The Knights’ multi-sport standout went undefeated with two different teams last week while announcing his big college decision.
On April 26 and 27, Van Groningen contributed to routine volleyball sweeps of Mountain House, totaling 12 kills and 11 aces in limited time. Nine of those aces were served up in the second match.
Then on Wednesday, April 28, the 6-foot-4 outside hitter committed to play volleyball at The Master’s University in Santa Clarita.
The next two nights Van Groningen shifted his focus to the basketball team, which he helped lead to the Northern California regional title in Division VI last year just days before the state shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In the April 29 showdown at Escalon, the Knights escaped with a 58-52 overtime victory with Van Groningen contributing 10 points and 10 rebounds. He saved his best for last, flirting with a triple-double in a more convincing 73-63 win over the Cougars. The power forward compiled a whopping 21 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists.
