The Scotch Plains-Fanwood boys volleyball team had a week for the ages—defending their reign as Union County Champions for the sixth consecutive season and UC Irvine commit Tim Ennis became the 22nd high school athlete to achieve 1,000 kills in NJ.
“Tim has always had that inner fire to be the best player he can be. He also has that fire to be the best captain and leader he can be,” head coach Brock Hor told The Fanscotian. “The 1,000 kills is a great statement to what Tim has become as a player, but the team’s success is the testament to Tim as a leader.”
The Raiders concluded another winning regular season, finishing with a record of 23-1. The consistent connection between setter Quinn Donahue and outside hitter Tim Ennis has propelled the offense to new heights. Donahue leads the team in assists (569) and Ennis leads the team in kills (289).
Ennis reached the 1,000 kill mark in the county semifinal round against the fourth-seeded Elizabeth Minutemen after tallying 14 kills in the two sets it took to advance to the finals.
“I am so happy that I reached this goal. I planned to achieve this since my freshman year even though the common milestone for volleyball is 500 kills,” Ennis said. “I wanted 1,000 and couldn’t be happier about how it happened.”
Two days after Ennis’s remarkable achievement, the Raiders faced off against the second-seeded Westfield Blue Devils in the final round of the county tournament at Kean University.
Looking to preserve the title, SPF needed a team effort to get past their rivals. Any team, no matter the record, is motivated to a greater extent in tournament matches.
“The message [coming into the game] was simple. Stick to what got them there, and stick to the game plan we discussed in practice,” Hor said.
With all eyes on the reigning champions, the Raiders entered Harwood Arena and never looked back. SPF took both sets in the match (25-14, 25-19), cementing their dynasty. Six seasons as a varsity sport, six years being crowned Union County Champions.
“Every year, every team will be different. We look at what our strengths are and where we need to improve,” Hor said. “I always stress teamwork and playing to the best of their abilities instead of being blinded by wins alone.”
Ennis has been on the team since his freshman year, contributing to four of the six consecutive county titles.
“Every one of these [county final] wins is special, and this one was just a little sweeter because my teammates were there to pick me up,” Ennis said.
Five Raiders had three or more kills in the match—a testament to the depth of the roster. Donahue controlled the court, leading the team with six kills and 23 assists. Sophomores Daniel Ennis, Brandon Indoe and Aaron Frank added a combined 12 kills and seven blocks.
“Our mantra for the season [was] that this was not a one man show. Tim is, by far, the best player we have on the team, but he can’t win it alone,” Hor said. “Each player has a role and a job to do. The understanding that you are part of a bigger thing is something that all of our players have bought into.”
The junior varsity team was also victorious in their match in the final round against the first-seeded Linden Tigers (25-16, 25-16), extending their county final round wins to four. The future is bright for this program as they continue their winning reputation.
SPF are now looking ahead to the state tournament where they will play Thursday, May 23 at home against Bergen Catholic at 4:00 p.m.
“For us to win [the state tournament] all again, it’s going to take a lot of fight and confidence in one another,” Ennis said.
