Orange County All-Star Volleyball : Lewis Gets Some Attention in North Boys’ Win

Brian Lewis was unnoticed and unrecruited this season as the Corona del Mar High School volleyball team, with only two starting seniors, struggled to a fifth-place finish in the Sea View League.

But Lewis got another chance to get some attention Friday night in the Orange County High School boys’ all-star volleyball game, and made the most of it. The 6-foot senior had 12 kills, 10 in the first two games, to lead the North past the South, 15-9, 15-12, 3-15, at Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach.

“I wanted a chance to show I could play well,” said Lewis, who played only five points in the third game. “It’s sure a lot easier when you are surrounded by other good players.”

Lewis displayed an impressive jump serve that allowed the North to take control of the second game. With the score tied, 9-9, Lewis had three aces and served five consecutive points.

Stanford-bound Dan Hanan of Edison added seven kills and Edison teammate Rich Smith had six for the North.

Roger Burney of Laguna Beach had seven kills and Brett Winslow of University added six for the South.

“It’s a showcase for the kids and we try and let them play as much as possible,” North Coach Dan Glenn of Edison said. “They deserve it and it’s a chance for them to get to know each other and have some fun.”

In the girls’ game:

North 3, South 0--Newport Harbor senior Lara Asper, voted all-Southern Section four times, had 15 kills to lead the North, 15-12, 15-7, 16-14. Asper, who usually plays setter, will attend Stanford in the fall.

“That’s the most balls she’s swung at in four years,” North Coach Mike Neece of Newport Harbor said. “We just passed well and that’s what tends to break down in these games. That was the difference.”

Jackie Cook of Fountain Valley also played well for the North, which came back in the first game after trailing, 11-4. Cook finished with 10 kills.

Tara Cross of Southern California Christian led the South with 12 kills after sitting out the first game. Cross will play for Cal State Long Beach next fall.