Lincoln-Way East, which has yet to see Indiana recruit Alaina Pollard on the court, served notice that it is still a team with which to reckon in the IHSA tournament with its win over Lockport on October 14. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorLyons Township in 1989. Quincy Notre Dame in 1998. Mt. Pulaski in 2007. Chicago Christian in 2010. St. Francis in 2022.What did they have in common?They were all double-digit losers who won state championships.Today, we look at 12 teams that are not ranked. With an e...
Oops! She did it again. Brass named Ultimate VBC/Illprepvb Player of the Week
Benet Academy's Brooklynne Brass (5) was named MVP of Autumnfest at Glenbard East after leading the Redwings to the tournament championship. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorBenet Academy’s Brooklynne Brass may not catch former teammate Aniya Warren, whose impressive list of individual hardware included five tournament Most Valuable Player awards, but at least she’s making sure the MVP plaques stay in Lisle.Brass was named the MVP of Autumnfest at Glenbard East last weekend after leading Benet Academy to the ...
Benet wraps up “rivalry week” by beating McAuley for Autumnfest championship
Mother McAuley sophomore outside hitter Keira McQuillan (10) hits past a pair of Huntley defenders during the Mighty Macs' 25-11, 25-14 quarterfinal victory Saturday at Autumnfest. (Photo by Dave Ruggles). By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorRivalry week.“That’s what we called it,” said Benet Academy’s 6-2 setter Ellie Stiernagle.This week, Benet Academy faced the two teams that had beaten the Redwings in the last two IHSA Class 4A championship games – Marist (2024) and Mother McAuley (2023).Benet seniors Stiernagle, Lynney Tarnow and Soph...
Here are 50 more players to watch when the boys ’25-26 club season gets underway
Michael Johnson (77), a 6-3 rightside hitter from Waubonsie Valley, returns after helping SPVB 18 Delta finish in the top 10 of the 18 Club division at last summer's AAU national championships in Orlando. Johnson will play for SPVB 18 Alpha this season. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com Editor The boys’ club season kicks off this weekend with THE Point Series 16/15s #1 2025 at the Wintrust Sports Complex in Bedford Park, followed by the 18/17s on October 25-26 and the 2025 AAU/JVA Chi-Town Boys Challenge at McCormick Place November 1-3....
L-W East’s Ross enjoys ‘sweet’ win over Lockport; Benet’s momentum miffs Marist
Lynney Tarnow (12) had 11 kills and a block in Benet Academy's 27-25, 25-19 win over Marist Tuesday in Lisle. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.comRoss was boss. Especially on her 16th birthday.Sophomore outside hitter Kolby Ross celebrated her Sweet 16 birthday with a match-high 14 kills, Klarke Mosby added 11 kills, and Lincoln-Way East got a huge Southwest Suburban Conference win by putting together a big capping burst for a 25-15, 21-25, 25-19 triumph over Lockport on Tuesday in Frankfort.The two teams could...
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Ultimate VBC/Illprepvb Player of the Week Kalyn Brookbank is writing her own story
Barrington junior Kalyn Brookbank ranks among the top attackers in Illinois this fall with more than 350 kills. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorTalk about tough acts to follow.Barrington’s 6-1 junior Kalyn Brookbank hails from a strong lineage of outstanding athletes. Her mom, Betsy Spicer-Brookbank, was a two-time All-Big Ten volleyball selection at Illinois. Her aunt, Nellie Spicer-Coleman, starred at UCLA and was a member of the U.S. national team.Last season as a sophomore, Kalyn played high school ball...
Here are the best 10 things we saw at the Saints Fall Classic in Bloomington
Mascoutah finished fourth at the Saints Fall Classic Saturday in Bloomington, and had a good time doing it. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepb.com EditorHere are the best 10 things we saw (and heard) at the Saints Fall Classic Saturday in Bloomington1. The championship match.Bloomington Central Catholic and Normal U-High met up for the second and final time this season – the Saints are Class 2A-bound in the postseason and U-High is solid contender in Class 3A – in the championship match Saturday. It did not disappoint. The Saints overcame deficits o...
The culture change at DeKalb includes expecting to win, not moral victories
DeKalb took DuPage Valley Conference-leading Naperville North to the limit Wednesday. but changing the culture at the smallest school in the conference does not include talk about moral victories. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorDeKalb’s volleyball records are a little shaky between 2017 and the time when Keith Foster arrived in 2024.In fact, according to the IHSA record books, they’re non-existent.Now, Foster is trying to help the Barbs write a few chapters worth remembering.Foster came to DeKalb after spending 14 season as head coach...
Three sets? Why not? These Fillies sure love themselves some extra volleyball
Junior Kalyn Brookbank had 15 kills, 1 block, 6 digs and 5 aces as Barrington defeated Wheaton Warrenville South, 23-25, 25-16, 25-18, Monday in Warrenville. It was Barrington's 13th three-set match this fall. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com Editor Stop by the concession stand. Pick up some popcorn, a slice of pizza and a cold drink. Talk to a few friends. Mingle in the hallway. Walk, don’t run, to the restroom. There’s no rush.Why?Because when Barrington plays volleyball, there’s a good chance that even if you mis...