Genoa-Kingston's Alayna Pierce (16) and the Cogs are preparing to defend their IHSA Class 2A championship, but they will face stiff competition from teams like IC Catholic Prep, Fairfield and Timothy Christian. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorThe Illinois girls high school volleyball season is underway this week with the start of practice, and today Illprepvb.com continues its annual series of previews of the teams, players and coaches whose ultimate goal is a trip to Redbird (now CEFCU) Arena on the campus of ...
Moorhead, O’Neill champs again as Glenbard West defeats Lyons for IHSA title
Glenbard West's bench storms the court after Liam O'Neill's kill at match point gave the Toppers their second consecutive IHSA championship Saturday at Hoffman Estates, (Photos by Dave Ruggles) https://youtu.be/wl5mmyRxsy4 By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorCould Glenbard West be two-thirds of the way to another three-peat?“I won't say anything about it, but that would be awesome if they could,” said Glenbard West’s 6-5 outside hitter Parker Moorhead.Moorhead had 11 kills, 3 assists, 1 ace, a dig and a block, and 6-5 middle hitt...
Ultimate-ly, teams from up north are the big cheeses at Windy City Round-Up
MOD B18 Blue's Connor Durst (Glenbrook North) slaps a kill past a pair of MVC 18-Greek defenders durng the north shore club's 18 Open semifinal loss Sunday at McCormick Place. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorThe aroma of cheddar, brats and Blatz permeated the air last weekend at McCormick Place.Thank goodness for a little breath of fresh air from SPVB B15 Elite.There was a simple reason clubs from north of the border dominated the 2023 AAU/JVA Windy City Round-Up, with Milwaukee-based clubs winning three of th...
Benet Academy tops hosts at Metea Valley; Lincoln-Way East third at Fishers
Benet Academy defeated Metea Valley, 27-25, 25-20, to win the championship of the Metea Valley tournament Saturday in Aurora. At Metea ValleyBaby steps.“it’s a testament to the work we’ve done,” said Benet Academy coach Jeff Steinberg. “Our goal this weekend was to get 1 percent better at certain aspects of our game. We’ve struggled on Saturdays at the tournaments we’ve been in, so to come out and actually perform and not drop a set … “Baby steps.String enough of them together and you could make a giant leap.Six-foot-8 junior Dominic Krzecz...
St. Francis begins quest for No. 14, numbers up at Hiawatha; more ’23 previews
St. Francis' Anna Paquette (10)) is one of 10 seniors on the Spartans' roster for coach LIsa Ston and the defending IHSA Class 3A champions. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com Editor The Illinios girls high school volleyball season begins in earnest in just a few days, and today Illprepvb.com continues its annual series of previews of the teams, players and coaches whose ultimate goal is a trip to Redbird (now CEFCU) Arena on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal. Here is nearly everything y...
Mmmm. Mother McAuley, Massac County, Metea Valley, and more ’23 previews
Metea Valley's Anna Murphy (10) and Camille Morrison (17) are among seven players back from last year's IHSA Class 4A sectional semifinalist. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorThe Illinios girls high school volleyball season begins in earnest in less than seven days, and today Illprepvb.com continues its annual series of previews of the teams, players and coaches whose ultimate goal is a trip to Redbird (now CEFCU) Arena on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal.Today's preview includes an entertainin...
York brings the hype, claims crosstown battle with visiting IC Catholic Prep
York's eight seniors played key roles in Monday's season-opening win over visiting IC Catholic Prep in front of a large crowd on St. Charles Road in Elmhurst. Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorEmelyn Stettin & Co. are bringing the hype.“The team chemistry is so amazing this year,” said York’s 5-11 setter. “We’re so compatible with each other. Everyone just gets along so well. We play for each other. We’re a very selfless team. We’re so supportive of each other. We’re always there for one another when someone messes up.And…?“We bring t...
Feeling the pain is Barrington’s gain; IHSA quarterfinal pairings flush with drama
Barrington's 6-11 junior Cole Hartke missed three weeks and 11 matches due to injury, but has returned to help lead the Broncos to Friday's IHSA quarterfinals. (File photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorFighting the pain.Barrington talks about it every day.Two years ago, No. 2-seeded Barrington lost its regional opener to No. 18 Addison Trail, 25-17, 25-21. Last year, Barrington, arguably the second-best team in the tournament field, fell to eventual IHSA champion Glenbard West, 22-25, 25-13, 25-18, in the finals of ...
Joliet Catholic’s big bounce back betters Glenbard South at Willowbrook invite
Glenbard South junior outside hitter Ben Zima (far right) had 11 kills in the championship match Saturday at Willowbrook, but it wasn't enuogh as Joliet Catholic prevailed, 25-19, 25-20. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorJoliet Catholic’s Zach Pekol waxed philosophic when asked about the inevitable end of the high school careers he and his twin brother, Luke, have enjoyed these past three years.“It's definitely bittersweet that everything is coming to an end, but I'm really excited that I have the opportunity to...
Michio Chicago VBA/Illprepvb.com present 150 Players to Watch in the Class of ’24
Barrington setter/rightsde hitter and Iowa recruit Jenna Meitzler (11) will try to lead the Fillies to their third consecutive Class 4A semifinal appearance in November. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorThe start of practice for the 2023 Illinois girls high school season is just two weeks away. Today, Illprepvb.com takes a look ahead to some of the players we expect to make an impact during the upcoming season.So here they are, the Michio Chicago VBA/Illprepvb.com 150 Class of '24 Players to Watch:Class of 2024...