The 10 double-digit seeds that can make a run in the 2023 Boys Volleyball State

No tournament can just go to chalk all of the time.

There are always going to be upsets, whether when you’re least or most expecting it to happen. As the boys volleyball state tournament is set to kick off later this week, NJ Advance Media has begun to preview the tournament in its entirety.

See below for the 10 double-digit seeded teams that could cause some chaos and make a run this year:

Belleville (North, Group 3): Just below Iselin Kennedy in the bracket is 10th-seeded Belleville, which has not been on an inspiring streak as of late but just picked up a good win over Westfield and possibly drew a good matchup against seventh-seeded Ridge. The Buccaneers played a tough regular season schedule, going up against Bloomfield twice, Millburn three times, Fair Lawn, West Caldwell Tech, Livingston, Nutley, and Westfield, and still managed to finish 10-10. Its opponent, Ridge, has been on a cold spell as of late with five losses in its last six games. Belleville shouldn’t be an easy out in round one.

Egg Harbor (South, Group 4): Egg Harbor enters the tournament as the 12th seed. It will take on fifth-seeded Cherry Hill East, which is a difficult matchup but the Eagles have been preparing for this. Egg Harbor enters states with a record of 17-6 and holds some big-time victories. It has defeated the likes of Cinnaminson and Rancocas Valley this season. Egg Harbor has won five of seven heading into the postseason and can look to ride momentum.

Hunterdon Central (South, Group 4): It has been a roller coaster year for the Red Devils. Hunterdon Central lost in the semifinal round of the Skyland Conference Tournament and currently holds a record of 13-12. The Red Devils began the year 4-1 before going on a six-game losing streak. Immediately after, they rebounded with six consecutive wins. Hunterdon Central has played many ranked teams this season and has been able to take some down. This includes Ridge, Livingston, and Bridgewater-Raritan. The Red Devils are a dangerous 10 seed that could take down any team in its path.

Iselin Kennedy (North, Group 3): It’s been a streaky regular season for 11th-seeded Iselin Kennedy, but it now has an opportunity to make some noise against sixth-seeded Millburn in the first round. The Mustangs enter the sectional tournament with three wins in its last four games and will still have work to do against Millburn, but this could be a game to watch.

Lakeland (North, Group 2): After a 2022 season that saw Lakeland finish with 18 wins and win the Passaic County Tournament, the Lancers struggled more this season with just nine wins and enter as the 13th-seed. Playing in a competitive Big North Conference has given the Lancers ample opportunity to face top competition though, including its first-round opponent, fourth-seeded Bergenfield. The Lancers and Bears played just once this season during the opening week, but having seen Bergenfield before is better than not seeing them at all for Lakeland. Lancers coach Brian…