Downers Grove North's Jude Caldwell had 10 assists and 5 kills during the Trojans' victory Monday over Naperville Central. (File photo by Dave Ruggles) By Matt Le CrenSpecial to Illprepvb.comThere is a story behind how Downers Grove North sophomore Emperor Pratts got his unique name.“My mother told me, ‘When you were in my womb, you were a knight. When you came out, you were a king,’” Pratts said.Pratts, a 6-foot-1 rightside hitter, ruled the court at times during his varsity debut on Monday. He came off the bench and led all players with 7...

Despite some key departures, Barrington coach Charlie Spry's Broncos will reload behind two of the top players in Illinois as they seek to defend their Mid-Suburban League and regional titles. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorToday, we continue our look at some of boys’ volleyball teams across Illinois. Illprepvb.com reached out multiple times to every coach in Illinois requesting information about their teams and the upcoming 2026 season. This preview reflects some of the responses we received.We thank those ...

Aaron Grey (15) is one of three returning starters for Downers Grove North. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorToday, we continue our look at some of boys’ volleyball teams across Illinois. Illprepvb.com reaches out multiple times to every coach in Illinois requesting information about their teams and the upcoming 2026 season. This preview reflects some of the responses we received.We thank those coaches who responded for promoting boys volleyball in Illinois, and, more importantly, supporting their student-athlete...

Bolingbrook's Edison Ah-Yo (1), who led all Illinois freshmen in kills last season, returns as the Raiders make a run at a Sourhwest Prairie Conference title. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorToday, we begin our look at some of boys’ volleyball teams across Illinois. Illprepvb.com reaches out multiple times to every coach in Illinois requesting information about their teams and the upcoming 2026 season. This preview reflects some of the responses we received.We thank those coaches who responded for promoting boys...

Setter Maggie Simon (66, far court middle) helped lead SPVB 18 White to the championship of the 18 Club division at last weekend's 2026 UA Bluegrass Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phi BrozynskiIllprepvb.com Editor The UA Bluegrass Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, brings together more than 100 teams from the Midwest, Southeast and as far away as California to the Kentucky Expo Center for a weekend of high-level volleyball competition.But no matter who is on the other side of the net, Maggie Simon and...

Michio Chicago 18 BlueSmoke completed a perfect weekend Sunday at the 2026 GLR Girls Regional Championships, claiming the tournament's 18 American bid to Reno with a 25-21, 14-25, 15-9 victory over Ultimate G18 Gold. https://youtu.be/aCsfmUBg2VA By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorTaking care of business.There will be no petition necessary from Michio Chicago 18 BlueSmoke to participate in the non-bid Patriot division at the 2026 USA Volleyball Girls 18s National Championship in Reno, Nevada, on April 23-25.After finishing third in t...