(From left) Kaleigh Ritter, Ali Sorenson, Jess Pappas and Ava Porada plan to help Lincoln-Way East erase the memory of the program's first losing season in nine years. By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.com Lincoln-Way East flipped the switch.A year ago, the Griffins opened the season with a loss to Montini. They went onto have their first losing campaign in nine years. Ten of the players who lived through that 18-19 season return in 2019. Determined not to go through that again, those returners made big contributions as the Griffin...
Minooka welcomes back 10 seniors; Niles North leaves South, and more
Middle hitter Mason Weis (12) and outside hitter Shane Ooms (11) led Minooka to the IHSA quarterfinals at Hoffman Estates in 2019, a destination the Indians' 10 seniors hope to reach again in 2020. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) Note: Although Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzer’s most recent “stay at home” order extended school closings until April 8, Illprepvb.com will continue to publish content relevant to the 2020 high school boys’ volleyball season in the hope that it will be resumed at some point in the future. School: Grayslake NorthConference:...
Reids book Mid-Suburban League championship for young but feisty Fremd
Hersey's Katie Kaburov rises for a kill over Fremd's Allie Belmonte (18) and Cassie Seaver (3) during the first set of the Mid-Suburban League championship match Wednesday in Palatine. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) Fremd’s 5-foot-11 sophomore outside hitter Rylen Reid was named the Mid-Suburban West Player of the Year prior to Wednesday’s league championship game against visiting Hersey.But Rylen said they gave the award to the wrong Reid. “That award should've been hers,” Rylen said about her sister, 5-9 senior outside hitter Breslen Reid. “...
Where are Illinois' top girls' volleyball recruits headed? (updated 7/16)
Nadia Goich (17, far court), a 6-foot-1 middle blocker from Lockport and 1st Alliance Volleyball Club, has committed to the University of New Hampshire. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) Illprepvb.com is creating a list of the top players in Illinois in the Classes of 2021 and 2022 who have committed to a college or university to continue their volleyball careers. All coaches and club directors have been invited to provide the names of their players who should be on the list. The attached list features the names of players that have been submitted ...
'The sky's the limit' for Montini after Broncos beat Hononegah at McAuley
Montini punched its ticket to next year's Asics Challenge by defeating (Rockton) Hononegah to win the Mother McAuley Preview tournament. By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.comThere was no letdown for Montini.Playing in their first tournament title match since their only loss of the season, the Broncos hit on all cylinders and defeated (Rockton) Hononegah, 25-14, 25-13, Saturday in the title match of the Mother McAuley Preview.It was the 11th straight victory for Montini (16-1), which will now play in the ASICS Challenge Tournament next s...
Fenton gets help from roundballers; Guba takes over at Shepard, and more
Glenbard North's Michael Dziewior (to the right of and slightly behind Future 18 Elite coach Jacob Stone), is one of four veterans returning for Panthers' boss Dedra DeBenedetti. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) Note: Although Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzer’s most recent “stay at home” order extended school closings until April 8, Illprepvb.com will continue to publish content relevant to the 2020 high school boys’ volleyball season in the hope that it will be resumed at some point in the future.School: FentonConference: Upstate EightHead coach: &n...
Neuqua Valley in a groove behind Cardenas, who leads Wildcats past visiting Metea Valley
Six-foot-1 junior outside hitter Ryan Owens had a kill and 4 digs in Metea Valley's loss to Neuqua Valley Thursday in Naperville. (photos by Dave Ruggles) Neuqua Valley may not have found the next Jeremy Grove, but it’s definitely finding its groove.The Wildcats won for the 10th time in their last 12 matches behind 6-foot-8 middle hitter-turned-outside hitter Jeremy Cardenas (9 kills) and 6-7 setter Kevin Kauling (17 assists, 6 kills), defeating Metea Valley, 25-21, 25-16, Thursday in Naperville. Neuqua Valley coach Erich Mendoza knew...
Benet's Kenney, defense overcome Marist in state final-caliber ESCC title match
Benet players celebrate after defeating Marist, 23-25, 25-11, 25-22, in the East Suburban Catholic Conference Tournament championship match Wednesday in Lisle. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) https://youtu.be/u_Nl7ta4K-0 By Matt Le CrenSpecial to Illprepvb.comBenet and Marist have combined to win the last three Class 4A state championships and six of the past nine.The two powers have built up a nice rivalry lately and were considered by many to be the two best teams in the state again this year.While the IHSA opted not to hold a state tourn...
Illprepvb.com presents the 50 All-Time Best Illinois Boys Volleyball Players, Nos. 31-40
Former Glenbard East star Dan Mader, the Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year in 2008 and currently the associate director of Volleyball Club Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska, stands in front of the club's new facility currently under construction. Today, we continue to count down the 50 All-Time Best Illinois Boys Volleyball Players. The players were selected based on their athletic ability, their individual accomplishments on the court, how they impacted their team’s success, their place in IHSA history, and in some cases, how they ...
Niles West ends the wait, rallies to defeat Niles North in crosstown rivalry game
Niles West celebrates with the trophy that goes to the winner of the annual rivalry game between West and Niles North. Waiting.Everyone was waiting.The fans were waiting. The bench was waiting. The coaches were waiting.Finally, trailing 22-18 in the second set and on the verge of being forced to a third set at home against rival Niles North, the real Niles West showed up.“The last seven points, we actually played how we know how to play,” said Niles West coach Stacy Roth. “We came alive. We started being smart, doing things we normally do …...