Van Tech's lanky power hitter Markiel Simpson brought in MVP honours last week at the Lower Mainland regional senior boys AAA volleyball championship in Richmond.
The Talismen went undefeated through the regional playoff to win the tournament and qualify for provincials Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 at the Kelowna campus of the University of B.C.
They beat Burnaby North and twice defeated Eric Hamber.
In the final, Van Tech dropped the first set to the familiar and talented Hamber Griffins but recovered to win 22-25, 25-12, 25-15, 25-23.
Simpson was joined on the all-star roster with teammates Mustafa Haq and Michael Tran. Hamber Griffins Bryan Woo and Calvin Chang were also named all-stars along with two Burnaby students.
Vancouver's zone representative, Ken Li, who also coaches at the Apex volleyball club and is a former Talismen coach, said Van Tech's setter was still under the effects of illness but otherwise the team was healthy and played well.
Hamber beat Richmond's McMath and then Burnaby's Moscrop to reach the final.
The Griffin's semi-final against Moscrop was a trial, said Li, noting the Richmond school's remarkable defensive skill and serve receive.
"The match was really a battle of attrition and could have gone either way."
Killarney didn't have their best appearance this season and failed to win a game.
Four teams qualifying for provincials are Van Tech, Eric Hamber, Moscrop and Burnaby North.
Twitter: @MHStewart
