Coach Jeff Wind sees the Rams as having a "solid returning core of player." The group consists of seven seniors, three of them returning all-leaguers.

Zach Hopkins was the division's Junior of the Year in 2003 and leads the Rams hard-hitting attack from his outside hitter position. At 6-foot-3, Hopkins can leap high and wreak havoc on opposing defenses.

Stevie McGaughy, first team all-league, and Ilijaz Mechanic, second team all-league, will play key roles in the Rams plans, along with fourth returning starter, Justin Ble.

The balance of the core of returning players consists of seniors Justin Curry, Mike Mancuso and Nate Tom, who Wind anticipates "will increase their roles on our team this season."

In addition to the core of seniors, Willow Glen has a strong group of talented players moving up from last year's junior varsity team. Leading the pack are JV first team all-league selections middle blocker Andrew Veggian and outside hitter Nick Baker, both juniors. John Vlkovic could be a key to the Rams success in his setter role. Alex Pelayo, Jared Petite, Jason Curry, Jeff Boins and Adam Bruening are "all focused on aggressive play and will be important to the team's growth."

Willow Glen's success will be dependent upon its ability to adequately replace the loss to graduation of their setter and outside hitter.

"The favorites this year are most likely Leland and Oak Grove," said Wind, "but with the depth of talent returning, Willow Glen, Prospect, and Branham will be in the thick of things. I truly believe once our setter gets acclimated to the speed of varsity play, we will be in the top two teams."

The Rams started out on the right track when they opened Mt. Hamilton Division play last week with a solid win over Westmont. Willow Glen took three straight games, 25-19, 25-13, 25-18, from the Warriors to grab the victory. Hopkins was in fine form as he led the Rams with nine kills.

"Our goal is to not only win league but go further into CCS than in the past," added Wind.