The Walton boys volleyball team has been a mainstay in The Bronx since coach Andrea Milsome took the reins of the program in 2004. But the Wildcats have forever been second fiddle behind John F. Kennedy in the borough.
Last season, Walton made inroads into changing that when it shared the PSAL Bronx VI title with Kennedy and earned the No. 4 seed in the playoffs. The expectations this year have risen even higher.
“Our goal is to make the final, if not win the whole thing,” Milsome said.
Walton (2-0) returns its core and already has won a preseason tournament at Queens College. Last week, the Wildcats downed rival Kennedy in dominating fashion, 25-14, 25-16, in both teams’ league opener.
“It looked like all business to the boys,” Milsome said. “There was no playing around.”
They beat the Knights in the first meeting last year when Kennedy was without injured starting middle Omar Rivera and then lost to the Knights the second time around. So, Walton hasn’t quite conquered The Bronx just yet. But it’s a start.
The Wildcats have evened the playing field, though, when it comes to kids playing club. Outside hitter Carlos Jimenez, middle Zach Pichardo, outside Mike Alfau and libero Jose Grullon all played for Stellar in Queens with an assist from Milsome, who acted as team chauffeur. None of them had played club prior.
“It was worth it,” the coach said of the Bronx-to-Queens commute every Tuesday and Thursday.
It has certainly paid dividends already. Milsome said the chemistry has been better than ever. And individually, everyone has improved. The 6-foot-1 Jimenez, who was impressive last year, has taken his game to the next level. He had 14 kills and six digs against Kennedy.
“We knew Carlos Jimenez was going to be a monster and he has been,” Milsome said. “When he and [setter] Oscarlin [Pichardo] are on together, it just can’t be stopped.”
Walton had a bit of a scare when middle hitter Carlos Rodriguez almost decided not to play this season. Grullon actually had to play on the outside at the Queens College tournament and did well there. But when Rodriguez returned, Milsome moved Grullon back to libero for defensive purposes.
The coach has also been impressed with junior right side Anthony Sosa, who is replacing last year’s lone senior starter Henry Nunez. Sosa, though younger than most of his teammates, has taken on a much-needed leadership role.
“He’s filled Henry’s spot seamlessly,” Milsome said. “Anthony has really stepped up. His knowledge of the game now is fantastic.”
So are Walton’s chances at making a deep run in the playoffs.