Adam Graham (left) had 8 kills and 8 digs and libero Andrew Ellis added 14 digs to help lead Glenbard West to a 19-25, 25-21, 25-17 victory over York Tuesday in Elmhurst. (File photo by Dave Ruggles). By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com Editor“Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone should be.” – Clementine Paddleford.York was just a few points from handing two-time defending IHSA champion Glenbard West its first loss of the young season and only its third West Suburban Silver setback dating to 2016, leading 25-19, 16-13 in the batt...

Hersey improved to 22-3 with a 25-23 18-25, 16-14 victory over Glenbrook South on Saturday in Arlington Heights. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorSix-foot-2 outside hitter Justin Arrowood had a lot of friends on the other side of the net when his Huskies played Glenbrook South in the final match of the Hersey round-robin tournament Saturday in Arlington Heights.But friendships are typically set aside when the first ball is tossed in the air.“Coming into this game, everyone knew this was the game that mattered,” Arrowood said. “We lo...

Glenbard West's 6-3 outside hitter Adam Graham was named the MVP of the Brother Rice Smack Attack last weekend. (File photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorMoments after Glenbard West defeated Marist to win the Brother Rice Smack Attack last weekend, 6-foot-3 outside hitter Adam Graham explained why the Hilltoppers continue to dominate Illinois boys’ volleyball.“We beat ourselves up in practice knowing that we're going to get better,” he said. “We need to get better to accomplish our goals.”Few work harder – either on ...

Caleb Day (2), Jack Byers (24), August Werner (9) and Kamden DeJournett (7) have led an otherwise young and inexperienced Belleville East team to a record 16-0 start. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorDon’t ask August Werner about Belleville East’s three losses to O’Fallon last year.“It haunts me,” said the Lancers’ 6-1 outside hitter. “It haunts me. I’ve lost nine times to them. I haven’t won a single time against them playing varsity.”Belleville East will find out soon enough how they stack up against their Southwestern Confere...

1st Alliance 18 Gold reached the championship match of the 18 Open division at the 2024 USAV Girls 18s Junior National Championship in Baltimore, Maryland, before falling to TAV 18 Black out of Austin, Texas. (From left) Katie Scherer, Calli Kenny and Grace Nelson were named to the 18 Open all-tourament team. Baltimore, Maryland – After staging an improbable rally from a 14-11 deficit in the third set to defeat Munciana 18 Samurai, 14-25, 25-21, 16-14, in a challenge match Saturday, 1st Alliance 18 Gold seemed destined to claim a na...

Streamwood, which improved to 15-3 overall with Wednesday's win at Rolling Meadows, faces a key Upstate Eight Conference game next week when it hosts Glenbard East. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorStreamwood coach Michelle Mueller admits a lot of people looked at her like she was crazy when she brought up a 5-5 sophomore outside hitter two years ago.They’re not laughing anymore.Brandon Voravong, who is somewhat generously listed at 5-5, smashed a team-high 9 kills and added an ace Wednesday to lead Streamwood (15-3 overall, 4-0 in the ...

New Trier's 6-8 outside hitter David Wolff is the Ultimate VBC/Illprepvb.com Player of the Week. (Photo by Rob Lange) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepb.com EditorThe total package.That’s how New Trier coach Sue Ellen Haak describes 6-8 outside hitter David Wolff.“There’s a lot to stay about David,” Haak said. “David is doing a great job all across the board. He leads the way in serve receive. He leads the way in blocking. He leads the way in leadership. He’s the total package.“We’re lucky to have him,” she added. “I feel blessed to have him. Th...

  By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorThe 2024 adidas Windy City National Qualifier wrapped up Sunday at McCormick Place with at least a few local teams walking away with bids.Among them was 1st Alliance 17 Gold, which was seeking to upgrade the National bid it earned through the Windy City Power League.Mission accomplished.1st Alliance 17 Gold defeated Circle City 17 Purple (Plainfield, Indiana) in the championship match of the 17 Open division, 25-6, 25-20, to finish 10-0 and earn an Open bid to the USA Volleyball G...

Kris Blumberg (6) had 5 kills, 3 digs and an ace in Glenbrook South's 25-11, 25-21 loss at Marist on Thursday. (File photo by Dave Ruggles) By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.com"I won't back down."Not only is that a classic song by the late great Tom Petty, but it's also the attitude of the Marist boys' volleyball team.The RedHawks hosted a 2023 Elite Eight team for the second straight night and had a resounding victory for the second night in a row.This one was a 25-11, 25-21 win over Glenbrook South in a battle of unbeatens Thursday at ...

Casey Maas (1) and Glenbard West defeated St. Francis, 25-21, 25-13, to win Springfest at Glenbard East on Saturday. On the home page is Glenbard West's Xavion Willett. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorNight and day.“That’s volleyball,” said New Trier coach Sue Ellen Haak.After using a 12-2 run in the first set to break open what had been a two-point game in the championship match Saturday against Wheaton North at the Warren invite, New Trier found itself down a set point and tied five times in the second set at...