Burroughs’ Daniel Jacobs earns All-CIF volleyball honor

BURBANK — Daniel Jacobs cemented himself as one of the most successful players in Burroughs High boys’ volleyball history.

The recent graduate and accomplished outside hitter helped put the Indians on the CIF Southern Section map the last three years with his talent and spirited play.

With impressive statistics and two co-Pacific League Player of the Year awards under belt, Jacobs can now walk away from his high school career with another bit of hardware after earning All-CIF Southern Section recognition.

Jacobs was a first-team honoree in Division II, as the lists were released Tuesday.

The senior was a valuable weapon for the Indians this past season. Not only was he a force from the outside, but his powerful serve kept opponents off-balance and his improved defensive skills proved to be an asset.

Jacobs ended the season with a wealth of impressive accomplishments. He led the team with 219 kills and 36 aces, to go along with 110 digs and 15 blocks.

“When I look back, I always wish that I would have done more to be able to help the team,” Jacobs said. “I always want to try my best to give everything that I have when I’m out there.

“But it’s nice to have put all the hard work into it and be rewarded for it.”

He also was able to elevate his game for the most important matches of the season. In the first Pacific League contest against rival Claremont, Jacobs had 26 kills, which was second-best in program history. Unfortunately, the Indians lost a close match in five games. However, in the rematch, Jacobs tallied 24 kills (No. 3 all-time) to lift Burroughs to a four-game win that secured it a share of the championship.

He ended his career at Burroughs as the program’s all-time kill leader with 729.

“He has just done some amazing things during the time he was at Burroughs,” Indians Coach Joel Brinton said. “When you look back at the great players we’ve had over the years and to see when he’s been able to accomplish, it’s pretty impressive.”

Jacobs helped the Indians to another prosperous season. Along with a 21-8 record and a share of the league crown, Burroughs advanced to the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division II playoffs.

“It was just awesome playing with these guys this year,” Jacobs said. “I love my team and I loved playing with them. I wouldn’t have wanted to play alongside anyone else. It was just a great feeling.”