It would be easy, perhaps, for any team in Interscholastic League of Honolulu boys volleyball to fold up the tent and go through the motions. Who dares challenge the behemoths like Punahou and Kamehameha, anyway?
Well, that would be upstart Maryknoll. The No. 6-ranked Spartans stunned No. 5 Kamehameha last night in three sets. Now 4-2 in the ILH, the program has been competitive for years, and took another step up under then-coach Sean Carney in recent seasons. Carney left after last season and returned to his alma mater, ‘Iolani.
Maryknoll stayed in-house and hired David Bayne to guide the program. Coach Bayne chatted with Hawaii Prep World via text this morning.
Q&A: Maryknoll boys volleyball coach David Bayne
Hawaii Prep World: Good morning, Coach David. Please forgive me, but some background would be helpful. Were you on staff under Sean Carney? And where did you play at? And what do you do for a living?
Bayne: Good Morning, No, I wasn’t on Sean Carney’s staff. I have no college experience but played at Roosevelt High School. I am a counselor at Maryknoll High School.
HPW: Some fans of the program feel like its a major upset for Maryknoll to beat Kamehameha, a No. 6 versus a No. 5. Do you look at it that way, or is the historical context playing into this? It’s a confidence-builder no matter, right?
Bayne: I feel that the historical context plays a huge factor in peoples’ opinion of the victory. Kamehameha is a great team and its tradition usually intimidates teams. I believe we have the ability to play with anybody and this victory is a huge confidence-builder for our program.
HPW: Ten years ago, even just five, building a Top 6 boys volleyball program at Maryknoll was a daunting task. Now with the gym, the momentum of previous years, is it fair to say the Maryknoll program has arrived?
Bayne: Playing in Division 1, we will always be compared to the Punahous and Kamehamehas but having a key victory like last nights one really shows that this program is on the rise. Our outstanding facilities and supportive fan base also play a key factor in the success of the program.
HPW: Swept Mid-Pacific and ‘Iolani (and Saint Louis). Pushed Kamehameha to three sets early in the season; beat them on Wednesday night. Gave Punahou a good battle in two sets. How much further can the Spartans go in the state’s premier volleyball league?
Bayne: Our program has continued to grow since day one and the sky is the limit for us. I am very grateful to play in such a competitive league where any team can beat you at any moment if you’re off your game.
HPW: Who have been the key contributors for your team, including the guys who may get overlooked or underrated?
Bayne: We have had many key contributors for our team throughout the season. Everyone has a role on the team and they step up when we need them most. Our outsides Zach Franquez and Aiden Velasco have been consistent both offensively and defensively and provide us with an energy spark with every kill or block. Our setter Andrew Caraang has been consistent for us all season and is a key component to our success.
Our middles Hayato Kamata and Chad Bolte have been huge difference makers coming up with huge kills and blocks for us as well. Jaylen Cain has been playing opposite for us all season but had to step in as a middle blocker for the first time last night and came up with some huge kills and the game winning block.
All of our players are always ready to step in and do what is necessary for the team. Two of our most overlooked players are Chad Oshiro and Matt Sun. Chad Oshiro is our libero and the backbone of our defense. He comes up with some ridiculous digs and his consistent passing and serving keeps us in every game. Matt Sun is our do-it-all guy who can play every position but his energy and positive spirit really keep the team’s spirits high. All of our reserves deserve recognition as well, whether its coming in for one serve or one pass, they are always ready to contribute.
HPW: Any thoughts on hosting No. 1 Punahou on Saturday (10:30 am)?
Bayne: In regards to our upcoming match with Punahou, they’re the best in the state and I love playing against them as it pushes our players to be on the top of their game. Rick Tune has done wonders over there and I use their program as a goal for the future of our program.
HPW: What are the goals for this season and beyond?
Bayne: Our team’s goals for the season have always been to make the state tournament. I feel that with this team we can increase that goal to push to win a state championship. The future is bright for our program and I am excited to see what we can accomplish.
HPW: Is there anything you’d like to add?
Bayne: I’d like to add that the Administration, Faculty and parents have been such great supporters of our program and have been a huge reason as to why we have been successful.
HPW: Thank you for your time, Coach.
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