In a battle of back-and-forth rallies and equally raucous crowd chants, the James Logan High School boys’ volleyball team prevailed 3-1 on the road against the American High School Eagles. Propelled by 42 team kills and 79 digs, the victory gave the James Logan Colts sole possession of third place in the ongoing Mission Valley Athletic League (MVAL) regular season.
Heading into the match, the Colts struggled with consistency, posting a 5-5 record in their previous 10 games. Meanwhile, the Eagles were riding a two-game win streak in league play, and lost just four sets across their previous three contests. Looking to end American’s run and spoil their home opener, Logan’s coaches emphasized steadier passing and defensive positioning.
“Before the game, we tried to practice our ball control and our defense,” Colts assistant coach Joshua Deanon said. “Blocking together has been our main issue, as well as serving and receiving.”
The Colts’ game plan paid off early as they cruised to a 25-20 first set victory. But from the second set, the Eagles began to rally. While the Colts focused on overpowering American’s defense, Eagles attackers often opted for finesse, repeatedly tipping shots over Logan’s blockers into unguarded space.
The Eagles’ bench even jested, “Where’s your defense?” as Logan initially struggled to dig the ball. Coupled with frequent Colts serving miscues and strong front-line blocking from American, the Eagles only narrowly lost the second set (23-25) and won the third set 25-19.
Despite American’s resurgence, the Colts remained committed to their power-first strategy. Middle blocker Micah Wallace and outside hitter Isaac Gloria targeted American’s backcourt and sidelines with powerful jump serves and cross-shots, combining for 24 kills. Meanwhile, the Colts tightened their defense and repeatedly extended possessions, with libero Austin Milton recording a career-high 41 digs and opposite hitter Shia Nhem tying his own season-high with four solo blocks.
Though the Eagles stayed close, the Colts’ relentless attack proved too much for American. Multiple spikes, including the match point, ricocheted off of Eagle defenders into the stands as Logan sealed a 3-1 win. Milton’s performance moved him to 32nd nationally on MaxPreps in total season digs, while Gloria’s statline of 12 kills, two service aces, four blocks and three digs earned him MaxPreps’ player of the match.
The contest also featured lively crowd antics. Following an American timeout in the fourth set, Logan’s players cheered, “T.O, T.O, T.OOOO!” and “They need water!” American’s junior varsity squad immediately fired back, “We can’t hear you!” —prompting Logan to counter with a jesting “You’re on JV!” as supporters broke into laughter.
“Some of the American players are our old club volleyball teammates,” Gloria said. “I used to play with three of their guys during my eighth grade club season, so it was just friendly back-and-forth.”
Ultimately, with 10 regular season games remaining, the Colts aim to continue improving their ball control and redouble their effort in practice as they chase a league title and playoff berth.
“In order for us to win MVAL we have to stay consistent, whether on the serving and receiving end or the blocking end,” Deanon said. “And it really starts in practice. If we push ourselves and practice perfect volleyball, we will play perfect volleyball in the game.”
Logan returns to the court on Tuesday, Mar. 25, traveling to Washington High School to battle the Huskies. American will also look to bounce back on Tuesday, facing off against the Kennedy High School Titans in a home matchup.
To continue following both teams, visit maxpreps.com.
