ADAMS TWP — Time will tell if Mars’ boys volleyball team can extend the prowess it has earned into postseason play, but the pieces are in place for the Planets to turn in a very special year.

Entering this week’s play, the unbeaten Planets (10-0, 5-0) are the top-ranked Class 2A team in the WPIAL and rated 4th-best in the state.

Liam Quinn

The Planets have not dropped a set all season. They won their first section crown last year before placing third in the WPIAL.

“We lost just one player from a really strong core from that team and had high hopes entering this season,” said veteran Mars coach Michael Nypaver. “That said, to be as dominant as we’ve been, we have exceeded expectations so far. But there is a long way to go.”

Derek Piatek

The return of starting setter Kyler Robinson has given the team a sturdy foundation on which his teammates can stand and flourish in their own right.

“Kyler has done a phenomenal job of running the offense,” said Nypaver. “He was very good last year, but is that much better now. He keeps the team focused.

“He’s opening up opportunities for the hitters and they’re taking advantage of them.”

Kyler is averaging 32 assists per match, a lofty number considering all of the team’s games have ended in sweeps.

“I’m seeing the court a lot better this year and have more of a connection with the hitters,” said Kyler, a junior. “I was able to get work in with some of them over the summer.”

Kyler is one of four team captains, joining middle hitter Kaden Gratton, outside hitter Derek Piatek and rightside hitter Liam Quinn.

“I’ve been impressed with the team’s ability to keep working to improve despite the hype with the undefeated record and the high ranking,” said Nypaver. “Kaden has had a lot to do with that and stays on his teammates. He’s a strong and vocal leader. He was a captain for the soccer team last fall and that was a good experience for him.”

In his first year as a starter, Kaden, a senior, is relishing his role.

“My dad has a lot of leadership skills and I try to emulate what he does,” he said. “I enjoy lifting the guys up.”

“Everything Kaden does, he does for the team,” said Kyler. “He embodies the role of a captain.”

Ryan Ceh leads a diversified attack at the net with 12.6 kills per match and has added a team-leading 20 blocks. Colton Riska, a libero, leads the way in digs (84) and aces (18).

“Colton’s energy is rubbing off on the rest of the team and (outside hitter) Tyler Raabe has improved a lot,” said Nypaver, who related that there hasn’t been much rhyme or reason to the rest of the Class 2A field thus far.

“So far this season, results have been very unpredictable,” said Nypaver. “There have been some mind-boggling scores in matchups that I did not expect. If the rankings mean anything, we’ve played a number of the top teams and could run into them again in the playoffs.”

Nypaver said the defense needs work, but is improving.

“Defense is a challenging part of the game,” said Kaden. “It comes down to court awareness and passing.”

As impressive as the Planets have been, once the playoffs begin it takes just one sub-par night to derail dreams of a long postseason run.

“We’re just trying to do what it takes to keep our streak going,” Kaden said. “If we continue to focus from game to game, we have the chance to have a great season.”