‘We can play with anyone’: Undefeated Pickerington North boys volleyball coming together
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
By Scott Gerfen
sgerfen@cbussports.com
Pickerington North seniors Kyle Buchwalter (left) and Jackson VanWormer are key cogs in the Panthers’ boys volleyball success this season. Photo: John Hulkenberg
Kyle Buchwalter earned the nickname “pup” as a starting freshman among a group of seniors. The moniker has stuck with him even in his senior year.
Along the way, Buchwalter became a leader for the Pickerington North boys’ volleyball team. But he wouldn’t have gotten there without the tutelage of those who helped him along the way.
“There were definitely a lot of guys who I looked up to and mentored me through the program,” said Buchwalter, a 6-foot-7 opposite-side hitter. “(Coach Marci Truex has) been through it all. Having Truex getting through all the ups and downs – the good seasons and the not-so-good seasons has been a (benefit) for sure.”
Buchwalter is a top player, but the addition of classmate Jackson VanWormer, a 6-6 middle hitter, in 2022 really started the Panthers down the path to where they are now.
Ahead of their April 9 match at rival Pickerington Central, North has yet to lose a set at 9-0 overall and 7-0 in the OCC-Ohio Division.
“We came in and knew we were going to be strong this year,” Buchwalter said. “We all worked in the offseason to get better. I think all of our skills are coming together this year.”
Buchwalter played a supportive role when VanWormer decided to switch from tennis. VanWormer played on travel teams with Buchwalter during the offseason.
Pickerington North’s Kyle Buchwalter serves during the visiting Panthers’ win over Westerville South on April 3. Photo: John Hulkenberg
North won the OCC-Ohio Division last season at 13-1, finishing ahead of the Eagles (12-2) and Gahanna (11-3).
The Panthers already own wins over the Eagles and the Lions this season, beating Gahanna 25-11, 25-11, 25-19 on March 21 and New Albany 25-17, 25-17, 25-19 on April 4. They also defeated Reynoldsburg 25-18, 25-7, 25-10 on March 14. New Albany is 5-1, Gahanna is 5-2 and the Raiders are 4-2 in league play.
The next test is a tri-match against Beavercreek, Olentangy Berlin and Mount Vernon April 13.
It also gives North an opportunity to avenge its 25-18, 25-17, 25-17 loss to the Bears in a Division I, Region 1 quarterfinal last season to finish 20-4 overall.
Mount Vernon lost to Olentangy Liberty in the Region 1 final in the first OHSAA-sanctioned tournament, and Beavercreek was the top seed before falling to Dublin Jerome in a Region 3 semifinal.
“Personally, we feel like we’re a top team in the state, maybe even in the top five,” VanWormer said. “I think we can play with anyone. We want to keep the winning streak going for as long as possible.”
Truex, who’s in her 20th season at North, watched the group grow together with every game over the past three seasons.
Pickerington North’s Jackson VanWormer attacks during the visiting Panthers’ win over Westerville South on April 3. Photo: John Hulkenberg
“They have been working for it, and right now, we see moments of what they can do,” she said. “And those moments are coming more frequently in every set and match. Once you put all those moments into a full (match), yeah, they can play with anybody.”
VanWormer and senior outside hitter Jordan Dyer lead the team with 94 kills each, while Buchwalter has collected 50 kills. VanWormer is the top hitter at .580.
Junior setter Drew Vensko also has contributed to that success with 245 assists.
“Our setter does a really good job of getting the ball to the people who are hot and making good choices,” Truex said. “With our hitters, like Kyle and Jackson, their development in the power in which they hit has really come along.”
Defensively, senior libero Caden Meloy leads with 51 digs, followed by Buchwalter (41), VanWormer (37), and Dyer (35). VanWormer leads with 13 blocks.
North only expects to build upon its strong start.
“If we all play our game and stay locked in, I think we can keep it going,” Buchwalter said.