Lincoln-Way East's Tyler Walenga (on the cover) is just one of a number of starters back for the Griffins, who reached the IHSA semifinals in 2021 before losing to Glenbrook North. Can they return in 2022 and enjoy a celebration like Glenbrook North did last year? (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com Editor Here is a look at some of the teams that will be vying for conference, regional and sectional championships, and, in some cases, IHSA quarterfinal berths and an eventual state championship in 2022 (in alphabetic...
Illprepvb.com presents 50 of the top high school players in the Class of '25
Marist's 6-0 sophomore Isabella Bullington (15) should team with senior Kamryn Chaney to give Marist a strong 1-2 punch at the pins. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) Today, Illprepvb.com wraps up our look at some of the top high school players in Illinois with those members of the Class of 2025 expected to return and make an impact for their teams this fall. Class of 2025Gabbie Anderson, 5-9, So., S/RS, Crystal Lake CentralAudrey Asleson, 5-10, So., S, Benet AcademyMorgan Asleson, 5-7, So., L/DS, Benet AcademyChelsea Bell, 5-11, So., MH, TriopiaVi...
Barrington's Paris burns Fremd in battle between Mid-Suburban West's best
Fremd's (from left) Izzy Seghoviano, Claudia Wala, Rian Baker and Rylen Reid were all part of the Vikings' 2019 Class 4A state semifinalist and are hoping to make another run at state after COVID interrupted their junior season. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorOff the court, Barrington’s 6-foot-4 junior outside hitter Campbell Paris is hard to miss.On the court, she’s hard to stop.Paris pounded 14 kills, including three in the waning moments of the second game to help the Fillies close on an 8-1 run, as Barrington recorded a 25-22...
Barrington is bloodied but unbowed; Marist 'kids' beat 'gassed' Lincoln-Way East
(Rockton) Hononegah (left) defeated Geneva to win the Oswego Invitational on Saturday. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) https://youtu.be/A5anPWFy8ok By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorNobody is perfect, even when they’re perfect.Barrington took a punch to the gut Saturday in the championship match of the 6th Annual Barrington/Vernon Hills Invitational Saturday in Vernon Hills, dropping its first set of the young season in the second set of the championship match against the hosts.That meant Barrington rookie head coach Charlie Spry’s secret w...
Hayes earns win No. 699 as Hartsburg-Emden defeats Tomahawk foe Mt. Pulaski
Hartsburg-Emden High School coach Jenn Hayes (right) picked up her 699th victory in a 27-year career on Thursday as her Stags (17-1) defeated visiting Mount Pulaski, 25-21, 25-22, with blocking help from Cassie Crabtree (12) and Avah Classen (7). Hitting for the Lady Toppers was Alexis Wade (3). (Photo by Randy Sharer) By Randy SharerSpecial to Illprepvb.comHARTSBURG – The 699th victory of Jenn Hayes’ 27-year volleyball coaching career was a lot like the previous 698.Her Hartsburg-Emden High School Stags mixed sound fundamentals with ...
Pekol twins draw attention whether its on the streets of Vegas or the volleyball court
Identical twins Zach (left) and Luke Pekol excel on the court and in the classroom thanks to their work ethic and time management skills. By Matt Le CrenSpecial to Illprepvb.comLuke and Zach Pekol saw plenty of interesting things while walking along the famed Las Vegas Strip earlier this summer.But the Joliet Catholic stars found themselves to be the center of attention. The Pekols, who are identical twins and stand 6-foot-9, are used to it.“Wherever we go, people always ask us how tall we are, and the next question is usually, ‘Do you ...
There's something about Marist that brings out the best in White, McAuley
Mother McAuley's Ellie White (on the home page) and Marist's Mary Clare Brusek (5, above) were two of just six players named to the all-tournament team at the Asics Challenge hosted by Mother McAuley. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorThere’s something about Marist.“They bring out our true selves,” said Mother McAuley’s Ellie White.Marist certainly brings out the best in White.The 5-foot-11 sophomore outside hitter pounded out 27 kills, including 12 in the third set, as the Mighty Macs defeated Marist, 25-15, 23-2...
Forty-two boys representing Illinois clubs earn AAU all-tournament recognition
SPVB B18 Alpha's Britten Beallis (17) of Naperville North was named to the 18 Classic all-tournament team at the recently-concluded AAU boys' nationals in Orlando. SPVB B18 Bravo's Brannen Almarales of Downers Grove South (on the homepage) was named 18 Classic MVP. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) Forty-two boys representing Illinois volleyball clubs were named to their respective division all-tournament teams at the recently-concluded AAU Boys Junior National Volleyball Championships in Orlando, Florida:2022 AAU Boys Junior National Volleyball...
SPVB B16 Elite, 630 17-1 roll; wheels come off others at JVA Showdown in Motown
Plagued by injuries and inconsistency, SPVB B18 Elite and setter Trevor Powell (far right) finished fourth at the JVA Showdown in Motown last weekend. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) Detroit, Michigan – When everyone does their job, good things happen.SPVB B16 Elite crushed the 16 Open field at the JVA Showdown in Motown at Huntington Place (formerly the TCF Center) in Detroit, Michigan last weekend, wrapping up a near-perfect effort with a 25-19, 25-16 victory over HPSTL B16 Royal in the championship match.“The guys did a much better job of unde...
Volleyball community mourns the passing of Benedictine coach Christian Staple
Christian Staple, the head men's volleyball coach Benedictine University and an assistant coach at Future Volleyball Club who previously served as a coach at Sports Performance VBC and McKendree University, passed away July 7 at he age of 31. The volleyball community and the Benedictine University family are mourning the loss of head men’s volleyball coach Christian Staple.Staple, 31, suffered a devastating stroke on Tuesday, July 5, and passed away two days later surrounded by loved ones.Staple was named the head coach at Benedictine U...