The Emmaus High School boys volleyball team had a successful 2026 season, ending the regular season with the best record in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference at 16-4 overall and 11-1 in the conference, while also earning the District 11 3A championship.

With team success comes individual accolades, and that is what happened recently for senior setter Ben Skekel and junior middle hitter Miles Boulrice.

The Green Hornet duo was recognized on the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association All-State Second Team.

Head coach Chris Miller, in his first season leading the team, had a lot of positive things to say about the team standout student-athletes.

“Those two helped the team in more than one way as they lead the team and were amazing players,” said Miller. “The way they lead together was great. They were both at every practice 20 minutes early and made sure everyone played hard all the time.”

When the ball was in the air, Miller could always count on his two leaders to be at their best.

Skekel finished the year with 529 assists, 78 digs, 48 kills, 23 aces and 21 blocks.

“Ben was the best setter in the Lehigh Valley and always put everyone in the right spot,” Miller said. “Not only did he do that, but he also was very athletic and aggressive, which got us a lot of points and a lot of openings on the court.”

Boulrice tallied 226 kills, 92 digs, 14 blocks, 16 aces and 12 assists.

“Miles was great at serve receive and hitting,” said Miller. “He was very special in all aspects of the game and was the most versatile player on the court.”

Boulrice and Skekel were two of three Eastern Pennsylvania Conference players to earn all-state recognition, along with Freedom’s Ayden Williams.

At least one other EPC player should have also made the list, Miller believes. Hornet senior Bilaal Kerim recorded 179 kills, 75 digs, 29 blocks, eight aces and six assists last season.

“There is a player I want to also give props to who I believe should have made an all-state team as well, since we could not have gotten anywhere near as far as we did without him,” Miller said. [Kerim] was the best hitter in the Valley in my opinion and the most special player for momentum as he lead the team in energy as well.”