Top 10 Teams: #8: Patrick Henry Boys Volleyball

After spending most of the 2016 season as the second best team in their own county, Patrick Henry Boys Volleyball finally figured out a way to defeat their rivals in Atlee. They also figured out a way to become a dominant force on the court, and, after surviving their biggest threat on their home floor in the 5A State Semifinals, the Patriots headed to the Siegel Center with an entire school's hopes and dreams resting on their shoulders.

It had been nearly 22 years since Patrick Henry experienced their, to that point, state team championship, when Ray Long led his Patriots to the Division 5 State Football Championship not too many miles away at City Stadium, now the home of the Richmond Kickers.

Standing between Patrick Henry and that elusive state trophy? Princess Anne, the team that eliminated Atlee from the chase, bringing loads of state tournament experience to the court.

It didn't matter.

A team many felt was "a year away" emphatically showed fans that the future is now.

After a close first set, Patrick Henry put on a show for the ages, sweeping the Cavaliers in three sets and sending Ashland into a celebration last scene when Bill Clinton occupied The White House. The 3-0 win gave the title to a Patriot team that returns its core in 2017 as the school reclassifies down from Class 5 to Class 4. They will be prohibitive favorites from the Richmond area to return to Siegel Center this November.

Congratulations to Patrick Henry Boys Volleyball, our #8 Team of 2016-17!