Komlanc, Malone making moves in NCAA volleyball

I read in the Daily News sports section that a trio of boys was being looked at for college scholarships. I was shocked that boys in the territory were participating in a sport outside of baseball, basketball and football. So in the spirit of research, I contacted the one man that knows volleyball like I know Virgin Islands history.

I saw Mark Daniel working hard at the Winter Volleyball League that was being held at Charlotte Amalie High School, and he let me know of a couple of guys that are doing it well at the college level. He let me know about Country Day great Mike Komlanc and former Kean High School Devil Ray Raheem Malone. So, there began my journey into the world of men's volleyball.

I caught up with the 6-foot-5 phenom Komlanc, who is blocking everything at Sacred Heart University, and I asked him an easy question, "How did you get there from here?"

"I was recruited to play at Sacred Heart while I was in high school," said Komlanc. "I got a partial athletic scholarship, and I had a lot of help from my high school coach Andy Dunton. He worked his tail off by getting in touch with coaches and improving my game enough to play on a collegiate level. He really pushed me to keep improving both mentally and physically and is a huge reason why I am where I am today."

This is Komlanc's final year at SHU, and I wanted an insight to what he has learned over the last four years. What can he bring back to the Virgin Islands?

"I have had a great experience playing at Sacred Heart," added Komlanc. "The school was a perfect fit for me, and I was fortunate enough to have great teammates all four years and coaches that helped me grow on and off the court."

"Our team got progressively better all four years that I was here, and we are becoming part of the upper echelon of teams in our conference" added Komlanc. "My goal for this team is to reach its potential and compete for a conference championship. We have a tough schedule this year, but I know we can compete with anyone, and I think we should have a good season."

"If I could give advice to young players in the Virgin Islands it would be to keep learning the fine points about the game" said Komlanc. "Even if you are a good player now, there is always room for improvement. Keep getting better!"

We are straying off topic. What did you and coach Dunton do that got you where you are and how could this recipe be reused by others?

"If you want to play in college you have to get the attention of college coaches," said Komlanc. "Send in as many highlight tapes of you playing and email coaches. If you are good enough to play in college, the coach will try to work to get you there. Most coaches just aren't aware of the talent the Virgin Islands has to offer, so they don't actively recruit there. It's up to you to get their attention."

What is the biggest difference between college and high school? Were you prepared for it, or did you have to learn little things?

"The biggest adjustment I had to make from the high school game to the college game was serving," said Komlanc. "You need a tough jump or float-serve to compete at a high level, so working on your serve early and often will pay off in the long run if you want to continue playing after high school."

Komlanc almost took over the entire column, as he should being a senior. However, the freshman Malone has been in college for the last six months, and his season started a few weeks ago. Malone is in learning mode as a newbie, but he will introduce us to volleyball played in Providence.

"I got into Johnson and Wales University (Providence) mostly because I wanted to get my degree in sport/entertainment/events management also known as SEE management," said Malone. "It's very different in college than in high school. You are playing with people that have the same experience as you or even better, and competition is at a high level."

"My role on the team is basically to fill in, I have played middle, left side and right side, but I am mostly a right-side hitter. I also set from time to time whenever they need me."

"Being a freshman and the youngest on the team, I advise young Virgin Islanders with athletic aspirations, that you have to come in being humble, disciplined and following orders. The coaches up here don't have time to put up with rude behavior. All you have to do is buckle down and give it your all during practices."

Komlanc and Sacred Heart are presently 4-9 overall and 1-4 in the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association. The two-time EIVA Hay Player of the Week leads the team in blocks with 32, and has amassed 40 kills.

Malone and Johnson and Wales are 5-7 overall and 2-4 in conference play. Malone has played in only eight games, and is third on the team with 13 sets.

Gustavo Cintron has found a home at Missouri Baptist University. In his last game on Feb 16, he had 20 kills and helped out defensively with six digs as MBU defeated No. 4-ranked Missouri Valley in four sets, 3-1. Missouri Baptist is 11-6 on the year.

George gets track scholarship

A year ago, Afiya George was featured in a local newspaper after signing with Shaw University on a softball scholarship. Fast forward a year, she is now at Morris College on a track scholarship.

"I was surprised to get the track scholarship," said George. "I wasn't really sure if I was going to be eligible to run when I transferred. However, I made the standards there were looking for. The softball coach showed interest when I was at Shaw University. So when I withdrew, I filled out my paperwork for Morris. Now I am happily doing the two sports that I love."

Cotton wins debut

Jharel Cotton posted his first win as a four-year player as East Carolina (3-0) defeated Milwaukee, 16-1, on Saturday afternoon. Cotton, a junior, tossed six strong innings and allowed one earned run on three hits with four strikeouts.

"The first game was a bit nerve racking, but after the first inning, I felt a lot better and more confident," said Cotton. "The team itself played amazing defense behind me. I have to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to my teammates. As for the season, my expectations are to just take it one game at a time, one pitch at a time, and try to win every pitch and every inning and to go to Omaha."

Also throwing a shut out in an inning's work was freshman Deshorn Lake.

Thousand Point Club

A week after LaRon Smith scored his 1000th point at the high school level, a couple more Virgin Islanders joined the prestigious club.

St. Thomas native Khallid Hart of Sanford High School (Del.), joined the group on Feb. 10. Hart scored his 1000th career point in the second quarter as Sanford defeated Tower Hill School, 65-25.

Deon Edwin, the younger brother of Jason Edwin, scored his 1000th point on a free throw in the third quarter. Red Lion Christian Academy defeated MATHS Charter School (Md.), 104-58, on Feb. 18. Hart is being recruited by several high major and mid major schools, while Edwin has signed to play with Morehead State University. Both students are seniors.

- David Edole is a V.I. resident and sports enthusiast.

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