Anna 
As boys volleyball teams in the Lackawanna League kick off the regular season this week, there’s a heightened sense of excitement. After Blue Ridge’s dominant run in recent years, the landscape has changed with several talented players graduating, making the race for the 2025 title wide open.
This spring, there are no returning Times-Tribune All-Region players or Lackawanna League first-team all-stars, which adds to the unpredictability. Still, Abington Heights, the team that finished as the runner-up to Blue Ridge during its back-to-back undefeated seasons, is seen as the favorite due to their solid returning talent.
Led by second-team league all-star Shawn Theodore, Abington Heights features a strong group of players, including Ryan Horutz (an excellent setter), Chris Cummins, Shane Brower, Nolan Moore, and Chase Beerman. The Comets posted an impressive 19-3 league record over the last two seasons, and last year they advanced to the District 2 Class 3A semifinals before losing to eventual champion Delaware Valley.
Abington Heights head coach Jamie Spangler expressed excitement for the team’s potential, saying, “We’re still a very young team that gained a lot of experience last year. I’m excited to see each player continue to improve.”
While Abington Heights enters as the favorite, the competition for the title is expected to be fierce, with several new challengers stepping up.
Defending champion Blue Ridge faces a rebuild after losing several key players, including Connor Cranage, last season’s Times-Tribune Player of the Year. However, the Raiders do return Owen Martin, who was an honorable mention all-star last season after contributing 46 kills, 154 service points, and 59 digs. Blue Ridge coach Lori Zick acknowledged the team’s youth, saying, “We are young and rebuilding, but we have a great group of boys who are working well together.”
Western Wayne looks to challenge with standouts Vinny Silon and Theo Black. Silon has racked up 321 kills and 192 service points in his career, while Black has over 500 assists. John Pyatt, with 246 kills and 93 service points, is another key player for the Wildcats.
Valley View, a rising program in its second season, is led by second-team all-star Luke Stevens. The Cougars also return starters Antonio Farina, Jesus Isidro, and Jagger Roe, making them a team to watch.
Forest City, with a solid core including Caelum Cahoon (who received all-star consideration last season), Austin Price, Hunter Johnson, Blake Menotti, and Aaron LaFlair, could also surprise after finishing 5-5 last season and qualifying for the District 2 Class 2A championships.
Elk Lake, coming off a 1-9 season, returns five starters, including honorable mention all-star Josh Astacio, Braeden Johnson, Hayden Lord, Xavier Davis, and Isaiah Jones, and will look to improve.
Mountain View, which made it to the District 2 Class 2A semifinals last season, returns only two starters, Jason Demanicore and Luke Zipprich, but will aim to build on last year’s success.
Lackawanna Trail returns starters Bradden Jones, Wyatt Laytos, and Aidan Megovern, while West Scranton, fresh off a 6-4 season in 2024, brings back three starters: Emanuel Benitez, Brandon Sanchez, and Elias Rios.
Meanwhile, in the Wyoming Valley Conference, Delaware Valley defends its league and District 2 Class 3A championships. The Warriors will have to replace Chris U’Glay, a record-setter and all-state standout. However, Delaware Valley still has key players like Gino Gualandi (who had over 80 kills), Demetri Anc, Luke Peereboom, and Jack Greening to lead the way.
Related topics: