Playoff Runs

Every team has ambitions to "go deep" in the postseason. As Coach Scott Celli reminds us, that means a combination of excellence, health, and luck.

The Melrose-Longmeadow playoff match on NFHS Network reminds us that the margin between wins and losses is often subtle. 

"Great players make great coaches." Nobody wins without talent.

In addition to talent, what do strong teams have? 

• Confidence. "Confidence comes from proven success." Winners believe they will do whatever it takes to win.
• Chemistry. Chemistry sums everything surrounding culture - high character, resilient players, who care about each other. 
• Antifragility. The 2001 Patriots lost Drew Bledsoe, an All-Pro caliber quarterback in the second game of the season. Out of nowhere, Tom Brady began to write his legacy. Depth helps teams become antifragile.
• Coaching. Melrose has a MAVCA Hall of Fame Coach in Scott Celli who has seen it all. 
• Leadership. The best teams are player-led. In addition to the captains, every player can lead through buy-in, hard work, and no distractions. 

As for talent, what's needed? 

• Strong setting. Melrose always has a setter or finds a setter. There's reason for optimism with Sadie Smith and others competing.  
• Three dynamic hitters. Every year "hundreds of kills" graduate. Melrose loses a lot in Sofia Papatsoris and Carol Higonenq. But MVB returns All-Conference middle, D1 college candidate Sabine Wenzel, and has a host of candidates to fill attack spots including Emme Boyer, Maggie Shoemaker, Elise Marchais, Ella Friedlaender, and others in the mix. The battle for "pin hitter" spots should be ferocious. 
• Back row consistency. Melrose graduates the back row stalwarts yet returns talent with Anna Burns and Adele Akland. Melrose had strong back row defense on the JV last year and adds a promising freshman class so expect to hear new names. 
• Aces > errors. Top teams have more service aces than service errors. Serve is the one area of volleyball completely under your control. 
• Defensive coordination. The choreography between front and back row defenses is underappreciated by many. 
• Communication. MVB has to overcome graduation of "The Voice," Maggie Turner. Know that communication will be an early and daily priority of the coaches. 

Nobody can presume deep playoff runs before a regular season ball has been in the air. The competition to earn roster and playing spots deserves full attention with tryouts starting the 18th.