Could it have been the new bleachers that arrived in Middle River at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School gymnasium that spurred the first-place Cougars on to a five-game volleyball match victory over the second-place Archbishop Spalding High School Cavaliers?
Whatever the reason, the Cougars were on fire on Oct. 12 before a full house to even the score against Severn’s Cavs who, earlier in the year, gave the boys’ team their lone league loss of the season.
Head coach Jim Flynn has taken his team from a 2-10 2006 season to this year’s 9-1 in the MIAA B Conference (as of Oct. 15) as the team plays with confidence and fire. “The kids did it,” said Flynn. “It’s their great attitude and hard work ethic that has gotten us to where we are.”
The team is led by senior Stephon Dingle. It’s Dingle’s athletic ability, knowledge of the game and court discipline that sets him apart from others in the conference and, for Flynn, even the league. Dingle also brings a serious jump serve to his game that carries top speed and accuracy.
With a full complement of senior starters on the squad including Dingle, Mike Karn, Gil Johnson, Dominick Smith and setter Danny Fleischmann, the Cougars also start freshman Robbie Jefferson. Flynn also noted that junior transfer LaMont Macey Jr. has also been a true asset to the team.