DOWNEY - The Warren High School boys' volleyball team has gotten off to a 6-0 start.The Bears finished last season with a 16-2 overall record and a perfect 10-0 record in league play. The team returns several key players from last year's team. Dean Kendall, Josh Nehls, Alfonso Mata, Cristian Cuevas, libero Brian Oh and former East Knight Nick Alvarez all return with more experience and skill. Assistant coach Chris Hoodye mentioned that several of these players have been playing together since their freshmen year and that has been a big plus for their cohesiveness, unity and strength as a team. Coach Hoodye also pointed out that this is why they are playing at a very high level right now. The Bears' key loss from last season was Grant Carter to a health concern. The Bears participated in the La Mirada Pre-season Tournament and were undefeated at 4-0. The Bears defeated Valley Christian on March 20 in straight sets 25-11, 26-24 and 25-12 and were scheduled to face cross-town rival Downey on Thursday (score unavailable at press time) in the league opener for both schools. Warren will participate in the Valley Christian Tournament this weekend and in the Redondo Classic Tournament in April. Coach Simons is looking forward to this season and is proud of his squad's performance thus far. He maintains that his team's goal is a CIF. championship and that his players are "focused and intent on achieving that goal."

********** Published: March 22, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 49