High school boys volleyball: 2A semifinals recap, Salt Lake Academy and American Heritage to clash in first-ever 2A state championship

“I think they just came in a little tentative,” said American Heritage coach Brad Castle. “We talked about focusing on our game and playing our tempo and staying within our system. Once they did that, things looked a lot brighter for us.”

American Heritage’s offense was led by outside hitters Dallin Castle and Peter Jacobson. Patriots setter Lincoln Ericson also played well in the win.

Despite losing only three matches in the regular season, American Heritage lost its third one to Maeser Prep 3-0. Coach Castle said it was a good learning experience for his team.

“Believe it or not, the loss we learned a ton from,” Castle said. “Those guys learned the importance of coming in strong, coming in aggressive, and just playing at a different level.

“This is a state championship tournament. This is not a regular tournament, so picking up at a different level, I was proud of the boys for doing that.”

American Heritage will face top-seeded Salt Lake Academy in Saturday’s 2A championship game.

2A Quarterfinals

Maeser Prep 3, Freedom Prep Academy 0

Strong play in the middle from Maeser Prep’s captains helped the fifth-seeded Lions slip past No. 4 seed Freedom Prep in the 2A quarterfinals at UVU on Friday, 25-21, 25-19, 25-16.

Junior middle blocker Mason Hemingway and sophomore middle blocker Josh Richards both finished with eight kills to lead the way for Maeser Prep, which also got a strong game from Vanko Stewart, who added five kills.

Freshman libero En-lun Chang led the way in a strong passing performance for the Lions, who advanced to the semifinals to face top-seed Salt Lake Academy.

Salt Lake Academy 3, Utah Military Hillfield 0

Senior Elijah Johnson racked up 14 kills and fellow senior Takeo Derby added nine more as No. 1 seed Salt Lake Academy rolled past No. 8 seed Utah Military Academy Hill Field for the 25-9, 25-17, 25-19 win in the 2A quarterfinals at UVU on Friday.

The Griffins jumped out fast and coasted from there as junior setter Ryder Harrison controlled the tempo offensively, finishing with 29 assists.

American Heritage 3, Vanguard 1

No. 2 seed American Heritage survived a scare against No. 7 Vanguard in the 2A quarterfinals at UVU on Friday, ultimately prevailing 27-25, 19-25, 25-20, 25-22.

Patriots outside hitters Peter Jacobson and Dallin Castle both contributed strong games hill, while setter Lincoln Ericson controlled the game offensively.

Draper APA 3, Dugway 0

Despite playing without two of its starting middles, No. 3 Draper APA was able to take care of business against No. 6 Dugway in the 2A quarterfinals at UVU on Friday, winning 25-19, 25-12, 25-23.

Yazeed Sarhan filled in at middle and played a great game according to coach Jennifer Williams, registering numerous tips and blocks in a big defensive performance.

Sophomore libero Lincoln Davis played great defense as well for the Eagles, with Nate Wadsworth having a strong game serving.