The James River Midlothian (Midlothian, VA) varsity volleyball team will play a neutral playoff match against Kellam (Virginia Beach, VA) today at 6:45 PM. This game is part of the 2024 VHSL Boys Volleyball State Tournament for Class 6.

James River Midlothian vs Kellam Game Info:

What: Virginia High School Boys Volleyball Playoffs
Who: James River Midlothian vs Kellam
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 VHSL Boys Volleyball State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 6
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Game preview: James River Midlothian vs Kellam

The 2024-25 volleyball season has showcased two powerhouse teams in Virginia: Kellam and James River Midlothian. Both teams have not only performed exceptionally well within their respective regions but have also demonstrated a dominance over common opponents, making them two of the most formidable squads in the state. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their performances, statistics, and head-to-head comparisons.

Kellam (24-25): A Season of Excellence

Kellam’s volleyball team has been nothing short of impressive this season, finishing with an overall record of 27-1. Their national ranking of 4th and a Virginia rank of 3rd highlight their consistent dominance across various competitions. They have posted an astounding .964 winning percentage and a .941 record within the region, which has contributed to their successful season.

• Key Stats:
  • Kills: 925
  • Total Blocks: 206
  • Serving Aces: 271
  • Digs: 697
  • Assists: 847
  • Receptions: 1177
  • Leaders: Joel Eanes leads in kills (304) and serving aces (55), while Nathan Pyka shines in digs (147) and receptions (392), and Bennett Pyka leads in assists with 749.

Kellam’s consistency is also evident when looking at their performance against common opponents. The team has an unblemished 5-0 record against teams that both they and James River Midlothian faced this season. The victories have come in impressive fashion, including a 3-0 win over Kempsville and a 3-2 triumph against Deep Run.

James River Midlothian (24-25): A Close Contender

James River Midlothian, while slightly behind in national ranking (2nd), has also been an outstanding team this season, finishing with a 20-4 overall record. Their .833 win percentage in both overall and regional play, paired with their solid 10-2 regional record, reflects their competitiveness in the Virginia volleyball scene.

• Key Stats:
  • Kills: 856
  • Total Blocks: 204
  • Serving Aces: 262
  • Digs: 727
  • Assists: 845
  • Receptions: 1129
  • Leaders: Nathan Pyka (147 digs), Michael Blanchard (70 blocks), and Bennett Pyka (749 assists) have been key to the team’s success.

Against common opponents, James River Midlothian has posted a 4-1 record, with notable wins over teams such as Granby (3-0) and Deep Run (3-1). However, their only defeat came in a tough 3-0 loss to Kellam’s rivals, Patrick Henry.

Head-to-Head Comparison

When comparing Kellam and James River Midlothian head-to-head, it’s clear that both teams bring distinct strengths to the court. Kellam’s exceptional offense (925 kills) and serving game (271 aces) put them ahead in raw scoring statistics. James River Midlothian, on the other hand, has been incredibly consistent in their defensive efforts, evidenced by their strong digs (727) and assists (845).

Common Opponents: A Competitive Landscape

Looking at their performances against common opponents, both teams have excelled. Kellam has yet to lose to any of these teams, while James River Midlothian has secured a 4-1 record in similar matchups. The shared games against teams like Kempsville and Deep Run highlight their ability to perform at a high level across the state.

The Road Ahead: Playoffs and Beyond

With both teams holding strong regional and overall records, they are primed to make deep playoff runs. Kellam’s 5-0 record in playoff games and their 14-1 record on the road demonstrate their potential for postseason success. James River Midlothian, with their own strong playoff record, will look to continue their momentum as they strive for a state title.

As the 2024-25 volleyball season enters its final stretch, Kellam and James River Midlothian remain two of the top teams to watch. Whether through Kellam’s all-around dominance or James River Midlothian’s relentless competitiveness, Virginia volleyball is fortunate to witness these two teams showcase excellence.