Flintridge Prep boys’ volleyball’s Nicassio takes top league honor
In his first two seasons with the Flintridge Prep boys’ volleyball team, AJ Nicassio has done a lot of studying.
While adjusting to his position and providing maturation on the court, Nicassio served notice this season as a sophomore outside hitter.
Nicassio registered 269 kills, 285 digs, 41 aces and 25 blocks en route to being selected the Prep League Most Valuable Player for the first time as voted on by the league’s five coaches.
The Rebels (21-7, 7-1 in league) won their fifth league championship in a row and qualified for the CIF Southern Section Division III playoffs. Flintridge Prep fell to Oxnard in the first round of the playoffs.
“You always keep learning about the game and finding ways to improve individually and helping your teammates,” Nicassio said. “My teammates really helped me out over the last couple of years and I’m always trying to learn from them and our coaching staff. They were right there to support me.
“It’s an honor to be recognized like that. I tried to grow as a player.”
Flintridge Prep Coach Sean Beattie said Nicassio made major strides from last season to now.
“Last year, he was the new kid on the block,” Beattie said. “He was like the extra piece that we needed. This year, he was one of the main pieces.
“He’s got an enormous amount of power and pride in what he’s doing. Our entire league and the coaches took notice of him. He’s made a smooth transition and we’re glad to have him for another two years.”
In addition to Nicassio, four other Flintridge Prep players were bestowed with league recognition.
Senior outside hitter Jonny Samuels was named to the first team. Samuels collected 278 kills, 151 digs, 44 aces and 36 blocks.
“Jonny, along with AJ, were our go-to guys,” Beattie said. “He went from being a middle blocker to an outside hitter and that’s not an easy thing to do.
“It takes a lot of work to make that kind of change in terms of positioning and being a big part of the offense. I was very impressed with what he was able to do.”
Jake Althouse, Majeed Ismail and Ben Ventresca were selected to the second team.
Althouse, a senior middle blocker, finished with 83 kills, 73 blocks, 56 digs and 24 aces.
Ismail, a junior opposite hitter, had 171 kills and 50 blocks.
Ventresca, a junior setter, collected 390 assists, 86 digs and 19 aces.
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
