CdM’s Jones, Gabriel Co-MVPs

Corona del Mar High seniors Eric Jones and Greg Gabriel, who led the

Sea Kings to the Pacific Coast League boys volleyball title and a

berth in the CIF Southern Section Division II quarterfinals, have

been named Co-Most Valuable Players by league coaches.

CdM seniors Bart Welch and Miles Yourman are first-team honorees,

while sophomores Kevin and Tom Welch represent the Sea Kings on the

second team.

Jones, a 6-foot-7 middle blocker bound for Stanford, shook off the

lingering effect of a sprained ankle to dominate at the net for Coach

Steve Conti’s squad. His presence both as a hitter and blocker is one

PCL opponents will scarcely miss next season.

Gabriel, a 6-1 setter, emerged in his final prep campaign as a

consistent trigger man of the attack.

Bart Welch, a 6-0 outside hitter, also dealt with ankle problems,

but, when healthy, was the leading factor in stabilizing the Sea

Kings’ passing. He was also a trusted outside hitter and, Conti said,

provided a strong leadership presence.

Yourman, a 6-2 middle blocker, was a consistent factor at the net,

while the Welch twins, Kevin and Tom, are key components to a bright

future for the CdM program.

Kevin Welch, a 6-0 outside hitter, was among the league’s most

effective hitters and his passing was another staple in the

ball-control efforts of his team.

Tom Welch, a 6-0 sophomore, provided occasional hitting punch and

was another strong passer in the back row.

The Sea Kings won all 10 league matches and finished with a 19-12

record for the season.

The rest of the first team was comprised of A.J. Moskus and

Charlie Nutt from University, Matt Anderson and Trey Chapel from

Laguna Beach, as well as Shaun King from Calvary Chapel.