Benet Academy seniors Lynney Tarnow (12) and Ellie Stiernagle (11) are still getting to know their new teammates after graduation claimed 10 players off last year's Class 4A runner-up. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorBenet Academy is looking to get better acquainted. Lincoln-Way East is just looking to get healthy.The two teams met Tuesday in Lisle, and although the Redwings won, 25-17, 25-14, the result was almost secondary to the process.“It’s still really early, and we’re still trying to get to know each othe...
Marist slips Lockport at Crimson Classic; Macs extend Metea win streak to four
Marist fought off three set points in the first set of its 29-27, 25-17 victory over Lockport to win the 2025 Mizuno Crimson Classic. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorMaybe Marist was a little surprised to see Lockport on the other side of the net when the RedHawks began warm-ups prior to the start of the championship game Saturday at the 2025 Mizuno Crimson Classic in Aurora.Maybe the RedHawks were caught a little off-guard.“We really didn't see them today,” said Marist coach Jordan Vidovic. “We didn’t even know...
Ultimate VBC/Illprepvb Player of the Week Savanah Weathers rises above the rest
Marist's Savanah Weathers (10) was named the MVP of the 32-team 2025 Mizuno Crimson Classic last weekend at the Great Lakes Volleyball Center in Aurora. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorSavanah Weathers doesn’t remember being the MVP of anything during her volleyball career.“Maybe in grade school,” she said.Weathers certainly won’t forget her most recent accolade, however – being named the MVP of the 32-team Mizuno Crimson Classic last weekend at the Great Lakes Volleyball Center in Aurora.Weathers led Marist...
Top-ranked Bloomington Central Catholic weathers test from (Downs) Tri-Valley
Auburn recruit Kampbell Niepagen of Central Catholic (7) battled at the net against Northern Iowa-recruit Annabelle Bischoff (16) and Isabella Medeiros (8) of Tri-Valley at Downs on Thursday. Central Catholic won, 25-14, 26-28, 25-17. (Photo by Randy Sharer) By Randy Sharer Special to Illprepvb.comDOWNS – It’s not often both teams in a high school volleyball match get what they want, but that’s what happened Thursday as host Tri-Valley showed it can make a state title contender sweat.Sweating now, however, could help Bloomington Central ...
Glenbard West vies to be best at West Suburban Silver-heavy Blue & Gold invite
Last year's tournament runner-up Glenbard West is hoping to finish on top at this year's Wheaton North Blue and Gold Tournament behind (from left) Cara Herbert, Farryn Burridge, Phoebe Risner, Ella Rowe and Kayla Street. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorThe Wheaton North 40th Annual Blue and Gold Tournament has a definite West Suburban Silver vibe going.With defending champion Benet Academy exiting for the Mizuno Crimson Classic this weekend, Glenbard West pulled down the No. 1 seed in the 12-team tournament that opened Wednesday and w...
Making a jump in class, Timothy Christian proves it can still play with the big girls
A Class 2A semifinalist in 2024, Timothy Christian made its debut as a Class 3A school Monday against visiting York. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorAfter reaching the Class 2A semifinals last year for the first time since 2015 and setting a school record for wins (35) behind Texas freshman and Michio Chicago VBA/Illprepvb.com all-state selection Abby Vander Wal, Timothy Christian finds itself reclassified Class 3A this season.Abby gone? 2A done?Who? Me worry?“We're super excited about it,” said Timothy Christian’s four-year starter an...
With her sister off to college, Stephens steps up as next leader for Southeastern
Junior Kara Stephens will step into the role of team leader for Augusta Southeastern, following in the footsteps of her older sister Amanda, now a freshman at Indiana University-Indianapolis. By Randy SharerSpecial to Illprepvb.com AUGUSTA – Kara Stephens finds herself in the middle of a very team-oriented sport, stepping into the somewhat solitary assignment of volleyball team leader. No matter what challenges arise during the next four months, the 5-foot-10 Augusta Southeastern High School junior middle blocker/setter can take comfo...
Michio Chicago VBA/Illprepvb present ’25 preseason Class 1A rankings, previews
Tiny Scales Mound (enrollment: 66) hopes to tip the scales in its favor this fall behind (right to left) Lydia Connor, Ellaina Kostenbader, Campbell Hereau, Quinn Driscoll, Grace Behlke, Lila Anderson, Halle Wiegel, Jadyn Busch, Lialah Cramer and Lydia Behlke By Phil BrozynskiIllprpvb.com EditorSt. Francis, DePaul College Prep and St. Laurence? You’re movin’ on up. You, too, Breese Mater Dei and IC Catholic Prep. Did you enjoy your time in “success-factor” purgatory, Joliet Catholic and Nazareth Academy? How about Normal West? ...
Michio Chicago VBA/Illprepvb present ’25 preseason Class 2A rankings, previews
Aubrey Fair (5) and Bloomington Central Catholic don't have to worry about another run-in with Breese Mater Dei in the Class 2A championship this season. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprpvb.com EditorSt. Francis, DePaul College Prep and St. Laurence? You’re movin’ on up. You, too, Breese Mater Dei and IC Catholic Prep. Did you enjoy your time in “success-factor” purgatory, Joliet Catholic and Nazareth Academy? How about Normal West? Well, no more Mother McAuley and Marist for you. And Rochester? You got to be l...
Michio Chicago VBA/Illprepvb present ’25 preseason Class 3A rankings, previews
Purdue University recruit Lily Bosworth (6) returns as Mahomet-Seymour seeks to repeat as Class 3A champion this fall. )Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprpvb.com EditorSt. Francis, DePaul College Prep and St. Laurence? You’re movin’ on up. You, too, Breese Mater Dei and IC Catholic Prep. Did you enjoy your time in “success-factor” purgatory, Joliet Catholic and Nazareth Academy? How about Normal West? Well, no more Mother McAuley and Marist for you. And Rochester? You got to be lovin’ you some 2. When the IHSA...