LYNN — The first week of spring sports is underway, and the Lynn Classical boys volleyball team is preparing for a new season.

The Rams went 12-8 in the regular season last year but graduated a core group of seniors.

“It’s going to be a different year, since we’re replacing eight kids from last year’s team. It’s going to be a challenge because we lost both of our outside hitters and both of our middle blockers,” Rams head coach Chris LeBlanc said. “Replacing those four key pieces is going to be a challenge, but the kids that are in the gym this week are working really hard. I’m encouraged with what we have in front of us and what we’ll be able to do this season.” 

During the first week of tryouts and practices, LeBlanc said he is evaluating players’ offseason progress.

“The first week, the immediate thing is just who I’m going to put on varsity and who’s going on JV,” LeBlanc said. “I like to see who improved from last year. Who has spent time in the gym lifting and trying to improve their conditioning, while also seeing who spent time in the volleyball gym trying to improve their technique and their skills. We’re starting to see that most of the kids that are coming back have spent a lot of time this offseason getting their bodies ready for the grind ahead.” 

Despite roster turnover, the Rams return several key players, including Kenzel Lantano, who had 718 assists and 159 digs as a junior.

“Kenzel Lantano is one of my captains who is back from last year. He’s been our setter for the last two years and he has 1,380 assists already which for a kid who only set for us for two years is pretty incredible,” LeBlanc said. “If we have any kind of good season, he’s going to put up 2,000 assists. He’s a tremendous leader and is always the first one in the gym and first one to get the kids going. He’s a great server and he’ll pass too, he’s a key component of our team in a lot of ways.” 

LeBlanc also highlighted juniors Long Pham and Riches Won Tep.

“Our libero, Long Pham, is also back. I would argue he is one of the most talented volleyball players I have ever coached, boy or girl. He’s just so naturally gifted. He sees the game much quicker than everybody else around him and makes those adjustments that allow him to control our defense. He’s also a great passer that allows us to run our serve receive with two passers instead of three and he’ll just take an extra zone,” LeBlanc said. “In addition, we have Riches Won Tep who is going to be our outside hitter. He’s put in so much work in the offseason to get ready for the season. I think he saw the opportunity that was in front of him more than anybody else. The jump he’s made physically and maturity wise is incredible. I can’t wait to see him get out on the court.” 

This is Lynn Classical’s fourth year fielding a boys volleyball team, and LeBlanc said the program continues to grow.

 “In year one we didn’t have a JV team, we just had enough kids to make one varsity team. We struggled that first year, but those kids were really learning. Then the last two years, they’ve really kind of put it together and now you see these kids dying to play volleyball. Whether it’s in an open gym or in the morning before school, you’ll see these kids out here playing,” LeBlanc said. “Now we have varsity and a JV team and if I wanted to, I could probably scrape together a freshman team too. To go from 8-12 in our first season to the Sweet 16 the last two years, says a lot about how much they really enjoy this game and how much work they’re willing to put in.”

Lynn Classical will have a few more weeks to prepare before opening the season in the Lynn City Championship, a title it has won the past two years.