By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Branch Barnes isn’t afraid to set lofty goals.

An outside hitter on the Natick High boys volleyball team, the two-time junior captain isn’t wavering on the No. 1 goal he set when the Redhawks began pre-season practice. He wants Natick to win the Division 1 state volleyball championship. 

“The task will be hard and the journey will be difficult,’’ he said. “But, it’s realistic because our team is talented, we’ve got depth and experience, and our team chemistry is excellent. We’re a junior-senior squad that’s been together for three years and we’ve aimed for this season for the last two years.’’

Coach Peter Suxho’s team has played admirably in the state tourney for those two years but hasn’t advanced past the third round. When Barnes was a spot starter as a freshman setter, Natick went 13-4, then won two matches in the playoffs before bowing to Westford Academy. Last year, the Redhawks compiled a 14-3 record, then won a pair of tourney games before Brookline eliminated them.

Barnes is acutely aware that the high-powered teams Natick will face in Division 1 could shatter his state-title dream.

“My other goal is closely linked to my state title hopes,’’ he said. “I don’t want any regrets if we fail to win the states. I want to make sure I gave it my all and that I was relentless in all phases of the game. Sure, I’ll be upset if we don’t win it all but at least I’ll know that my effort was 100 percent.’’

The 17-year-old native of Natick displayed plenty of effort last year as a sophomore, compiling 200 kills, 250 assists and 40 blocks. After 13 matches this year, Barnes had 178 kills, 52 assists, 27 blocks and 29 aces. And, the Redhawks, who were ranked No. 2 in the Boston Globe, had a 12-1 record at Local Town Pages deadline and were first in the Division 1 power rankings.

Barnes not only is a dynamic competitor, but he’s also an all-around student-athlete. He’ll finish his career next year as a three-time captain. As a sophomore, he was a Bay State Conference all-star and likely will be a repeat choice this season. On the academic front, he’s a high-honors student who has a GPA of 3.90.

Barnes has demonstrated versatility, starting off as a setter then moving to outside hitter. Suxho is enthusiastic when he assesses Barnes’ strengths.

“Branch jumps high, is fast and quick, has a high volleyball IQ and is a solid blocker,’’ Suxho emphasized. “When he’s in a pressure situation, he’s calm and in control. An athletic player, he displays lots of desire and determination. He’s become one of our best hitters, and he’s one of the best hitters for his age.’’

Barnes says he enjoys playing both setter and hitter because both are fun.

“As a setter, you’re the quarterback,’’ he offered. “The offense runs through the setter. It’s a role where you’re in control of the game and can provide opportunities for your teammates. A hitter is in control of the third touch and heavily involved in the action. You’re able to get kills and blocks, and pass for assists.’’

An analytical hitter, the 6-foot-2, 160-pound Barnes can shift into an aggressive mode. “In specific situations, I try to give the position what it needs,’’ he noted.

Barnes, who began playing volleyball as an 11-year-old, has competed for four years for SMASH at the club level. He’s well-versed in the nuances of the sport and has developed a high regard for Natick’s other three captains. The senior captains include Harrison Landry (setter), Matt Salerno (outside hitter), and Nick Bonavire (right-side hitter).

“Harrison holds the team together,’’ Barnes said. “He’s smart and has great instincts. He’s a leader on and off the court. Matt is an intense competitor who’s very good at helping players maximize their potential. And, when Nick gets going, he’s one of the strongest hitters on the team.

Barnes also admires Suxho’s style

“Coach Suxho is a great motivator,’’ he said, “and his demanding style makes us better players. Extremely knowledgeable about volleyball, he’s very intense and that rubs off on his players.’’

Barnes most memorable match occurred in his freshman season in a tourney game against Newton North. 

“Newton North is always strong but we took them to five sets,’’ Barnes recalled. “I was determined to go all out. We led, 15-14, and I was serving with a chance to end the game. I delivered a serve that wasn’t returned and we came away with a two-point victory. I remember Newton North fans screaming at me.’’

A captain who leads by example and strives diligently to be communicative, Barnes admits that his top thrill so far has been “the ability to adapt to two different positions.’’ During his sophomore season, he alternated between playing setter and hitter.

“Being chosen a captain as a sophomore is something Barnes doesn’t take lightly. “I’m very honored,’’ he said. “I’m surrounded by talented players and quality people. It’s a high honor to be chosen a captain so early.’’

Relying on a competitive philosophy that focuses on winning, Barnes says that “if losing occurs, it won’t be the result of not trying my hardest.’’

Athletics can provide valuable life lessons and Barnes has learned several. “I’ve developed the next-point mentality,’’ he said. “That means don’t get caught up in losing a point in a game. The key is to move on, to overcome adversity and be resilient. I’ve also learned to be a leader and to be a good teammate.’’

Barnes, who plans on playing volleyball in college, hasn’t settled on a collegiate venue  yet but he knows he wants to major in computer science. He also knows that it doesn’t take rocket science to win a state championship but he’s acutely aware that key elements must merge — like intensity, team chemistry, good health and some luck.

Branch Barnes is eager for the journey to begin and for the mission to be completed.