The Hillsborough High School boys volleyball team stormed into their home opener with intensity and determination on April 9th, defeating Watchung Hills in straight sets, 25-17 and 25-22. After a challenging start to the season, the Raiders found their rhythm and reminded fans and opponents that they are here to stay and better than ever.
The team entered the matchup with a 1-4 record, a win against Ridge, and four losses against Hunterdon Central, St. Joseph, Fair Lawn, and Old Bridge. However, that stat doesn’t tell the full story. Head Coach Jonathan Casey, now in his seventh year with the boys program and sixth as the head coach, intentionally crafted a challenging early schedule to test his team, three of those four losses came against state-ranked powerhouses: #1 Old Bridge, #12 St. Joes, and #18 Fair Lawn. “I put together a tough schedule this year and I know the players are up for the challenge,” said Coach Casey. “The St. Joe’s and Fair Lawn games were incredibly close and could have gone either way. I’m excited to see how the team responds to adversity and how they can come together to push themselves as a top 20 team in the state.”
One of the brightest stories of the young season is freshman Alex Susan, a right side hitter for Hillsborough. Susan has made program history by becoming the first freshman to start on the varsity team since Coach Casey began coaching. In just five games, Susan has ranked up 21 kills, 5 blocks, and 21 digs, showing a promising career ahead. “His career will be an exciting one to watch here in Hillsborough,” Casey added.
Senior captain Mannan Wadhawan, in his second year on varsity, leads the team with 46 kills this season as an outside hitter, bringing intensity and experience to the court. Wadhawan reflected on what the sport has meant to him. “The best part of high school volleyball has been the connection and friendships I’ve made through it. The bus rides home after big wins are always something to remember,” said Wadhawan. Another standout senior, Aarav Kadakia, in his first year on varsity as a libero, leads the team with 45 digs. “I’m excited about competing with the top teams in the state and going up against friends on other teams,” said Kadakia. Junior Marcus Bulawski, also a first-time varsity player as a middle hitter, is making his presence known with 21 kills and 7 blocks. “I’ve been waiting to play against better competition, and now that I am finally on varsity, I’m just enjoying every moment of this opportunity,” said Bulawski.
The depth of the team has shown in every match. Junior Gavin Wacaster has contributed 29 kills as an outside hitter and core player senior, Arsh Trivedi, contributing 110 assists as the teams setter. The roster continues to show versatility and unity. “Every year I ask the team to set a realistic goal for themselves,” said Casey. “They’ve said they want a Skyland Conference championship and a deep state run. With how they’ve been progressing, that goal looks very attainable,” included Casey.
Coach Casey credits much of the team’s success to their self-drive and internal motivation. “There’s only so much I can teach them in the time we have. When athletes love the sport and are motivated from within, that’s when they truly unlock their potential,” said Casey.
Looking ahead, the Raiders have several key matchups on their calendars that they are excited about. Mannan Wadhawan is especially hyped for the upcoming showdown against Bridewater, while Aarav Kadakia is eyeing the rematch against Hunterdon Central at home as one of the most anticipated games of the season. “There is just something different about that matchup. We all bring extra energy,” said Kadakia. Marcus Bulawski is also eager to face off against Watchung Hills again, excited for the chance to show how much the team continues to grow. With rivalries heating up and redemption on their minds, the boys are fired up for the challenges to come.
With a statement win in their home opener, Hillsborough has sent a clear message to the rest of the conference. They’re not just here to compete, they’re here to contend.
And this team? They are just getting started.
