Ripon Christian’s father-son tandem of Kevin and Mason Tameling was named to the Sac-Joaquin Boys Volleyball Forum’s 4th annual All-Section Team after leading the Knights to their third SJS championship.
While they each earned major awards, Lathrop junior Gabriel Fa’ali’i is a two-time All-SJS First Team selection, while Sierra grad Owen Altadonna made honorable mention for a second time. Ripon sophomore Drake Krippene also earned honorable mention.
Kevin Tameling shares SJS Coach of the Year recognition with Scott Bronson, who guided Del Oro to the SJS Division II championship and the California Interscholastic Federation Division II Northern Regional final.
Ripon Christian (27-10) claimed the section’s Division III crown, sweeping Christian Brothers in the title match. The small-school Knights, who went undefeated in the Trans Valley League, played up a division because of the section’s continued-success rule. They finished with a No. 13 overall MaxPreps ranking in the SJS.
The younger Tameling played a big part in the team’s success. A three-sport standout, Mason Tameling was voted SJS Small School Player of the Year. Folsom’s Jack DeGraff is SJS Player of the Year.
Mason was one of the top all-around players in the section and beyond. His 463 kills are eighth most in the SJS, 19th in the state and 24th nationally. He’s also ranked second in the section with 89 service aces, second in the state and 17th in the country.
Tameling was a key contributor in Ripon Christian’s passing game, finishing second on the team with 254 digs and 58 assists.
Fa’ali’i was also among the section’s most prolific offensive players. He paced Lathrop (25-9) with 466 kills, 68 aces and 155 digs to go with 39 blocks. Fa’ali’i’s father, Toa, was SJS Co-Coach of the Year in 2022.
The Spartans were on both ends of five-set matches in the postseason, beating Sierra in the Division III opener and coming short against second-seeded River Valley on the road.
The Menlo College-bound Altadonna overcame an early-season hand injury to help Sierra make its run to the playoffs. The Timberwolves ended the season playing five consecutive five-set matches, winning three of them including one against Ripon Christian (19-13) in non-league play.
Despite missing a chunk of his senior season, Altadonna finished ninth in the section with nine total blocks. He also produced 211 kills and 30 aces.
Krippene enjoyed a breakthrough season for Ripon (24-10), the TVL runner-up. With returning junior outside hitter Alex Alvarellos hampered by a serious knee injury, Krippene took over the lead role and joined
