2012 U.S. Men’s Junior National Team Preview “The neat thing about our opposites is that they give us flexibility and we can use them to manage games.” Hanson said. “Shaw is our shutdown blocker and Patch really found his serving rhythm. They both bring a strong side-out game. We have options utilizing those two.”
international experience to the squad, having competed on the 2011 U.S. Boys’ Youth National Team at the FIVB Volleyball Boys’ Youth World Championship. Henchy is a fairly new face to the USA Volleyball pipeline but will be a key contributor on the team. Going into the NORCECA event, Hanson and his coaching staff expect nothing short of a podium appearance.
Despite their youth, Patch and Shaw bring international experience to the position having competed at the 2011 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ Youth World Championship.
USA has medaled in all seven of the biennial events, including the gold at the most recent edition in 2010. The Americans gained the silver in 2004 and 2006, while earning the bronze in 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2008. Cuba has won the tournament a record four times, but is not competing in this edition. Canada has won the event twice (1998 and 2002) and has the second most medals with five.
Scott Rhein (Pleasant View, Tenn.), Greg Petty (Downers Grove, Ill.), DJ White (Hermosa Beach, Calif.) and Michael Henchy (Ventura, Calif.) provide unique elements to the roster and will be key parts of the lineup. “White brings excellent passing and defense.” Hanson said. “He is very smart and efficient on the outside. Rhein and Petty can both get hot. They have the ability to get after it both at the net and on the end line (serving). Henchy brings size to the position and we can use him to control the net game.”
The top three teams at the NORCECA Championship will qualify for the 2013 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Junior World Championship. “They are battling for a medal (at NORCECA).” Hanson said. “As well as a chance to go to the World Championship. We are excited about our final 12.”
White, Rhein and Petty all bring
Courtesy USAV Micah Christenson (Honolulu) sets to Nick Olson (New Berlin, Wis.) during a training-block scrimmage against the 2012 U.S. Men’s Junior A2 Team. 10