Niles West's libero/defensive specialist Maddie Pukal (5) endured nearly three years of treatment as a young child after being diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia. By Matt Le CrenSpecial to Illprepvb.com  Niles West’s Maddie Pukal is like a ray of sunshine on and off the court. The 5-foot-4 senior defensive specialist displays a warm disposition regardless of whether the Wolves are winning or losing. “She’s a great girl,” said Niles West coach Stacy Roth. “She’s nice, she’s kind, she’s a great teammate. “She always chee...

Monmouth-Roseville junior middle blocker/rightside hitter Mallory Corzatt said one of her favorite things about competing in livestock shows is the opportunity to get together with people from different states. By Randy SharerSpecial to Illprepvb.comMONMOUTH — By the time most high school athletes have finished practice and settled in for the evening, Mallory Corzatt is often just beginning another shift.The Monmouth-Roseville junior volleyball player heads home to a sheep farm about 12 miles south of Monmouth. There, buckets need carrying,...

Benet Acadmey's five seniors are (from left) Maddie Bryant, Sophia Hattas, Claire Weathersm Sophia Youssef and Katie Chvatal. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com Editor Benet Academy’s Maddie Bryant has been around the block a few times during her time at the Lisle school. As a freshman, she was a reserve on team that reached the IHSA Class 4A finals before losing to Mother McAuley in the championship match. Last year as a junior, she medaled again with the Benet team that lost to Marist in the Class 4A finale. So she’s seen what it ta...

Belleville East's Paige Hill (3), who helped the Lancers go 4-1 last week including two wins in the Southwestern Conference, is this week's Ultimate VBC/Illprepvb.com Player of the Week. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorTrue gamechangers are defined by their ability to dominate at the net even when transitioning to a new position.Last week, Belleville East’s 5-9 outside hitter Paige Hill put on an absolute clinic on the court, racking up 32 kills, 14 digs, and 3 blocks while leading her team to two Southwestern Conference victories ...

Lincoln-Way East junior Kolby Ross had 10 kllls, but to no avail, as Lyons Township defeated the Griffins, 25-18, 25-18, in the championship match Saturday at the 2026 Wheaton Classic.(Photo by Dave Ruggles) https://youtu.be/274tFRpSrZc By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorIn the zone.Lyons Township was there all weekend.“I think everything was on for us … our serving, our serve receive ... our hitting was just spectacular,’ said Lyons 6-foot setter Colleen Chambers. “It seemed like every single one of my hitters got a kill every sing...

Providence Catholic coach Lee Rucinski probably had a lot to say to his team after they lost to Joliet Catholic for the second consecutive season. On the home page, Joliet Catholic's five seniors, including setter Maggie Tibbot (6), enjoyed the ride as the Angels' upset of the Celtics in Frankfort on Thursday. By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.com As a freshman last year, Ella Horn helped Joliet Catholic upset Providence Catholic. Now, playing a new position as a sophomore, she helped the Angels do it again. Horn combined with s...

Five-foot-11 freshman Kyler Smith (16) has made a huge impact on the court for Benet Academy. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorWe all learn growing up that girls mature faster than boys. The same is true on the volleyball court.Rarely do you see a freshman boy make a significant impact on his varsity team in volleyball. Of course, the sample size is much smaller, but last spring only five freshman boys contributed more than 100 kills, 195 assists or 150 digs on the varsity level.Whereas, there are a number of...

Junior Lexie Grevengoed had 18 klls to lead Joliet West past Oak Park-River Forest in the chamionship match of the Denise Kananaugh Invitational last Saturday at Downers Grove South, (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com Editor Lexie Grevengoed saved her best for last. “Lexie had an incredible week and ended with a great performance on Saturday,” said Joliet West coach Chris Lincoln. After Joliet West dropped the first set of the championship game at last weekend’s Denise Kavanaugh Invitational at Downers Grov...

Joliet West's junior Na'Riah Autman (2) beats libero Lily Swan to the dig in the championship match of the Denise Kavanaugh Invitational at Downers Grove South on Saturday. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) https://youtu.be/DAjCAKjkThw By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com Editor From down two match points in the semifinal to dropping the first set in the title match, Joliet West certainly didn’t take the easy route to the championship of the Denise Kavanaugh Invitational Saturday at Downers Grove South. “They connect so well, they fight, they d...