5 high school boys volleyball players to watch this season

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Nathan Barton, senior, Parkway South

An outside hitter with a spectacular vertical that allows him to play much taller than his 6-foot-3 frame. Barton earned All-Metro honors last season by averaging 3.5 kills and leading the Patriots to a 20-11 record and their first state semifinal berth. The Rockhurst University recruit figures to be one of the area’s top 6-rotation players with improved back row scoring and a consistent serve.

Jackson Campbell, senior, Francis Howell Central

The 6-foot-3 right-side hitter earned All-Metro honors by posting a team-high 3.33 kills and helping lead the Spartans to a 26-6-1 mark. Campbell can put the ball down from anywhere on the court and his improved passing and blocking will make him one of the area’s top all-around threats. A standout football player, he is learning how to harness those skills on the volleyball court.

Lucas Tran, senior, Lafayette

Tran has come back extremely focused after an ankle injury sidelined him for a chunk of his junior season. When the 6-foot-7 outside hitter was on the court, he averaged 3.80 kills for a Lancers team that went 25-7 and advanced to the Class 4 championship match. Tran, a Rockhurst University signee, will be a leader with his explosive offense and improved serve receive and back row play.

Ben Villhard, senior, Vianney

Villhard guided the Golden Griffins to a 16-13 mark and a run to the Class 4 semifinals while constantly adjusting to a shifting lineup due to key injuries. A 6-foot-4 setter, he averaged 8.52 assists while earning All-Metro honors. Villhard figures to be one of the area’s top setters again with an improved serve and defense.

August Werner, senior, Belleville East

A three-year varsity starter and returning All-Metro performer, Werner plays taller than his 6-foot-2 frame. He helped lead the Lancers to a 31-4-2 record, averaging 4.13 kills using a mixture of power, touch and his ability to hit off an opponent’s block. Werner, who signed with Daemen University in Amherst, N.Y., has added a stronger defensive presence to a polished game.