Palo Verde finally solves Centennial

For the past two seasons, the Centennial High School boys volleyball team has had its way with Palo Verde, sweeping the Panthers in all four regular-season meetings.

Palo Verde senior Brandon King didn’t want to give the Bulldogs another one.

King had 13 kills and two blocks to help the Panthers rally for a 22-25, 25-19, 17-25, 25-21, 15-13 home win that handed the Bulldogs their first Northwest League loss of the year.

“This is a big game for us,” King said. “To come up with the win today was amazing.
“When they went up, our team got together and we said we’ve got to win this game. We don’t like the Bulldogs, and we’re shooting for first place.”

Sean Wilson added 23 assists, three kills, two blocks and two aces for Palo Verde. Wilson also directed a seven-point, match-ending run that concluded with an ace, after Centennial took a 13-8 lead in the fifth game.

King took over late, putting down five kills in the fourth game, including three of the Panthers’ final four points.

“I just really wanted to win,” the senior outside hitter said. “I told (Wilson) to set me all the balls he could, because I knew I’d be able to put them down. I guess it turned out for the best.

“We’re really close. We think alike, and it’s a good friendship and teamwork.”

Centennial took the first game on a blitzing attack by Leo Durkin, who finished with 25 assists, 19 kills and four aces. The Bulldogs (7-3, 5-1 Northwest) flustered Palo Verde early from the service line, with Centennial finishing with 13 aces to the Panthers’ five.

“Their two jump servers kind of served us off the court in the first game,” Palo Verde coach Phil Clarke said. “Then we eliminated a lot of the shanks and got some good swings out of it. They relaxed and got into the game after that.”

Palo Verde (8-1, 6-0) took the second game using a balanced attack from King, Pat Morrison and Daniel Pacconi, who ended the night with six kills. The Panthers also benefited from 14 Centennial service and hitting errors.

After the rough start, King started to take over.

“I know he started slow, especially in Game 1,” Clarke said. “But with the game on the line, he’s definitely our go-to guy.

“It’s been on his shoulders. He started a little slow, but if it’s going to be one or the other, we’ll take the better finish.”

Jordyn Martin contributed four blocks for the Panthers in his first match back after a two-week injury absence.

“To be down 2-1, then steal the fourth and pull it out, that just shows these guys,” Clarke said. “They’re not the fiery group, rather even-keeled, but that’s just the makeup of this team. They battled in the end, stayed in the game, and they fought and pulled it out.”

Ryan Ramin had 15 kills for the Bulldogs, Dustin Buell had 10 kills, and Mike Robinson had 23 assists.