CdM, Sailors, Lightning get top volleyball rankings

Corona del Mar High, the defending CIF Southern Section Division II boys’ volleyball champion, opens the season with the top ranking in the preseason coach’s poll.

Newport Harbor is ranked No. 2 in Division I, while Sage Hill is ranked No. 4 in Division V.

CdM went 33-2 last season to claim its second section title in three years. It was the fourth crown for Coach Steve Conti, entering his 13th season at the helm.

Senior middle blocker Gus Ellis, who has committed to Stanford, figures to be a key asset for the Sea Kings, who lost setter Phil Bannan, outside hitter Blaine Nielsen, and opposite hitter Brad McCoy to graduation. Ellis was a first-team Division II and All-Pacific Coast League selection last spring.

Newport Harbor is expected to be led by seniors Kyle Caldwell and Tucker Peleuses. The Sailors lost in five games in the second round of the CIF playoffs to Long Beach Wilson to finish 20-13 in 2007.

Caldwell earned third-team Division I honors despite missing much of the season with a stress fracture in his right foot. He was named second-team All-American by Volleyball Magazine.

Sage Hill, 16-8 last season after being swept by Viewpoint in the division semifinals, is expected to be led by junior outside hitter Bayle Smith, a first-team Division V performer last season.

— From staff reports