The boys volleyball season in the Freehold Regional High School District belonged to Colts Neck High School.
The Cougars put together one of the finest seasons in program history, as they won a share of the Shore Conference A North Division championship, beating Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) for the first time since 2008 in the process. Colts Neck also made the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals for the first time in six years and won a round in the state tournament. The team’s 17 wins (17-7) were second highest in program history.
Although the Cougars have had teams that won more games and were division champions before, head coach Glenn Jansen said this was the best all-around team he’s had. It didn’t rely on one player to carry it because the talent level was so deep throughout the lineup.
Howell High School, led by Jacob Brown, made a run at joining CBA and Colts Neck atop A North. The Rebels were 11-8 and made both the Shore Conference and state tournaments.
Howell’s Brown heads the News Transcript’s 2015 All-Freehold Regional High School District Boys Volleyball Team, followed by a string of Colts Neck players: Chris LoMauro, Lucas Inglis, Mike Lamb, Spencer Matthews and Tyler Lee.
Brown was one of the premier players in the Shore in 2015. The senior was overpowering at the net with 186 kills, ranking among the Shore’s best. He had 13 blocks and a team-high 65 digs. Brown’s service game was a weapon, as he delivered 35 aces on the season.
Last year, the Brown-led Rebels captured the A North championship.
Colts Neck’s middle hitters played a key role in their success this spring. LoMauro led the way with 133 kills and 12 blocks. He also came up with 29 digs.
The 6-foot-7 Lamb had 72 kills and 15 blocks from the middle. He will play basketball for Brookdale Community College in the winter.
For Colts Neck, it’s good to have a Matthews around. The last time the Cougars beat CBA and made the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals, Spencer Matthews’ brother, Alistair Matthews, was the team’s standout. Spencer Matthews was a big contributor to this year’s Cougars with 123 kills and 62 digs. He also led the team in aces with 42.
Every play for Colts Neck seemed to start with Inglis. That’s how important his setting is. He had 393 assists, which ranked among the Shore’s best. He came up with 53 digs and 12 blocks.
Defensive specialist Lee was extraordinary, coming up with 206 digs. The libero also helped out with 77 assists.
With Matthews and Inglis, who are juniors, and other key players returning, Colts Neck will again be in the hunt for a championship and postseason tournament play.