Boys Volleyball MVP – Max Cooley
By Eleanor Bailey/Almanac Sports Editor/ebailey@thealmanac.net
Max Cooley
By Eleanor Bailey/Almanac Sports Editor/ebailey@thealmanac.net
Mason Bussard and Max Cooley attempt to block a shot by Jeremiah Zemet but Bethel Park lost this point as well as the match against North Allegheny, 3-1, in the PIAA semifinals.
While Bethel Park has been one of the best boys volleyball programs in the WPIAL, the Black Hawks reached a new pinnacle this spring. They advanced to the Final Four in the PIAA tournament before finishing with a 20-2 overall record. Max Cooley again played a pivotal role in the Hawks’ rise. A four-year letterwinner, Cooley helped BP win a ninth straight section title and reach the district finals for the second straight year. However, this spring, Bethel Park made it to the PIAA semifinals. As they did in the WPIAL championships, the Hawks succumbed to arch-rival North Allegheny, which went on to win the state championship. Cooley led the charge in both contests. He registered 16 kills and three blocks in the WPIAL loss to NA, 25-17, 25-18, 25-18. He managed 23 kills in a closer defeat to the Tigers in the state semifinals, 25-16, 21-25, 25-23, 25-19. Cooley also excelled with 20 kills in a PIAA win, 25-20, 25-22, 25-22, against State College, the District 6 champion. Voted Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Player of the Year during the regular season as Bethel Park rolled up an undefeated section record, Cooley earned all-section and all-district acclaim for another season. The 6-3 outside hitter, who led the Hawks in kills, will continue his career at Juniata College.
Tony Boff, Jr., Bethel Park
Nic Brewster, Jr., Canon-McMillan
Trevor Filer, Sr., Trinity
Kevin Kerr, Jr., Bethel Park
Alex Puhl, Sr., Peters Township
Tyler Simpson, Jr., Bethel Park