Six Bulldog spikers earn all-league

Six members of Ramona High School’s boys volleyball team earned all-league honors.

The Valley League coaches gave first-team recognition to senior opposite hitter Ian Nowakowski, second-team distinction to junior outside hitter Billy White and sophomore setter Garrett Adelman, and honorable mention accolades to senior middle blocker Garrett Vizcarra, junior outside hitter Luis Nunez, and sophomore middle blocker Kenny Lawler.

“We did pretty well,” said coach Jeff Klauda. “It was a pretty good showing for us.”

In addition to Nowakowski, the first team consisted of three players from Mount Carmel and one player apiece from Valley Center and San Marcos.

“It wasn’t easy to get anybody on first team ‘cause Mount Carmel had so many guys who were capable,” Klauda said.

Mount Carmel had two players on the second team, giving the Sundevils five first-team and second-team representatives.

Ramona had three while Valley Center and San Marcos had two apiece. Orange Glen had only honorable mention selections.

“The kids are getting recognized,” Klauda said.

Nowakowski had more than 300 kills during the season.

“That’s the most I’ve had from one player since I’ve been there,” Klauda said.

“It’s definitely something that he earned,” Klauda said of Nowakowski’s first-team honors.

“He grew a lot as a player over the last two years.”

Adelman led the Bulldogs in assists.

“Garrett had an all-around great year,” Klauda said.

White was second on the team in kills, recording more than 200 during the season.

“He grew just as much as anybody. His game improved over the year,” Klauda said.

The all-league recognition was the first for all six of Ramona’s players. Last year all four of Ramona’s players who earned Valley League honors were seniors. Despite the lack of any returning all-league players, the Bulldogs finished second in the Valley League standings with a 6-2 league record and concluded the season with a 23-12 overall mark while reaching the CIF Division III semifinals.