Leo Wiemelt (9, far left) and Sam Levinson (8) combined for 15 klls, but it wasn't enough as Lyons dropped its first match of the season Tuesday at Hinsdale Central. (File photo by Dave Ruggles) Hinsdale Central's Harry Hughes By Matt Le CrenSpecial to Illprepvb.comHinsdale Central’s Harry Hughes saw only spot duty on the varsity level as a freshman last season, and not at his natural position of setter.Hughes’ older brother, Matt, was the entrenched starting setter, but Hinsdale Central coach Tom Gilbert still found a place for the rook...

Junior outside hitter Nate Fleischauer (3) had 11 kills for Joliet West, but it wasn't enough as the Tigers lost to Romeoville on Thursday. (File photo by Dave Ruggles) By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.comWhen it comes to boys’ volleyball, Romeoville knows it hasn't exactly set the world on fire.But the Spartans are looking to change that this season. They are off to a good start as they rallied for a 19-25, 25-20, 25-22 victory over Joliet West in the opening Southwest Prairie Conference match for both teams Thursday in Joliet.Romeovill...

Glenbrook South improved to 10-1 overall and 2-0 in the Central Suburban South by defeating visaiting Maine South on Wednesday. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorCommitment and focus.Glenbrook South’s Chance Shampine said those two factors are what it takes to be the best team you can be.“Last year, we knew we had a good team,” he said. “The same thing this year. We know we have a good team. But committing to the team … that’s what creates the best team. That, and staying focused on what we know to do.”Shampine committed and focused Wedn...

Illini Elite 17 Cardinal defeated Illini Elite 18 Cardinal, 25-15, 25-20, to win the I-74 Challenge this weekend in Bloomington. The tournament also featured teams from Prime Time Volleyball Club in Champaign and Eastside Volleyball Club in East Peoria. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyzNAf15O00 By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorWhat do EVC (Eich’s Volleyball Cub) 18 Elite and Belusa United 18 Cyclones have in common?Neither team could say “No” to Michigan, as in Dynamic Impact 18U Carrie/Kenna of Grandvi...

IC Catholic Prep's Ava Falduto will return for her senior seaosn in 2023, hoping to give the Knights another shot at an IHSA Class 2A championship. On the home page is Benet Academy's 6-4 freshman Lynney Tarnow. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorReflecting upon the past is not a bad thing. But looking ahead always opens the door to more possibilities.Today, we look ahead to the 2023 Illinois high school girls’ volleyball season by listing some of the girls we believe will have a significant impact on what unfold...

Six-foot-7 junior David Wolff (30) returns seeking to lead New Trier to its eighth IHSA quarterrfinal appearance in the last nine years .On the home page, O'Fallon's 6-4 outside Camryn Sheehan hopes to bring the Panthers back to Hoffman Estates in June. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorThe Illinois boys high school season kicks off Monday, and here are 100 reasons to watch (in alphabetical order):Max Adkisson, 5-8, Jr., L, Vernon HillsAidan Akkawi, 6-4, So., OH, Downers Grove NorthKristaps Andersons, ...

Chance Shampine (7) had 24 kills in the championship match Saturday at the Richard Griesheim Invitational at Downers Grove South as Glenbrook South nudged Oak Park-River Firest, 25-21, 20-25, 25-23. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.comAs a top returner from the defending state champion Glenbard West boys' volleyball team, Parker Moorhead knows what it takes to win.“I want it all,” Moorhead said. “I love winning.”Moorhead made sure the Hilltoppers did more winning on Saturday. He earned tournament MVP honors af...

Lauren Coyne (center) led Wheaton Warrenville South in kills during the high school season and will be counted on to do more of the same for Sports Performance's 16 Elite team. On the home page is 1st Alliance's Abby Vander Wal of Timothy Christian. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorToday, we turn our attention to the 16s as we continue our look at some of the top club teams in Illinois. This year’s crop of 16s features some of the best young talent in Illinois.Among the 16s taking the court this winter...

Stevenson's Ramiz Izzatov (14) slaps a kill past Lincoln-Way West's Connor Studer (9) and Will Pluskota (10) during the championship match of the Joliet West invite. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.comComing off of its first loss of the season, Lincoln-Way West was looking to play more consistently. Connor squared made sure the Warriors did just that.Outside hitters Connor Studer and Connor Jaral combined for 26 kills and both earned all-tournament honors as Lincoln-Way West outlasted Stevenson, 25-16, 2...

Now that's how you celebrate a point! Mission 17 Elite libero Delaney Molloy (8) tests her vertical, much to the delight of her teammates. Mission 17 Elite went 3-0 on Saturday to move up to Bracket B and finished the weekend 4-2 during Windy City Power League 18/17 Open division play at the Energy Sports Complex in Niles. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorAt this still-way-too-early stage of the girls’ club season, many teams remain in a “Getting to know you” stage.1st Alliance 18 Silver is no different. Only five players return from...