calls his “quarterbacks.”
“They both set for me last year on the JV squad and worked extremely hard in the off-season, and I am excited to see how efficient we can be offensively with those two taking the reins, ” Koenen said.
The Bruins are searching for their fifth straight Moore League championship this season and have only lost one game in their last 42 league matches. Koenen is looking to keep the winning culture of Wilson volleyball going in 2025 but says there are other ways to win that don’t show up on the scoreboard.
“Obviously, we all want to win. But winning isn’t always on the scoreboard. We are going to make mistakes and lose. If we can use those losses as learning experiences and continue to build through the season, we will be dangerous when playoffs roll around. In short, a loss in the present can be used to build toward a victory in the future.”
Long Beach Poly
The Jackrabbits are returning five of their six starters from last season and are hungrier than ever to get back to the playoffs after making just their second post-season appearance last year since 1998.
“[We’re] hungry for a title. With five of our six starters returning from last season’s team, we know how hard it was to get through to the playoffs,” Poly coach Sidney Davidson said. “Understanding that this team was close last season should give them the opportunity to compete for a CIF title. We want to be the first team to bring its first CIF boys volleyball title to this program.”
In the middle of the action for Poly will be setter Ryder Tuaolo, who’s gearing up for his first full healthy season with the Jackrabbits. Tauolo, a St. Anthony transfer, has overcome a handful of injuries throughout his high school career and was a huge piece for Poly in its three playoff games last season.
Three-year varsity middle KJ Hill is also primed for a successful season and was another huge key to Poly’s success last season.
“He should have a huge year,” Davidson said of Hill. “Physically he got stronger in the off-season. [He’s been] hitting the ball hard and moving very well. He’s still hungry to play after last season’s loss to St. Margarets in the semifinals.”
On the outside, Poly will be without first-team All-Moore League and LBCC outside hitter Lucky Iosua, who averaged over 21 kills per game in the Jackrabbits’ playoff run. Matthew Tsao will return on the outside with experience while Colin Wilson will be a key newcomer. Senior opposites Jackson Trunnelle and Davin Chiang will also be big contributors.
“Ball control and defense is what Poly is known for as a program. Our tough, relentless defense and toughness are key this season,” Davidson said. “Senior leadership will be one of the keys to our success this upcoming season, and having versatile players playing different positions is a bonus.”
Poly has already gone 5-1 through its preseason schedule, which included a tournament sweep over rivals Wilson. Last year, the Jackrabbits were second in the Moore League with back-to-back losses to Millikan and Wilson. Poly opens its league schedule on Mar. 6 against Jordan.
Millikan
Millikan will have a whole new look when they hit the floor in 2025 with only four returning varsity players, including three who are taking on new positions.
Senior captain John Cammarata is the only guy returning to his same spot from last year at libero, and Millikan coach Matthew Johnson is looking for Cammarata to lead the way.
“His aggressive and consistent play along with his leadership are helping to set a great tone for the rest of the team this season,” Johnson said of Cammarata. “His defense and leadership will not only help us be successful, but I think will earn him a spot on an NCAA team.”
Kobe Magdael and Evan Crucil Chambers are also returners from last year, both of whom will take on new roles as outside hitters. Fellow returner Jake Karkanen will be the one feeding those guys as he takes on his first year at setter.
The Rams’ will have a handful of new varsity seniors, including middle blocker and opposite Kai Castillo, while Darren Amaya and Robert Lorenzana are two key defensive specialists. Juniors Wes Aguilar and Isaac Davis will also be at opposite, and Gavan Hauczinger will be another addition at middle blocker.
Millikan finished third in the Moore League last season with a 9-3 record, and the Rams were able to split key matches with Long Beach Poly after winning their second matchup via sweep. This year, Johnson just wants to see his team play hard and see them reach their full potential.
“If my team plays to its potential then I’ll have no regrets and no problems with whatever place we get in league or CIF,” he said. “However, if they play to their potential and like the team I believe them to be, we can do better than ever before.”
Millikan will play tournaments at both Kennedy and Bellflower this season and have non-league matches against Los Alamitos, North Torrance, and Warren. The Rams will open Moore League play on Mar. 4 at Lakewood.
Jordan
Jordan has an experienced roster returning in 2025 with a handful of seniors that are hoping to lead the Panthers back to the playoffs for the third straight season.
The Panther’s offense will revolve around senior setter Luis Sanchez, who will look to feed fellow senior outside hitters Randy Me and Chase Jett. Maurice Gibbs III is also a key returner on the outside as a junior, and each of the four returners has made All-Moore League honors in the previous two seasons.
Jordan will also have new experience in senior middles Jelani Sauldberry and Diego Nario, while Yaael Andrade Rivera, Lawrence Lewis, and Ulises Hernandez Gonzalez will all be in on the Panther’s libero spot. Seniors Ezra Spencer and Jose Joaquin also look to contribute to round out a senior-heavy roster for Jordan.
“We are looking for big contributions from our returning seniors,” Jordan coach Andrew Lane said. “Specifically Maurice Gibbs III and Randy Me, who have improved immensely and will need to play to their potential.”
The Panthers have earned a guaranteed playoff spot the past two seasons with a fourth place in the Moore League, and they’re looking to use their experience to keep that streak going. Jordan swept its two games against Cabrillo, Compton, and Lakewood last year, which will be key matchups again this year in making the playoffs.
Lakewood
First-year coach Daniel Lozada is taking over the Lakewood boys’ volleyball program and is looking to create a new environment. He’ll be joined by fellow teammate and assistant coach Brian Castro, and the pair believe that their program is primed for a big year.
“We have had the opportunity to begin establishing the principles and coach-player expectations we have for our boys and have been fortunate to receive the commitment we were looking for in return,” Lozada said.
Lakewood has a strong freshman class who Lozada believes can become big contributors.
“Coach Brian and I cannot wait to see what [our freshman class] accomplishes this season,” Lozada said. “They bring a ton of energy and are starting to blossom and find their volley-rhythm.”
Lozada also expects a big year from senior middle-blocker Valentino “Tino” Castruita alongside Ivan Monojano, who should bring some key leadership to the Lancers’ squad.
“Tino understands and embodies the principles of being a student-athlete. Tino brings a sense of confidence and optimism to the culture we are trying to create this year,” he said. “Alongside Tino would have to be Ivan, who brings leadership and the best out of everyone who he surrounds himself with. Ivan is a determined athlete and highly competitive, which we know we can count on come game time.”
The Lancers finished 4-7 last season and fifth in the Moore League the last two seasons. Lozada’s biggest focus this season is on the success of his players and creating a good environment.
“I think if we are preparing and sending our seniors off with confidence in their next endeavors and creating a safe and fun environment for new and returning athletes to compete through the sport of volleyball, we are successful.”
Cabrillo
The Jags have a mixture of key returners and promising newcomers as they prepare for their 2025 season.
Of the fresh faces, Cabrillo will welcome standout international transfer Flynn Frese, a junior outside hitter from Germany. Other key additions include junior setter Gabe Claveria, sophomore middle blocker Ralph Asuncion, and freshman defensive specialist Kollin Yang.
On the outside, the Jags will look to a trio of juniors in hitters Ronnel Tandoc, Angel Haro, and Damian Chey.
Cabrillo holds most of its experience in the middle with blockers Demeyon Love and Donovan Young, both of whom should bring key leadership to the team.
The Jags finished 2-10 in the Moore League last season, and third-year coach James Kainoa is putting his focus towards the team’s culture.
“We’re already successful, regardless of our record,” said Kainoa. “Our culture is simple—we don’t just want each other to succeed; we want to be significant and thrive beyond volleyball.”
Compton
This year, the Compton volleyball team will face off against a handful of non-league teams in tournament play. The Tarbabes will face off against Dominguez, Centennial, and Compton Early College.
Compton will open its Moore League schedule against Wilson on Mar. 4.
St. Anthony
The Saints have a handful of dual-sport athletes this year who are looking to bring their athleticism to the St. Anthony volleyball program.
Marco Transfiguracion was a starting receiver for the Saints’ football team this year and will look to use his 6-foot-4 frame in the middle and at opposite, meanwhile fellow football teammate and quarterback Noah Furlow will look to rack some more passes this year as a setter. Furlow will also be joined by his brother, Jack, who will start on the outside.
“I expect Noah and Marco to have a big year this year,” said St. Anthony coach Danny Saldana. “Their hunger and passion for the game have only grown this season, and their determination to get better on and off the court is already showing.”
Saldana added that both Noah and Jack have a strong mind for volleyball, and he says that Jack also brings a calm demeanor on the court.
Senior David Casillas will be another key returner for the Saints at libero, meanwhile sophomore Griffin Bass is a lengthy newcomer who will be at middle.
“As for every team the goal ultimately is to win. But in my eyes, this year will be a success as long as we can play to our best ability each and every game,” Saldana said. “If we perform better than last season while remaining competitive and having fun, this year will be a successful one.”
