Costa Mesa mirrors Bagwell’s course

Rick Devereux

The progression the Costa Mesa High boys volleyball team has made is

in direct correlation to the progress outside hitter Ryan Bagwell has

made.

When Bagwell was a freshman, the Mustangs were 1-11 in the Golden West League. As sophomore, Costa Mesa finished 5-7 in league. Thanks

in large part to the junior, Mesa started the season 3-0 in league.

Bagwell had 10, 13 and 15 kills in the three league matches, all

team highs, to earn Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week honors.

“He’s our best overall player,” Coach Dave Sorrells said.

“Passing, hitting and serving -- he’s our top player. He’s the only

guy on the team who has played extensively in club and that helps

considerably.”

Bagwell didn’t want to be involved in club volleyball growing up.

He got invitations to join club teams but wanted to focus on being

the best baseball player he could be, instead. It wasn’t until he

made the varsity squad as a freshman did Bagwell become interested in

playing club volleyball.

He tried out and made the prestigious Back Bay Volleyball Club

after his freshman year and has turned that experience into success

for Costa Mesa.

“[Playing for Back Bay has helped me learn] better passing

techniques, more awareness where the block is at when I’m hitting and

just better overall skills,” Bagwell said. “Going from high school to

club is just a whole different level.”

Jumping to new levels may happen again in 2006 when Bagwell

graduates from Costa Mesa.

“He has the arm speed, and I honestly believe he can play college

on a Division I level,” Sorrells said. “He has the ability right now

as a high school player to refine his skills to such a high level,

it’s unbelievable. Most people will never have the understanding of

the game that he has.”

Bagwell has the physical tools necessary to hit over, around or

through most defenders. But his brain is what will help him take the

next leap.

“Because of his intellect, he can beat guys bigger and who jump

higher than he can,” Sorrells said. “Most guys don’t have the

intellect to understand proper technique. There is no teaching if

there is no learning, and Ryan learns things.”

Bagwell has learned that he likes to win more than he likes to

lose, but he is still unfamiliar with patience.

“I want to win [the league title] this year,” he said. “I think

it’s totally achievable to win it this year.”

But he does know appreciation for those around him.

“There is no way I would be as good as I am without [setter]

Andrew Melcer,” Bagwell said. “We have played together for two years

and he sets me exactly how I like it.”

The scary thing about how good Bagwell is, is that he is basically

playing out of position. The left-hander is an outside hitter on the

left side, meaning his attacking hand is closer to the sideline and

further away from the setter. His natural position is opposite hitter

on the right side where his left hand is closer to the middle of the

court and the setter.

“It’s easier to place the ball where you want [as a left-handed

opposite hitter],” Bagwell said. “The ball doesn’t have to cross your

body on the set, so you don’t have to wait as long.”