West

For years, the narrative of MCPS boys volleyball has been dominated by the Winston Churchill Bulldogs. Their performance isn’t just a winning streak; it’s a statistical anomaly. In 2024, the Bulldogs tore their competition apart, sweeping rival school Wootton 3-0 in the county finals and dropping only two sets the entire season. Sports, however, have a way of humbling even the most dominant programs. In 2025, Churchill mirrored their regular-season perfection—again dropping only two sets—only to be swept 0-3 by Wootton in a shocking finals reversal. Now, the Bulldogs are out for blood, and the 2026 roster suggests they have it in them to reclaim the throne. Churchill’s lineup strikes fear into opponents with a mix of veteran leadership and world-class youth: The Standard: Senior Cian Tenney is a USC commit and a three-time First Team All-County selection. Nearly reaching the top of the kills leaderboard averaging 13.08 kills per game last season, Tenney’s frequent invitations to the NTDP place him among the nation’s elite prospects. The Lockdown: Junior Kaleb Mbaitoloum and senior Kyle Wang provide a massive blocking presence at the tape. Kaleb’s synergy with Tenney on STJ 18 Navy translates to a seamless transition from defense to offense. The Phenom: Freshman Noah Mbaitoloum is perhaps the most terrifying prospect for opponents. At 15, he won Best Opposite at the NORCECA Continental Championship with the Team USA U17 team. He currently plays four years up on MVP 18 Black alongside teammates Kris Shiao, Kyler Lee, Hayden Chin, Brian Chen, and Michael Rathman. At the center of this powerhouse is Coach JJ Rathman. As the head coach for both the Churchill boys' and girls' teams and the Director of MVP (Maryland Volleyball Program), Rathman has built a seamless pipeline of elite talent. His dual role ensures his players are conditioned at an elite pace year-round. The 2025 defeat has transformed this perennial powerhouse into a hungry predator. While underdogs may dream of locking the Bulldogs back up, Churchill’s verticality and Rathman’s leadership make them the undisputed favorites for revenge.

25-9; 25-10; 25-21

1. Churchill 2. Wootton 3. Northwest 4. Paint Branch 5. Seneca Valley 6. Einstein 7. Whitman 8. Walter Johnson 9. Clarksburg 10. Blake

The Churchill Bulldogs completed their perfect spring season Wednesday night, taking down Wootton in straight sets, 3-0. The top-seeded Bulldogs dropped just two sets all season long, including in a 3-1 win over Wootton towards the end of the regular season. twitter.com/MCPSAthletics/status/1790894500979552412

Churchill swept Damascus.

This is an incorrect post. Churchill swept Blake 3-0.

Wow! Massive first round upset. Great win for Blake

Tonight's playoff game against Whitman High School will be a challenge for the Springbrook Sun Devils. Marcelo Wheeler, their seasoned and primary setter is back, but has had limited practice since his injury from last Thursday. The team will also be without the consistent and reliable senior, starter and team captain Nevan Vando who suffered an injury at practice on Tuesday. "Nevan is the leader on the court and shines the most when momentum shifts the other way," said Coach Molina. Senior outside hitter Matti Wakiwaya is expected to be late because of a scheduled Calculus 3 exam from 4 to 6 pm. Wakiwaya is also a big block for the team on defense. Springbrook will likely look to seniors Dustin Nguyen, Kenneth Taguilig and Justin Der to fill in the starter role.

This game will probably be the most hype game in MD Both teams show determination and both team are willing to sacrifice everything to win this game. What finds this interesting is this game is epic and both teams are RIVALRIES. Be at this GAME!!!

Though Walter Johnson had beaten sherwood for the past 2 years feeling like a non stopping bad luck, Sherwood has a determination that could sky rock this game, Sherwood is projected for go a 3-0 sweep!! good luck