CdM aims for CIF crown

Steve Conti was in search of fire.

His Corona del Mar High boys’ volleyball team went through its first week of competition, missing the extra level of on-court intensity needed by a team in search of a CIF Southern Section title and a target on its back from past successes.

The hard work was evident in practice, but in matches the communication lacked as well as the excitement in between points. Conti, who is in his 12th season, responded by making in-game intensity an even bigger focus for the team.

Conti had 6-foot-4 senior outside hitter Blaine Nielsen, a captain who’s bound for UC Santa Babara, to help lead the charge in that aspect.

“Blaine’s always been that way; he definitely needs recognition for that,” Conti said. “Hopefully that will rub off on other players.”

The Sea Kings also have an experienced senior class led by captains Phil Bannan, a 6-2 setter, and Adam Smith, a 6-1 outside hitter. Corona del Mar returns five of it’s six starters from a team that advanced to the CIF Division II title match and is ranked No. 2 behind Valencia of Valencia.

Emotional boosts take on an added importance with Smith, a second-team All-CIF selection last season, who is out of action for an extended period with a broken hand, and torn ligaments. Smith has committed to UCLA.

“They’re a nice group of guys; they need to be more vocal,” Conti said. “It’s a game of momentum. We want to create enthusiasm and momentum for our team.”

Coming off two straight trips to the section final, one ending with a championship and the most recent a five-game defeat coming against Valencia, the Sea Kings have the mettle and drive to make it to the top.

“We weren’t playing with a lot of passion,” Conti said. “Each team needs to form its identity. We need guys to lead and guys to be followers. Team chemistry can’t be measured in size. It’s when players want to do well for the guy next to them just as much as for themselves.”

Senior right-side hitter Brad McCoy and outside hitter-libero Spencer Brown are returning starters.

“It takes a lot of hard work to get to the top,” Conti said. “But it’s even harder to stay at the top. Teams are already going to come after you because you’re CdM.”

The Sea Kings lost middle blocker Scott Slaughter, a first-team All-CIF selection, to graduation, but still have 6-6 junior Gus Ellis, who was third-team All-CIF, and 6-7 sophomore Dylan Davis to patrol the middle.

“One thing you can’t teach is height,” Conti said.

Ellis’ experience and talent should take the pressure off Davis.

“He had a very good sophomore year and he’s still eager to learn and get better in every aspect,” Conti said of Ellis. “A player in his position could think they know it all. We want him to try and get better defensively. With Adam out we might need to use him more offensively. He had a great start to the season last year, then came back around at the start of playoffs. We’re looking for a longer performance.”

Junior Jeff Carlson will play setter and outside hitter.

“He could play just about any position,” Conti said. “Mechanically he’s good. He has just scratched the surface.”

Senior Sam Stafford will back up Bannan at setter.

“He could probably start for other teams,” Conti said.

Conti said there is no pressure for any player to take Smith’s place.

“We’re not trying to fill someone’s roll, we’re just looking for a guy to go in there and play his game,” Conti said. “The biggest thing is, it hurts our depth and makes practice less competitive.”

CdM opened the season impressively, winning the Best of the West Tournament, completed Saturday in San Diego.

CdM, led by tournament MVP Nielsen, defeated Valencia in the semifinals, then swept Santa Barbara in the final.

The Sea Kings visit Laguna Beach Wednesday at 5:45 p.m.