Cal definitely didn't play their best. I wouldn't say it would have changed the outcome of the match if they played better, but I guarantee it would have been closer.
Either way though, CP is a good team and is deserving of the win. Congrats to them, as well as Cal for their great season.
Oh faint praise? College Park never plays the artsy game or airtight defense like the old SRV teams. They are more Iron than Silk. And they BROUGHT the Iron tonight. Game score of 3-O... it wasn't that close. The 3rd game was 25-13.
Well the rep of the EBAL isn't dead......but it may be on life support. Many at CP were thinking if they could sneak past Abby and Wash High they were going to take it all. And so it was. (with Wash High in attendance)
CP blasted CAL defenses from 4 or 5 angles. Big lefty Kyle Wilhite must be hitting 88 percent on the season. JayZee in the middle offsets the power of big Whitaker. When big David Curran is swinging good too...YOU got trouble. Yet we haven't even called the name of the "MVP" Andrew Cruz who put on his 3rd show of the NCS playoffs. CAL High fans will not soon forget that 'MVP' chant ...as the mob of CP fans were rude and boisterous guests in the den of the Grizzlies..
IMHO, CAL high didn't play their best...because they were rattled....by the team on the other side of the net. But props all around. Their EBAL title was hard won.
If I remember right, the All -League selection for DFAL has not been done yet, right? If not, I would say that Nick K. get the MVP nod. He is a really great setter and a great leader for his team. I was impressed with his decision making and his steady attitude on the court. As much as the MVP chants were going for Cruz, if you take him away, you still have a very good, NCS worthy team. Without Nick, I am not sure if that is the case.
College Park is a great team and was very much deserving of the win, regardless of how Cal played. There is a tight group of players that have been playing high school and club together and that is a huge advantage. Not to take away from the CP coaches, but Diablo Valley's coach Steve should be applauded for what he has done with these players.
Cal had a great season and no one can take that away from them. They had their bad game at the end of the season, CP had theirs in the begining against Amador, twice. That is the way seasons go. Congrats to both teams on Stellar seasons.
It was known that CP had a very good team this year. Even with seven forfeits included, they still managed to post an excellent record. That's probably the only reason they didn't get the #1 seed in the first place. Congrats to them for their accomplishments. Let's not rag on Cal for letting down after breathing a sigh just to get to this point. They had an excellent season. They accomplished far more than any of them expected and if they were cool with that, then fine.
A couple of seasons back when these kids were starting out on Cal, you could see that they had the potential to be an elite group but the past two seasons brought serious doubt as to whether they would live up to that. The coaches had issues with each other and the players. The players let apathy creep in and no one cared. This year they put it together with the help of their new coach who happens to be one of the player's sister and shown herself to be pretty good at this gig. There's a different energy level there now and she deserves some of the credit. The players deserve the rest. No matter the outcome against CP, they proved themselves winners and it should be left at that.
For those who think that CP winning NCS means the demise of the EBAL's rep as a power league, get a clue. Every year there will always be strong teams outside of that league but you can always expect quite a few strong teams within this league - always. The league as a whole was a bit down this year (IMHO) but five teams still made NCS. All of the teams are only going to get stronger and don't think Sean will let SRV stay down for long. DLS joins the league next year. So that's another consistently strong team to deal with. CP obviously would have held their own in the EBAL this year playing these teams for half your schedule year in year out would test your mettle instead of maybe a handful of tough games in tournaments and one or two league games. God bless CP.
if i recall correctly, edvbfan or whatever his name is said that the ncs winner would come from an ebal team...so what happened to that prediction?
not only did CAL lose, but it wasn't even a close game.
The first two games were fairly close, but CP came through when they needed to in order to secure the victories in each of them. In taking game 2, they completely took the wind out of Cal's sails and it was all but over at that point. Had Cal won game 2, it may have gone 5. The best team won tonight, no question about it. CP had the best 3 players on the court with #4, #7 & #10. You gotta love those MVP chants for CP's Cruz, although since they are not in Cal's league, I'm not sure it had the same meaning as it would have playing a league foe. CP brought a rowdy crowd, and they were loud and into it from the very first point. Congrats to both teams on fine seasons.
CP played great tonight and deserved the win. I stood up for both teams when there were good plays.
But question? Did 1st team all league OH Drew Crinnion play? The past posts had listed him as one of the best in EBAL? All i saw was tips... He had maybe two big hits all night. Big story from Cal was OH Adkins who showed up Crinnion keeping his team alive. Beeler was the bigger middle tonight over teammate williams.
Even at their best (with no missed serves) i dont think Cal could have beat the purple machine on a mission.....
Seems as if CP had a harder time getting around MV (4 games) and Washington (5 games) if we had our pick would this have been the finals we wanted to see?
The only thing good at cal tonight was the national anthem being sung......
I think what happened is CP caught cal on the wrong night. Both times i played Cal, their Defense was steady and the hitting wasnt like OMG he is destroying the ball but it was hard. I think that if it was a diff night things might have been a bit more interesting
i agree with spleen kicher09 this was not cals best night by far. it is a shame i would like to see what would have happened had cal showed up to play.
I think your comments are a little simplistic. There is a lot more involved to hitting out side than going up and swing everytime, you need to be a smart player and that is what drew is. I am sure this wasn't his best night but he still led his team. He had numerous digs, you could see he really wanted this game. Everytime he went up he played it smart and many of those tips went down, and kill and a tip both get a point!
And to say he got showed up by Atkins, who hit the ball well at times is wrong..
i didnt really see many tips go down the smart plays i saw was when he set deep corner for his kills.
Tonight was not cals night but it has been CPs last few months nobody on their best night would have taken them IMO....
Adkins stepped it up tonight with big kills keeping cals spirit high. I got out of my chair when adkins did his thing a couple sweet digs and tough ups, id give him MVP of cal if he didnt get yellow and red cards and would have given drew more respect if he didnt get mad and kick the ball in game 3 i think, but i wont take away drews plays he did make....
Drew plays with emotion. Was it his night? ehh ive seen him play alot better. But so what if he yells and shows passion, it looks like he loves the game, and thats all that matters
You're right, my cousin Drew plays with lots of emotion... And you can see that he feeds off the crowd and his team feeds off him... You could tell Cal wasn't into the game... If anyone caught the pregame warmups where Drew hit his patented jump serve and face-planted one of Cal's players... OUCH!! CP came to win and they showed everyone they wanted it more... Note to Cal high's fans... If you're going to start a wave, do it right... CP's fans showed you up in your own house... Period... Congrats to CP!!!
The kid was laying on his back after just missing a hit, and the ball came right down at his feet. Sure, he shouldn't have kicked it, but it is not like he ran up to a ball and kicked it to the ceiling. It was an emotional play, and I don't think any less of him for that. Adkins played decent, but everyone on Cal was outplayed by CP. They were stronger and deeper tonight. It is too bad it didn't go 5 games like both matches on Thursday night or the D4 match tonight, but momentum swung early CP's direction and they ran with it.
Responding to beach ball, i really cant believe that you just said Drew is a smart player and still "led his team." Correct me if im wrong but i dont believe a smart player would continuously tip or freeball EVERYTHING over the net while getting solid sets from Garrett Owak. I litrally saw drew get blocked or make hitting errors half the time he touched the ball! Thats no joke. What is a joke is how a medeokre player lke Drew Crinnian managed to slip onto the first team all league list. And dont give me the bad game excuse because this was not the first time, trust me. And no he does not lead his team.
Let's try not to attack people on this thread. He didn't play his best game tonight. Just leave it at that. There are a lot of good players that could merit all league consideration, but there is no need to try to discredit this kid's season. He was part of a very good team, and helped to play a role in their EBAL championship and 2nd place NCS finish.
Mackey I thought better of you. You had a good year second team is a great achomplishment, you are in the top 12 players in the toughest league. i wish you the best in college.
Yea I apologize i was far to critical. I was just upset considering that both Monte Vista and Washington played CP at a much higher level, and i would have loved to see MV competeing in the game.
You guys can say what you want, but the fact of the matter is Cal doesn't care what you say. It's the first time the men's volleyball team has put up a banner in the Cal High gym. First time Cal's men's volleyball has won league, and been to the NCS finals. Can't even remember the last time they've made it past the first round.
Point is, yeah, College Park scraped us in the finals, and their crowd showed ours up at our own gym. We're just stoked to have won league, and made it that far.
And for those who think we didn't deserve to be in the finals. Cal's beat every EBAL team, and Washington. We didn't put on a show in the finals, but doesn't mean Cal didn't deserve to be there.
It was College Park who took the title... the number 2 seed OWNING an OVER-RATED 1 seed in 3 straight games... In almost every aspect of the game... from the kills to the crowd chanting "Get your own" MVP... Hats off to Cal High for a great season though...
Andrew Cruz gets my vote for player of the year... Will someone explain to me why did the colleges miss out on recruiting this kid??
I'm told that when CP setter Nick Kalustian starts schmoozing the refs and his net opposite....He's GOT YOU.
Opponents should immediately check for their wallet...the scoresheet....your car keys...and put any a post game celebration plans...on Hold. Maybe it's just a myth...but its one that endures.
--------------------------------
On the other hand a NGTE player states: "Players like Nick K. don't come along that often and they can really take a team to the top levels. They take apart strong blocking teams and wreaked havoc on normally solid defenses."
everyone talking about how Cal had a bad night and defending them needs to quiet down, no one wants to hear excuses
i could say that with fair refs washington would have beat Cal when they played in the middle of the season, and CP in semifinals, but no one wants to hear that
Three posters mention that CP was the better team "tonight". Is there some other night the game might be played? That was the game for the YEAR. The record book will STILL list that result this time next year and every year hence. Somebody should have told those fans.
And if you were watching as the heat of season end rose...cracks were showing in CAL's armour. They were playing at home..what are all the "explanations" about? And NOW we hear stuff about "it was down year for the EBAL" Where has that been...before last night? Oh brother.
"Three posters mention that CP was the better team "tonight". Is there some other night the game might be played?"
I don't know about the other posters, but the quote of mine was:
"The best team won tonight, no question about it."
I used the term "tonight", as that was when the game was played. Had I written that today, I probably would have used the term "last night". I don't see how that could somehow be interpreted as a slight to the Falcons. Especially since that was the only time I had seen the teams play each other. CP was clearly the better team, period. They won in just about every phase of the game, including fan support. They deserve the NCS championship banner and get to go out on top. Great job CP!
And NOW we hear stuff about "it was down year for the EBAL" Where has that been...before last night? Oh brother.
Backrow, do you have a problem with my comment because I have mentioned it before tonight. Just check back through the archives (although this new format has scuttled quite a few of the old threads). I was responding to your earlier comment about the EBAL's rep being on life support. You seem to be going a bit overboard. A bit too partisan. From some of your previous posts, I've always thought you were a fan who got around to see a lot of volleyball (like myself) and enjoyed writing about it but maybe I missed something.
Whether you believe it or not, I said it was my opinion and going on what I know, the EBAL was down this year (I said it again). I thought Amador Valley and Granada should have been better. Foothill was really rebuilding this year and priming themselves for the future San Ramon Valley just had some bad luck and couldn't get going. Monte Vista probably did as well as they could have this year. College Park, Washington or Deer Valley still would have been in the top tier if they had played in this league this year. In past years that probably wouldn't have been the case. Quite a few club players are making it to other schools and that's a good thing. Competition is going up. Pretty soon we may even be competing with the SoCal schools in a state tournament. The EBAL has helped raise the level of the competition and that can only be a good thing.
For all of the CP supporters that have been posting comments, some need to understand what winning graciously is all about. There's an old saying in sports... "act like you've done it before" and always treat your opponent with respect. No matter what you may think of that final, Cal deserved to be there. No one needs to apologize for the outcome. It is what it is.
winning graciously?
people are on here saying Cal had the better seaon by far... and your making provoking statements that (all of a sudden) hte EBAL had a down year. If they would've won you would be saying the opposite.
All these excuses, how about CAL loses to the obviously better team graciously
All-knowing, don't twist my words to create a point. What do you find "provoking"? Nothing I have said is "all of a sudden". If Cal would have won, I still would have had the same opinion. If you need clarification on someone's comment, just ask. I was responding to a previous comment by Backrow. As far as what Giantsguy said on "Cal having the best season by far", put it in proper context. I'm sure he meant based on what the expectations were for each team. It wasn't a back handed knock on CP. From the beginning everybody knew CP had an outstanding team and was expected to do well this season. Nobody expected Cal to do as well. That's it. Don't trip and take it somewhere it wasn't meant to go. I had no horse in this race. No one needs to make "excuses". It is what it is.
How about some of your august advice on ...LOSING Graciously. EBAL fans & players have made ALOT of presumptuous statements here and on the court. I remember after a
tourney a EBAL player pointing at CP saying equiv. to "Got You" (And that's actually OK by me). BUT....if one can't stand the Heat (of a disapointment)... stay out of the kitchen.
Since you have "no horse" you should have noted the litany of excuses offered over CAL. It is probably just disappointment but Please.....Give out your advice to them.
EBAL rep DID take a big hit this week...if you didn't notice. It wasn't my bias..in the end the EBAL Champ was only 3rd best team. Did I say something re: the "demise" of the league? NOT. That is a twist of meanings. Everyone knows your league has the largest schools, more vet coaches and resources to send many to club. That's fine but even with such advantages....tell Them...to MAN UP....and take the bitter with the sweet.
.....So you said -previous- to the Final... the EBAL is 'down this year'? It wasn't a crutch and a slick take away? You didn't say it in the last 2 weeks...when the bacon was sizzling ! It wasn't in the last Month either. Maybe the first week of March when Fthl and SRV stumbled. That'd be safe. CAL was 'unexpected' but only early on & so what?
You know Backrow, I have gone through this entire thread and a couple of others look for Cal faithful slighting CP. I didn't see it. Please point me in the right direction. I was not speaking towards any perceived oneupsmanship that happened at a tournament. I wasn't even outside Cal after the game when (allegedly) a Cal fan(?) threw a rock through a CP player's car window. Neither incident do I condone but I have no knowledge of them. I'm speaking about what I'm actually reading. What presumptuous statements are you referring to? Did some Cal fans post that they expect their team to win? What else are they supposed to post pre-match? Maybe it was that statement about a player's inclusion on league first team but only "tipping" the sets he got? I guess those Cal players were really ragging on those CP players eh? (Oops, it wasn't a Cal player saying that.) When these kids make those comments, I get where they're coming from - because they are teenagers. When an adult such as yourself would rather facetiously imply that "my advice" is best offered to the losers, I see someone has missed the boat.
I don't know why you would even think that the EBAL's rep took a hit? Point me to a league this side of the bay that can "man up" top to bottom with them. What has been going on in the EBAL is good for all of the teams in the area. Is CP developing an elite program - or was this a one time shot at glory? Northgate has been doing it for a while and now maybe that will carry over into their new league. I see Washington putting together a nice program and now James Logan is getting into the mix. Pretty soon Mission San Jose and the rest of the MVAL schools will step up. Miramonte and Campolindo may come around again. If Cal's coach doesn't stay there, maybe she'll wind up at Acalanes and do for the boys what she did for the girls there and the Cal team. The DFAL will get stronger. Castro Valley boys will no longer play in the EBAL. Maybe they'll give Justin a shot at coaching and their home league, the HAAL will develop full teams there for them to compete against or maybe they join the MVAL for boys vb and that league gets stronger. Hopefully the ACCAL and BSAL will step up. Whatever happens, it's based on the EBAL showing what strong competition can do for a league and an area. Nah, their rep is whole. Remember every team in this area measures how good they are based on how they do against these EBAL teams.
Don't try to read something into my comments other than what is written on your screen. Are you now saying that I have to get on here every week and make the same statement for it to have any validity? It was an observation... my observation. The bacon didn't have to be "sizzling" for it be worth more than it was meant to be. It is what it is.
Mr. T,
Lets wrap this up. I’m thinking this became a conversation about the EBAL and the attitudes of some of its fans of which you seem representative. First off, no one should make this about the CAL players. Garrett was a great story and Drew and the Whitaker family or any of the CAL “kids”.. You might want to remember that CP’s “#4, #7 & #10” as 001 referred to them, are “kids” with stories too.
Two things became apparent in your last rambling post.
1. You DID have a dog in this match… even if it wasn’t CAL High in particular.
2. You labor under a misconception. You actually think NCS volleyball arises from the wonderfulness of the EBAL. Positively Silly. A massive poverty of history was revealed there. Even if the EBAL is “overall & currently” stronger. That’s more about shifting demographics than virtue. Take a hint.
“Is CP “developing an elite program?
“ NO…because they’ve always had one, with a couple years off in the last decade. Northgate doesn’t have that kind of history, yet. CP played NCS Title games in ‘01 and ’04 before ‘08. . How many have AV, MV, Granada, CAL or even Foothill ever been in?? Check it out.
CP Is a boy’s volleyball school and their crowds should be a clue. Ever heard of Evan Patek of Foothill, a great college player? When he was at Foothill, CP punished his team several times. And truth be told, even after 2 yrs of San Ramon and 2 of Foothill titles….all of NCS volleyball still stands in the shadow of De La Salle’s FIVE consecutive Title wins, when the EBAL was an afterthought. Now you know.
I definitely don't know where you're coming from Backrow but please do me a favor and don't toss insults my way. I'm not here for that. Please don't try to tell me I have a dog in this match when I told you specifically I don't. If you can't comprehend my comments, I'd rather you didn't respond instead of replying with your own misconceptions and insinuations.
You obviously have a problem with someone saying something good about the EBAL and offer up individual teams that have had success - as if that should change the equation. I specifically spoke of the competitiveness of the league and the benefits it provides for the area. Why would you have a problem with that? I know where volleyball was ten years ago in this area and I know where it is now. So if we're being truthful, who really is deficient in their history?
I like volleyball - any good high school volleyball that is being played - anywhere. I specifically have pointed out EBAL volleyball because night in, night out just about every match will be competitive and fun to watch. You seem to find it particularly offensive for anyone to say that. I liked what College Park did this year. I've watched Washington come up these last couple of years. I know kids on the Deer Valley team and like them very much. I have a more direct association with the DFAL. So don't you be presumptuous and try to state my leanings. Is that a big enough hint for you.
I thought better of you Backrow. I'd really hate to think I was wrong about you. I'll leave it at that.
For the actual players that have been in here commenting as well, I congratulate you all on tremendous seasons. All of you did amazing jobs in lifting your teams to the top. Drew, congrats to getting into UCSD. You'll love the area and if you get to play at RIMPAC, that will be special. Andrew and Nick, when you guys get to your respective schools I know you will stand tall as well. The best thing about this, is that your talents will help you get a college education. Don't get caught up in the petty back and forth. You've shown you're winners. Now it's on to the next challenge.
no you really do need to check yourself...all year you have been preaching about the EBAL and how they are one of the greatest things that have ever happened to mankind practically. to be honest. northgate played college park the tightest all year, along with washington. and then of course AMADOR beat CP twice. so 1 team in the EBAL hung/beat CP and then northgate and washington played them the tightest. both of which are NOT in EBAL.
also...like tyler has posted on the second page of this thread "arguing on the internet is like competing in the special olympics, win or lose you are still retarded." or something of that nature. lets let the players talk the trash. adults please enjoy our stupidity, remember we ARE in high school.
Ivolley, I am more than willing to debate with rational adults on here but I will not go back and forth with a teenager. I've offered my congratulations to you and your team. Leave it at that. I am aware of the saying about arguing on the internet but common sense tells me not to use it because it is offensive. If you and anyone else feel that it is funny to offend a group of people when trying to be clever then you still have some growing to do. Enjoy your win. I hope that you are successful in your future endeavors.
MrT...you might want to direct this to cal fans also: For all of the CP supporters that have been posting comments, some need to understand what winning graciously is all about. There's an old saying in sports... "act like you've done it before" and always treat your opponent with respect. No matter what you may think of that final, Cal deserved to be there. No one needs to apologize for the outcome. It is what it is.
the part about treating your opponent with respect maybe the cal fans should take note. a rock was thrown through the window of the car CP libero scotty was in and hit him in the head...VERY classy on the cal high san ramon area.
not only that, but there were instances of CP fans getting shoved by administration and ADULTS of CAL high.. how pathetic is that. How about them not letting CP fans onto the court to celebrate after, but letting CAL high fans onto the court.
how about show class in losing, instead of everyone calling out CP fans. Cal high was rightfully upset that they got embarrassed in the game, and dominated by the opposing fans at HOME... i guess it was somewhat understandable that they were really upset... but dont call out one side and not the other.. (btw, this wasnt directed at you nick)
i know.. but the CAL fans went on to the court to talk to players and coaches. while CP was piled on the stairs being blocked by Cal High administration from celebrating with there team.
yeah as our fans were leaving they showed us their support some of us were upset about how the team did, and CP fans got to party it up with their players at in n out like every sports team does in san ramon.
the point is not letting CP fans onto the court to celebrate with their team like they rightfully deserved was pathetic, and the ultimate sign of no class
wow your saying CAL fans have no class? everytime someone on my team went back to serve a CP fan started yelling at us, and not once did we go to the ref and ask them to leave, unlike nick who is my friend but that was annoying buddy, he went to tammy, the ref like twice because OUR fans were being to loud.
i think had all the CP fans been on the court which some were i remember i was there!!! there would have been problems between the two sides so our administrators where doing there job. if our away bleacher were on the same level i am sure they would have all been able to go on the court.
adults throwing kids into a wall.. Fans throwing rocks at cars? thats going a little farther than cheering during a serve. I'm sorry you couldnt handle our fans cheering. There wouldn't have been any problems on the court, our fans couldnt care less about your 50 people who showed up to the game really. We wanted to celebrate with our team, but instead your Administration was sad you lost so they wouldnt let us on
you got your oppion already made up that is fine. many people already agree CP aren't the nicest, i heard somethin about a clip board against MV? i didn't hear about admin pushing kids i find that highly unlikely and i will ask scotty about the rock hadn't heard about that either. There will always been one person that takes it to far. Any way what has happened has happened. I think it was handled fine i am sorry if you didn't get on the court but there were CP fans on the court after the game.
Posted on Sat, 05/17/2008 - 21:31 — by backrow
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 82
Cal looked lost all night, and collage park took advantage of it. I wont lie, ive see both teams play so much better though
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8
Cal definitely didn't play their best. I wouldn't say it would have changed the outcome of the match if they played better, but I guarantee it would have been closer.
Either way though, CP is a good team and is deserving of the win. Congrats to them, as well as Cal for their great season.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 283
Oh faint praise? College Park never plays the artsy game or airtight defense like the old SRV teams. They are more Iron than Silk. And they BROUGHT the Iron tonight. Game score of 3-O... it wasn't that close. The 3rd game was 25-13. Well the rep of the EBAL isn't dead......but it may be on life support. Many at CP were thinking if they could sneak past Abby and Wash High they were going to take it all. And so it was. (with Wash High in attendance) CP blasted CAL defenses from 4 or 5 angles. Big lefty Kyle Wilhite must be hitting 88 percent on the season. JayZee in the middle offsets the power of big Whitaker. When big David Curran is swinging good too...YOU got trouble. Yet we haven't even called the name of the "MVP" Andrew Cruz who put on his 3rd show of the NCS playoffs. CAL High fans will not soon forget that 'MVP' chant ...as the mob of CP fans were rude and boisterous guests in the den of the Grizzlies.. IMHO, CAL high didn't play their best...because they were rattled....by the team on the other side of the net. But props all around. Their EBAL title was hard won.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12
If I remember right, the All -League selection for DFAL has not been done yet, right? If not, I would say that Nick K. get the MVP nod. He is a really great setter and a great leader for his team. I was impressed with his decision making and his steady attitude on the court. As much as the MVP chants were going for Cruz, if you take him away, you still have a very good, NCS worthy team. Without Nick, I am not sure if that is the case.
College Park is a great team and was very much deserving of the win, regardless of how Cal played. There is a tight group of players that have been playing high school and club together and that is a huge advantage. Not to take away from the CP coaches, but Diablo Valley's coach Steve should be applauded for what he has done with these players.
Cal had a great season and no one can take that away from them. They had their bad game at the end of the season, CP had theirs in the begining against Amador, twice. That is the way seasons go. Congrats to both teams on Stellar seasons.
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 73
Well said Set4Life.
It was known that CP had a very good team this year. Even with seven forfeits included, they still managed to post an excellent record. That's probably the only reason they didn't get the #1 seed in the first place. Congrats to them for their accomplishments. Let's not rag on Cal for letting down after breathing a sigh just to get to this point. They had an excellent season. They accomplished far more than any of them expected and if they were cool with that, then fine.
A couple of seasons back when these kids were starting out on Cal, you could see that they had the potential to be an elite group but the past two seasons brought serious doubt as to whether they would live up to that. The coaches had issues with each other and the players. The players let apathy creep in and no one cared. This year they put it together with the help of their new coach who happens to be one of the player's sister and shown herself to be pretty good at this gig. There's a different energy level there now and she deserves some of the credit. The players deserve the rest. No matter the outcome against CP, they proved themselves winners and it should be left at that.
For those who think that CP winning NCS means the demise of the EBAL's rep as a power league, get a clue. Every year there will always be strong teams outside of that league but you can always expect quite a few strong teams within this league - always. The league as a whole was a bit down this year (IMHO) but five teams still made NCS. All of the teams are only going to get stronger and don't think Sean will let SRV stay down for long. DLS joins the league next year. So that's another consistently strong team to deal with. CP obviously would have held their own in the EBAL this year playing these teams for half your schedule year in year out would test your mettle instead of maybe a handful of tough games in tournaments and one or two league games. God bless CP.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 42
if i recall correctly, edvbfan or whatever his name is said that the ncs winner would come from an ebal team...so what happened to that prediction? not only did CAL lose, but it wasn't even a close game.
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 575
The first two games were fairly close, but CP came through when they needed to in order to secure the victories in each of them. In taking game 2, they completely took the wind out of Cal's sails and it was all but over at that point. Had Cal won game 2, it may have gone 5. The best team won tonight, no question about it. CP had the best 3 players on the court with #4, #7 & #10. You gotta love those MVP chants for CP's Cruz, although since they are not in Cal's league, I'm not sure it had the same meaning as it would have playing a league foe. CP brought a rowdy crowd, and they were loud and into it from the very first point. Congrats to both teams on fine seasons.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 283
uhhhh...sure. 25-19 is....."fairly close".
Other teams have come back from 2 down, ask Washington.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 82
Ehh when your league gets 5 bids, you expect to win. Feels good to be the only team to beat CP. gratz guys on the NCS title
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 28
CP played great tonight and deserved the win. I stood up for both teams when there were good plays.
But question? Did 1st team all league OH Drew Crinnion play? The past posts had listed him as one of the best in EBAL? All i saw was tips... He had maybe two big hits all night. Big story from Cal was OH Adkins who showed up Crinnion keeping his team alive. Beeler was the bigger middle tonight over teammate williams. Even at their best (with no missed serves) i dont think Cal could have beat the purple machine on a mission.....
Seems as if CP had a harder time getting around MV (4 games) and Washington (5 games) if we had our pick would this have been the finals we wanted to see?
The only thing good at cal tonight was the national anthem being sung......
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 82
I think what happened is CP caught cal on the wrong night. Both times i played Cal, their Defense was steady and the hitting wasnt like OMG he is destroying the ball but it was hard. I think that if it was a diff night things might have been a bit more interesting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23
i agree with spleen kicher09 this was not cals best night by far. it is a shame i would like to see what would have happened had cal showed up to play.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23
I think your comments are a little simplistic. There is a lot more involved to hitting out side than going up and swing everytime, you need to be a smart player and that is what drew is. I am sure this wasn't his best night but he still led his team. He had numerous digs, you could see he really wanted this game. Everytime he went up he played it smart and many of those tips went down, and kill and a tip both get a point!
And to say he got showed up by Atkins, who hit the ball well at times is wrong..
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 28
i didnt really see many tips go down the smart plays i saw was when he set deep corner for his kills. Tonight was not cals night but it has been CPs last few months nobody on their best night would have taken them IMO.... Adkins stepped it up tonight with big kills keeping cals spirit high. I got out of my chair when adkins did his thing a couple sweet digs and tough ups, id give him MVP of cal if he didnt get yellow and red cards and would have given drew more respect if he didnt get mad and kick the ball in game 3 i think, but i wont take away drews plays he did make....
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 82
Drew plays with emotion. Was it his night? ehh ive seen him play alot better. But so what if he yells and shows passion, it looks like he loves the game, and thats all that matters
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2
You're right, my cousin Drew plays with lots of emotion... And you can see that he feeds off the crowd and his team feeds off him... You could tell Cal wasn't into the game... If anyone caught the pregame warmups where Drew hit his patented jump serve and face-planted one of Cal's players... OUCH!! CP came to win and they showed everyone they wanted it more... Note to Cal high's fans... If you're going to start a wave, do it right... CP's fans showed you up in your own house... Period... Congrats to CP!!!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 575
The kid was laying on his back after just missing a hit, and the ball came right down at his feet. Sure, he shouldn't have kicked it, but it is not like he ran up to a ball and kicked it to the ceiling. It was an emotional play, and I don't think any less of him for that. Adkins played decent, but everyone on Cal was outplayed by CP. They were stronger and deeper tonight. It is too bad it didn't go 5 games like both matches on Thursday night or the D4 match tonight, but momentum swung early CP's direction and they ran with it.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7
Responding to beach ball, i really cant believe that you just said Drew is a smart player and still "led his team." Correct me if im wrong but i dont believe a smart player would continuously tip or freeball EVERYTHING over the net while getting solid sets from Garrett Owak. I litrally saw drew get blocked or make hitting errors half the time he touched the ball! Thats no joke. What is a joke is how a medeokre player lke Drew Crinnian managed to slip onto the first team all league list. And dont give me the bad game excuse because this was not the first time, trust me. And no he does not lead his team.
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 575
Let's try not to attack people on this thread. He didn't play his best game tonight. Just leave it at that. There are a lot of good players that could merit all league consideration, but there is no need to try to discredit this kid's season. He was part of a very good team, and helped to play a role in their EBAL championship and 2nd place NCS finish.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23
Mackey I thought better of you. You had a good year second team is a great achomplishment, you are in the top 12 players in the toughest league. i wish you the best in college.
Please stop putting people down!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7
Yea I apologize i was far to critical. I was just upset considering that both Monte Vista and Washington played CP at a much higher level, and i would have loved to see MV competeing in the game.
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7
You guys can say what you want, but the fact of the matter is Cal doesn't care what you say. It's the first time the men's volleyball team has put up a banner in the Cal High gym. First time Cal's men's volleyball has won league, and been to the NCS finals. Can't even remember the last time they've made it past the first round.
Point is, yeah, College Park scraped us in the finals, and their crowd showed ours up at our own gym. We're just stoked to have won league, and made it that far.
And for those who think we didn't deserve to be in the finals. Cal's beat every EBAL team, and Washington. We didn't put on a show in the finals, but doesn't mean Cal didn't deserve to be there.
Both teams had a hell of a season.
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2
It was College Park who took the title... the number 2 seed OWNING an OVER-RATED 1 seed in 3 straight games... In almost every aspect of the game... from the kills to the crowd chanting "Get your own" MVP... Hats off to Cal High for a great season though...
Andrew Cruz gets my vote for player of the year... Will someone explain to me why did the colleges miss out on recruiting this kid??
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 13
when ur the number 1 seed (in ANY sport) everyone expects u to compete. Cal was clearly overrated.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 42
i was a little disappointed in cals performace, i was expecting a game 5 thriller not an easy 3 game match.
i think that the finals should have been the cp vs. washington match, that was by far the one of the best matches ever
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 283
I'm told that when CP setter Nick Kalustian starts schmoozing the refs and his net opposite....He's GOT YOU.
Hmmm...sounds familiar.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4
everyone talking about how Cal had a bad night and defending them needs to quiet down, no one wants to hear excuses
i could say that with fair refs washington would have beat Cal when they played in the middle of the season, and CP in semifinals, but no one wants to hear that
take it as it is and move on, CP crushed Cal in 3
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 283
Three posters mention that CP was the better team "tonight". Is there some other night the game might be played? That was the game for the YEAR. The record book will STILL list that result this time next year and every year hence. Somebody should have told those fans. And if you were watching as the heat of season end rose...cracks were showing in CAL's armour. They were playing at home..what are all the "explanations" about? And NOW we hear stuff about "it was down year for the EBAL" Where has that been...before last night? Oh brother.
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 575
"Three posters mention that CP was the better team "tonight". Is there some other night the game might be played?"
I don't know about the other posters, but the quote of mine was:
"The best team won tonight, no question about it."
I used the term "tonight", as that was when the game was played. Had I written that today, I probably would have used the term "last night". I don't see how that could somehow be interpreted as a slight to the Falcons. Especially since that was the only time I had seen the teams play each other. CP was clearly the better team, period. They won in just about every phase of the game, including fan support. They deserve the NCS championship banner and get to go out on top. Great job CP!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 73
And NOW we hear stuff about "it was down year for the EBAL" Where has that been...before last night? Oh brother.
Backrow, do you have a problem with my comment because I have mentioned it before tonight. Just check back through the archives (although this new format has scuttled quite a few of the old threads). I was responding to your earlier comment about the EBAL's rep being on life support. You seem to be going a bit overboard. A bit too partisan. From some of your previous posts, I've always thought you were a fan who got around to see a lot of volleyball (like myself) and enjoyed writing about it but maybe I missed something.
Whether you believe it or not, I said it was my opinion and going on what I know, the EBAL was down this year (I said it again). I thought Amador Valley and Granada should have been better. Foothill was really rebuilding this year and priming themselves for the future San Ramon Valley just had some bad luck and couldn't get going. Monte Vista probably did as well as they could have this year. College Park, Washington or Deer Valley still would have been in the top tier if they had played in this league this year. In past years that probably wouldn't have been the case. Quite a few club players are making it to other schools and that's a good thing. Competition is going up. Pretty soon we may even be competing with the SoCal schools in a state tournament. The EBAL has helped raise the level of the competition and that can only be a good thing.
For all of the CP supporters that have been posting comments, some need to understand what winning graciously is all about. There's an old saying in sports... "act like you've done it before" and always treat your opponent with respect. No matter what you may think of that final, Cal deserved to be there. No one needs to apologize for the outcome. It is what it is.
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 49
winning graciously? people are on here saying Cal had the better seaon by far... and your making provoking statements that (all of a sudden) hte EBAL had a down year. If they would've won you would be saying the opposite. All these excuses, how about CAL loses to the obviously better team graciously
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 73
All-knowing, don't twist my words to create a point. What do you find "provoking"? Nothing I have said is "all of a sudden". If Cal would have won, I still would have had the same opinion. If you need clarification on someone's comment, just ask. I was responding to a previous comment by Backrow. As far as what Giantsguy said on "Cal having the best season by far", put it in proper context. I'm sure he meant based on what the expectations were for each team. It wasn't a back handed knock on CP. From the beginning everybody knew CP had an outstanding team and was expected to do well this season. Nobody expected Cal to do as well. That's it. Don't trip and take it somewhere it wasn't meant to go. I had no horse in this race. No one needs to make "excuses". It is what it is.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 283
How about some of your august advice on ...LOSING Graciously. EBAL fans & players have made ALOT of presumptuous statements here and on the court. I remember after a tourney a EBAL player pointing at CP saying equiv. to "Got You" (And that's actually OK by me). BUT....if one can't stand the Heat (of a disapointment)... stay out of the kitchen. Since you have "no horse" you should have noted the litany of excuses offered over CAL. It is probably just disappointment but Please.....Give out your advice to them.
EBAL rep DID take a big hit this week...if you didn't notice. It wasn't my bias..in the end the EBAL Champ was only 3rd best team. Did I say something re: the "demise" of the league? NOT. That is a twist of meanings. Everyone knows your league has the largest schools, more vet coaches and resources to send many to club. That's fine but even with such advantages....tell Them...to MAN UP....and take the bitter with the sweet. .....So you said -previous- to the Final... the EBAL is 'down this year'? It wasn't a crutch and a slick take away? You didn't say it in the last 2 weeks...when the bacon was sizzling ! It wasn't in the last Month either. Maybe the first week of March when Fthl and SRV stumbled. That'd be safe. CAL was 'unexpected' but only early on & so what?
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 73
You know Backrow, I have gone through this entire thread and a couple of others look for Cal faithful slighting CP. I didn't see it. Please point me in the right direction. I was not speaking towards any perceived oneupsmanship that happened at a tournament. I wasn't even outside Cal after the game when (allegedly) a Cal fan(?) threw a rock through a CP player's car window. Neither incident do I condone but I have no knowledge of them. I'm speaking about what I'm actually reading. What presumptuous statements are you referring to? Did some Cal fans post that they expect their team to win? What else are they supposed to post pre-match? Maybe it was that statement about a player's inclusion on league first team but only "tipping" the sets he got? I guess those Cal players were really ragging on those CP players eh? (Oops, it wasn't a Cal player saying that.) When these kids make those comments, I get where they're coming from - because they are teenagers. When an adult such as yourself would rather facetiously imply that "my advice" is best offered to the losers, I see someone has missed the boat.
I don't know why you would even think that the EBAL's rep took a hit? Point me to a league this side of the bay that can "man up" top to bottom with them. What has been going on in the EBAL is good for all of the teams in the area. Is CP developing an elite program - or was this a one time shot at glory? Northgate has been doing it for a while and now maybe that will carry over into their new league. I see Washington putting together a nice program and now James Logan is getting into the mix. Pretty soon Mission San Jose and the rest of the MVAL schools will step up. Miramonte and Campolindo may come around again. If Cal's coach doesn't stay there, maybe she'll wind up at Acalanes and do for the boys what she did for the girls there and the Cal team. The DFAL will get stronger. Castro Valley boys will no longer play in the EBAL. Maybe they'll give Justin a shot at coaching and their home league, the HAAL will develop full teams there for them to compete against or maybe they join the MVAL for boys vb and that league gets stronger. Hopefully the ACCAL and BSAL will step up. Whatever happens, it's based on the EBAL showing what strong competition can do for a league and an area. Nah, their rep is whole. Remember every team in this area measures how good they are based on how they do against these EBAL teams.
Don't try to read something into my comments other than what is written on your screen. Are you now saying that I have to get on here every week and make the same statement for it to have any validity? It was an observation... my observation. The bacon didn't have to be "sizzling" for it be worth more than it was meant to be. It is what it is.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 283
Mr. T, Lets wrap this up. I’m thinking this became a conversation about the EBAL and the attitudes of some of its fans of which you seem representative. First off, no one should make this about the CAL players. Garrett was a great story and Drew and the Whitaker family or any of the CAL “kids”.. You might want to remember that CP’s “#4, #7 & #10” as 001 referred to them, are “kids” with stories too. Two things became apparent in your last rambling post.
“Is CP “developing an elite program? “ NO…because they’ve always had one, with a couple years off in the last decade. Northgate doesn’t have that kind of history, yet. CP played NCS Title games in ‘01 and ’04 before ‘08. . How many have AV, MV, Granada, CAL or even Foothill ever been in?? Check it out. CP Is a boy’s volleyball school and their crowds should be a clue. Ever heard of Evan Patek of Foothill, a great college player? When he was at Foothill, CP punished his team several times. And truth be told, even after 2 yrs of San Ramon and 2 of Foothill titles….all of NCS volleyball still stands in the shadow of De La Salle’s FIVE consecutive Title wins, when the EBAL was an afterthought. Now you know.
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 73
I definitely don't know where you're coming from Backrow but please do me a favor and don't toss insults my way. I'm not here for that. Please don't try to tell me I have a dog in this match when I told you specifically I don't. If you can't comprehend my comments, I'd rather you didn't respond instead of replying with your own misconceptions and insinuations.
You obviously have a problem with someone saying something good about the EBAL and offer up individual teams that have had success - as if that should change the equation. I specifically spoke of the competitiveness of the league and the benefits it provides for the area. Why would you have a problem with that? I know where volleyball was ten years ago in this area and I know where it is now. So if we're being truthful, who really is deficient in their history?
I like volleyball - any good high school volleyball that is being played - anywhere. I specifically have pointed out EBAL volleyball because night in, night out just about every match will be competitive and fun to watch. You seem to find it particularly offensive for anyone to say that. I liked what College Park did this year. I've watched Washington come up these last couple of years. I know kids on the Deer Valley team and like them very much. I have a more direct association with the DFAL. So don't you be presumptuous and try to state my leanings. Is that a big enough hint for you.
I thought better of you Backrow. I'd really hate to think I was wrong about you. I'll leave it at that.
For the actual players that have been in here commenting as well, I congratulate you all on tremendous seasons. All of you did amazing jobs in lifting your teams to the top. Drew, congrats to getting into UCSD. You'll love the area and if you get to play at RIMPAC, that will be special. Andrew and Nick, when you guys get to your respective schools I know you will stand tall as well. The best thing about this, is that your talents will help you get a college education. Don't get caught up in the petty back and forth. You've shown you're winners. Now it's on to the next challenge.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 283
That highminded overseer act has worn thin. Bring more heft next year. You've been served.
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 73
My bad, I thought I was dealing with mature adults. Backrow, All-knowing, you need to check yourselves.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 59
no you really do need to check yourself...all year you have been preaching about the EBAL and how they are one of the greatest things that have ever happened to mankind practically. to be honest. northgate played college park the tightest all year, along with washington. and then of course AMADOR beat CP twice. so 1 team in the EBAL hung/beat CP and then northgate and washington played them the tightest. both of which are NOT in EBAL.
also...like tyler has posted on the second page of this thread "arguing on the internet is like competing in the special olympics, win or lose you are still retarded." or something of that nature. lets let the players talk the trash. adults please enjoy our stupidity, remember we ARE in high school.
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 73
Ivolley, I am more than willing to debate with rational adults on here but I will not go back and forth with a teenager. I've offered my congratulations to you and your team. Leave it at that. I am aware of the saying about arguing on the internet but common sense tells me not to use it because it is offensive. If you and anyone else feel that it is funny to offend a group of people when trying to be clever then you still have some growing to do. Enjoy your win. I hope that you are successful in your future endeavors.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 59
MrT...you might want to direct this to cal fans also: For all of the CP supporters that have been posting comments, some need to understand what winning graciously is all about. There's an old saying in sports... "act like you've done it before" and always treat your opponent with respect. No matter what you may think of that final, Cal deserved to be there. No one needs to apologize for the outcome. It is what it is.
the part about treating your opponent with respect maybe the cal fans should take note. a rock was thrown through the window of the car CP libero scotty was in and hit him in the head...VERY classy on the cal high san ramon area.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 283
WOW, Won't touch that.
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 49
not only that, but there were instances of CP fans getting shoved by administration and ADULTS of CAL high.. how pathetic is that. How about them not letting CP fans onto the court to celebrate after, but letting CAL high fans onto the court. how about show class in losing, instead of everyone calling out CP fans. Cal high was rightfully upset that they got embarrassed in the game, and dominated by the opposing fans at HOME... i guess it was somewhat understandable that they were really upset... but dont call out one side and not the other.. (btw, this wasnt directed at you nick)
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23
uhm i don't know if you were on there but our home bleachers are on the court they have to walk across the court to get out. just fyi
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 49
i know.. but the CAL fans went on to the court to talk to players and coaches. while CP was piled on the stairs being blocked by Cal High administration from celebrating with there team.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23
yeah as our fans were leaving they showed us their support some of us were upset about how the team did, and CP fans got to party it up with their players at in n out like every sports team does in san ramon.
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 49
the point is not letting CP fans onto the court to celebrate with their team like they rightfully deserved was pathetic, and the ultimate sign of no class
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23
wow your saying CAL fans have no class? everytime someone on my team went back to serve a CP fan started yelling at us, and not once did we go to the ref and ask them to leave, unlike nick who is my friend but that was annoying buddy, he went to tammy, the ref like twice because OUR fans were being to loud.
i think had all the CP fans been on the court which some were i remember i was there!!! there would have been problems between the two sides so our administrators where doing there job. if our away bleacher were on the same level i am sure they would have all been able to go on the court.
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 49
adults throwing kids into a wall.. Fans throwing rocks at cars? thats going a little farther than cheering during a serve. I'm sorry you couldnt handle our fans cheering. There wouldn't have been any problems on the court, our fans couldnt care less about your 50 people who showed up to the game really. We wanted to celebrate with our team, but instead your Administration was sad you lost so they wouldnt let us on
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23
you got your oppion already made up that is fine. many people already agree CP aren't the nicest, i heard somethin about a clip board against MV? i didn't hear about admin pushing kids i find that highly unlikely and i will ask scotty about the rock hadn't heard about that either. There will always been one person that takes it to far. Any way what has happened has happened. I think it was handled fine i am sorry if you didn't get on the court but there were CP fans on the court after the game.