BUTLER TWP — Matt Huey lifts his lanky 6-foot-3 frame into the air, draws back his right arm and swings it at the volleyball with uncommon ferocity.

The ball screams toward the court at Butler High School. Another kill for Huey and another point for the Golden Tornado boys volleyball team.

That scene has played out quite often for Butler the last two seasons. This year, though, Huey has developed into one of the most feared middle/outside hitters in the WPIAL.

“Last year he bloomed and just became a great hitter,” said Butler boys volleyball coach Lew Liparulo. “This year he’s even better. I think in our section, he has to be one of the most dominant hitters.”

Huey is averaging 17 kills per match this season for the Golden Tornado.

His success hasn’t come overnight. Huey, who also stars on the Butler soccer team, started playing volleyball in the seventh grade and has put a lot of work into his game.

Before his senior season, he played on the Pittsburgh Volleyball Club team.

“That really helped me to improve my skills and become a better all-around player,” Huey said. “I think that shows this season.”

He used that time to fine-tune his skills, focusing on the subtleties of the sport.

“I learned technical stuff, the little things,” Huey said. “Once I learned that, I got into more advanced stuff. It’s really helped me to improve my game.”

Huey has already committed to play volleyball at Penn State Altoona next year. That has allowed him to focus completely on his senior season.

He’s not just a hitter. Liparulo played him in the back row last season and continues to do so this season. Huey also has a polished jump serve.

“In our last tournament we went to, he had seven aces in a row,” Liparulo said. “The whole gym was watching.

“He’s a complete player,” the coach added. “It was a commitment I made last year to play him in the back row hoping the dividends would pay off this year. Last year he picked it up pretty well and this year, he’s consistent.”

Huey is also the team captain.

After a slow start in the first game against Gateway Tuesday night, he rallied his teammates. The Golden Tornado dominated play after that in a 3-0 win.

“He’s our captain and the reason is not just because of what he does on the court and gets kills, but the fact he will not be denied,” Liparulo said. “His intensity — he doesn’t stop when he gets blocked. He comes back harder. I’ve never seen him quit.”

Huey is also quick to praise his teammates for his success.

Setter Andrew Paterno has been stellar this season and so has libero Chris Fiorina.

“Without passes, we’d be getting nowhere,” Huey said. “I wouldn’t be getting kills and neither would any of our other hitters. They have been doing a great job. I just hope they can keep it up the rest of the season.”

And Huey has been the closer. The finisher.

“I just keep a visual of the court, where the blocks are coming from, where the empty spot on the court is,” Huey said. “Sometimes I just go for power, but sometimes it’s not all about that.”

It certainly helps.

“I love it,” Huey said, smiling. “In a big game, when you get a big kill, it’s one of the greatest feelings ever.”