Patterson given team MVP honors for boys volleyball

Justice Patterson was recognized as Fallbrook High School's boys volleyball Most Valuable Player during the team banquet June 4 at the Prahm family's house.

The varsity team awards also included Defensive Most Valuable Player honors for James Prahm, the Heart of the Warrior Award given to Angel Mercado, Most Improved recognition presented to James Brodak, and the Coaches' Award being taken home by Eric Leon.

Carolyn Prahm was also recognized by Fallbrook head varsity coach Chip Patterson for her contributions.

"She opened up her home and she did things that have never been done in the past," Patterson said.

Prahm provided the players with warmup jackets, which had not been a team amenity in previous years.

"She went above and beyond to make this season a success," said Patterson. "She did take the time and the effort into making these boys feel special."

Justice Patterson's senior season included team-leading totals of 136 kills, 76 total blocks, 45 solo blocks, 31 assisted blocks, and 135 digs. His .446 hitting percentage led the team among players with at least 10 hitting attempts. The Valley League coaches placed Patterson on the all-league first team.

"He's been the leader," Chip Patterson said.

Justice Patterson was one of the Warriors' middle blockers.

"This year he stepped it up," Chip Patterson said. "He really brought that intensity to the game."

James Prahm played both setter and middle blocker during his junior year.

"Most teams were kind of shocked," said Patterson of Prahm's ability to play in both the front row and the back row.

Prahm had 220 assists and 19 aces, both of which led the team. He also had 84 digs, 73 kills, 19 solo blocks and 23 assisted blocks for a total of 42, and a hitting percentage of .337. He was a first-team Valley League selection.

"His presence always made a difference," Patterson said. "I look forward to next year having him back because he's a phenomenal player."

Patterson's 6-2 format allowed for two setters, so Mercado was a setter during his senior season even when Prahm was in the lineup. Mercado had 154 assists, 71 digs, and 11 aces. He was placed on the Valley League's second team.

"Angel deserved that award because his heart is into Fallbrook volleyball," Patterson said of the Heart of the Warrior Award. "He is a small guy, but he has the heart to do things most guys don't want to do."

Brodak was an outside hitter and had 48 digs and 47 kills during the 2017 season. "This kid flipped the switch this year," Patterson said.

Although 2017 was Brodak's junior season, it was only his second year playing volleyball. "He learned how to hit," Patterson said.

Brodak only had three passing errors this year. "Last year he wasn't that great of a passer," Patterson said.

When Brodak served, which occurred 52 times during the 2017 season, he made only three errors. "He was pretty darn accurate on both of them," Patterson said of Brodak's passing and serving.

Brodak and Leon both received honorable mention all-league recognition. Leon was a defensive specialist who contributed 49 digs during his sophomore season.

"The guy's a great first-year varsity player," said Patterson of Leon. "He is going to do some great things."

Patterson plans to use Leon as a setter next year. Leon's 4.45 grade point average is another indicator of his attitude. "He seeks knowledge constantly," Patterson said.

Fallbrook's 17-11 overall record includes a loss in the first round of the CIF Division III playoffs and a 5-3 Valley League mark which gave the Warriors a share of second place.

The banquet also provided junior varsity players with awards. Alexis Gonzalez was the Most Valuable Player, Brian Perez received the Defensive Most Valuable Player award, Logan Sim took home the Heart of the Warrior Award, and Fred Esquivel was presented with the Most Improved honor.