Chaotic week leads to major shakeups

The boys volleyball season is nearing the end of its second week and there has already been plenty of shakeups around the state.

This week, many top teams tested themselves against elite competition, both in and out of conference, across the state. All of that led to what could only be described as a week of chaos that ultimately caused plenty of movement among rankings.

Below, check out the latest version of the Top 20 rankings in boys volleyball.

1-Southern (8-0)

Last week: No. 1

Southern continued its dominance this week with six wins, all of which came in straight sets. Its biggest win of the season thus far came on Wednesday afternoon when it took down then-No. 10 Howell in a top-10 matchup in the Shore Conference. This team hasn’t skipped a beat, even with significant losses from last season. Eight players have double-digit kills, and there’s two dynamic setters on the roster in Angelo Addiego (78 assists) and Nick Gatto (60 assists). The week ahead is a big one with matchups against No. 19 Kingsway and No. 2 Old Bridge lined up.

Next match: April 16 vs. No. 17 Kingsway

2-Old Bridge (6-0)

Last week: No. 2

Another team that hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, Old Bridge picked up four wins this week, three of which were against ranked opponents. The Knights had no trouble taking down Summit but faced some pressure from Kingsway and St. Joseph (Met.) before pulling away in the second set of each win. Old Bridge also hasn’t lost a set at all yet this season, and is surely looking forward to its matchup with No. 1 Southern on Wednesday.

Next match: April 12 vs. Monroe

3-Scotch Plains-Fanwood (6-0)

Last week: No. 3

Scotch Plains-Fanwood continued to roll in week two with victories over Westfield, Livingston, and Oratory all in straight sets. All of those wins came in dominant fashion as well as the Raiders didn’t allow more than 18 points in any of the six sets it played. Tim Ennis continues to be a dominant force all over the court as he totaled 34 throughout those three wins, but the depth around him has been excellent as well. Dan Ennis, Kieran McElroy Barker, and Quinn Donahue will continue to play a big role throughout this season.

Next match: April 15 at No. 9 Bridgewater-Raritan

4-Hackensack (4-0)

Last week: No. 4

Hackensack started this week off by facing an interesting Ramapo team that has loads of potential but made quick work of the Raiders with two sets to none win. The Comets then did the same just one day later against Teaneck and gave up just 19 total points in that match. This has been an excellent start to the season for Hackensack, which has an incredibly dangerous quartet of Daniel Porto, Matthew Peralta, Hosam Esawy, and Chris Amon-Pulla. A matchup with Randolph on Saturday should be one to pay attention to.

Next match: April 12 vs. Don Bosco Prep

5-Fair Lawn (6-0)

Last week: No. 5

Fair Lawn rolled through its competition this week and in three matches outscored Colonia, West Milford, and Wayne Valley 150-100. Things…