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...
Lexie Grevengoed’s ‘great performance’ rates Ultimate Player of the Week honors
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...
Never give up, never surrender: Joliet West overcomes Oak Park-River Forest for title
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...
Sophia Hattas comes to the rescue as Benet Academy sweeps Downers North
Sophomore Dina DiSanto (8) had 8 kills in Benet Academy's 25-13. 26-24 victory over Downers Grove North Tuesday in Lisle. (File photo by Dave Ruggles) By Matt Le CrenSpecial to Illprepvb.com Benet Academy’s Sophia Hattas was on varsity last season, but spent it rooted to the pines, so to say she was eager to get to play this season is an understatement. “I know I have big shoes to fill and I embrace that challenge,” Hattas said. “I want to keep competing for the spot that I want.” The 5-foot-3 Hattas is one of five backline playe...
Joliet West tests Marist’s mettle, but RedHawks pass test with flying colors
Joliet West junior Lexie Grevengoed (2) had 8 kills and 2 aces in the Tigers' 25-22, 25-15 loss to Marist Wednesday in Joliet. (File photo by Dave Ruggles) By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.com Through the first nine matches of the season, no one came close to the Marist volleyball team. So when the RedHawks found themselves four points away from dropping their first set of the season, did they call a timeout? Nope. That proved to be the correct call for the top-ranked RedHawks. Outside hitter Taylor Berg led the way with 15 k...
No. 3-ranked (Chatham) Glenwood’s 11 aces serve up a win over Bloomington
Virginia Tech recruit Morgan Wiezorek (20) kept Chatham Glenwood's offense clicking during a 25-17, 25-13 victory at Bloomington on Tuesday. (Photo by Randy Sharer) By Randy SharerSpecial to Illprepvb.comBLOOMINGTON — With four college recruits in a veteran lineup, Chatham Glenwood showed Tuesday why it’s a threat to reach the Class 3A state tournament.The Titans, ranked No. 3 by Illprepvb.com, stayed patient through competitive starts in both sets before using 11 aces to fuel a 25-17, 25-13 victory over Bloomington at the Robert Frank Spor...
Like the paint company, Ultimate Player of the Week Reagan Littrell covers the world
Libero Reagan Littrell extended her career record to more than 1,000 digs last week to help keep Class 3A powerhouse (Chatham) Glenwood unbeaten through eight matches. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorTwo weeks into the season and one thing has become exceedingly clear – whoever succeeds defending IHSA Class 3A champion Normal U-High on the medal stand on November 14 will have assuredly earned it. One of those teams in the Class 3A rankings logjam hoping to walk away with the big trophy is (Chatham) Glenwood, which defeated Sacre...
Belleville East all smiles after the miles; Glenbard West pastes panicky Barrington
Belleville East plans to reward itself following its championship Saturday at the Hoffman Estates Hawk Invitational with a visit to Wrigley Field Sunday for a college volleyball doubleheader. By Matt Le CrenSpecial to Illprepvb.com Veteran setter Abi Monroe and her Belleville East teammates traveled a long distance this weekend.Only time will tell, but they believe it will help them get to where they want to go in the long run.The Lancers made the five-hour bus ride up Interstate 55 to compete in the Hoffman Estates Hawk Invitational th...
Kemps sheds her temps role to help Mother McAuley beat Lincoln-Way East
Sophomore Chyla Jukes (20) had 4 kills and 2 blocks to help Mother McAuley defeat Lincoln-Way East Thursday in Frankfort. (File photo by Dave Ruggles) By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.com With 15 players back from last season's team, Mother McAuley has a lot of depth. That depth had to come into play right away this season. Katelyn Beirne, a starting junior outside hitter for the Mighty Macs, went out with a dislocated kneecap after running into the net support pole in a victory over Montini on Tuesday. She is expected to miss ...
Downers South turns up the heat, but Glenbard West thrives under the pressure
Downers Grove South's Jennifer Curran (14) had 8 kills, but it wasn't enough as Glenbard West coralled the Mustangs Wednesday in Downers Grove, (File photo by Dave Ruggles) By Matt Le CrenSpecial to Illprepvb.comDowners Grove South turned up the heat, but Glenbard West refused to be fried.Cara Herbert made sure of that. The veteran setter kept the Hilltoppers even-keeled during seesaw second set which saw 17 ties.“Our big motto is ‘Pressure is a Privilege,’ so we kind of used that motto to stay calm,” Herbert said. “That helped us in thos...