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Boys volleyball / DuPage County All-Area Team

By Neil Shalin

Daily Herald Correspondent

Alex Blackwell, Neuqua Valley

Blackwell is Mr. Steady for the Wildcats. He’s provided consistency as a setter the past two years. He has terrific hands, great technique and he knows the game like a coach. “He makes it easy for our hitters,” said Neuqua Valley coach Erich Mendoza. “Alex knows where and how everyone likes the ball and he always puts it where it needs to be.” Blackwell is a leader who has a great deal of input in the huddle and at practice. He will attend Carthage College.

Danny Boryca, Naperville North

The nicest thing you can say about a libero is “he gets to everything,” and many opposing coaches said that about the 5-foot-8 Boryca, who’s practically a goaltender for the Huskies. Many of his more than 400 digs were game-changers. “People hate playing against him,” said coach Nate Bornancin. “He can frustrate the other teams’ hitters.” Boryca keeps up a constant stream of chatter on the court and he keeps his team focused.

Kevin Farrell, Glenbard East

The 6-foot senior outside is one of the most versatile players in the area. He’s played three different positions in his three years on varsity. Tops on the Rams in kills with 257, Farrell also had 178 digs and 31 blocks. “He’s a great team player, quick, agile and he has great defensive instincts,” said coach Marci Maier. “He’s composed, confident and he wants the ball when the game is on the line.” Farrell was the team MVP.

Dan Flores, Addison Trail

The Kentucky-bound Flores was the team kill leader with 264 and tied for first in digs with 205. “He’s really embraced our game, which is built around defense and passing,” said coach Tom Hubner. Opposing coaches knew that anyone on 31-7 Addison Trail could step up on a given night, so a win for one is a win for all as the scrappy Blazers did it this year with good old-fashioned teamwork.

Jordan James, Waubonsie Valley

A three-year starter, James, a 6-foot-7 senior, has been the leader of some very fine Warriors teams. An agile blocker, he can read the hitter and he has great anticipation. He’s a leaper who gets deep penetration at the net. “When we set Jordan in the middle, we knew it would go down,” said coach Al Lagger. “He has a passion for the game,” James will attend Medaille College in Buffalo, N.Y., and will study veterinary medicine.

Sam Kull, Downers Grove South

A three-year varsity starter, this 6-foot-5 senior middle hitter is a rare combination of speed and power. He led the Mustangs with 95 blocks kills and added 137 kills. “He’s a pin-to-pin player who can create havoc defensively and make the plays offensively,” said coach Tony Nevrly .”He’s a tremendous talent who works to get better every day.” Kull’s a team leader who made all-conference twice.

Ian Lawson, Glenbard West

The 6-foot-7 junior was a revelation this year as he led the fourth-in-state Hilltoppers with 374 kills. Lawson played middle as a sophomore, but he’s become one of the dominant hitters in the state and should be unstoppable next year. He’s got great reactions and he gets off his feet quickly and puts up a strong block.. And he’s developed a fine serve. “Ian has great hands,” said coach Christine Giunta. “He’s almost got a setter’s hands.”

Adam Lepold, Glenbard West

One of the dominant middles in the state, the 6-foot-4 Lepold has the speed of a sprinter and can jump out of the gym. He had 168 blocks and 295 kills. A savvy player, he’s a great leader in practice and on the court. “As a blocker, he hardly ever lets the ball hit the floor,” coach Giunta said. He’s a consistent server and he’s adept at reading the block and hitting around it. Lepold will go to Wisconsin and play club volleyball.

Eric Luhrsen, Wheaton Warrenville South

Luhrsen is one of the all-time greats in local volleyball and The Captain of the Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area Team. He’s been a big part of two state title teams and a second-place finisher. The 6-foot-5 Luhrsen, who will play football at Eastern Illinois, filled in wherever he was needed. “He has tremendous skills,” coach Bill Schreier said. “But this year he’s worked so hard to improve every aspect of his game.” Luhrsen put down 235 kills, 44 aces and came up with 123 digs.

Matt McCown, Lake Park

The third in the line of McCown brothers is this wily veteran setter. A 6-foot-2 senior, McCown dished out 901 assists this year. His defense was outstanding and he set the tone for the entire team with his work ethic. As a setter, he puts his teammates in great position to score. “Matt delivers a great ball,” said coach Brad Baker. “He understands the game and the different situations. He’s our QB.” McCown will play club ball at Purdue.

Kevin McGinnis, Glenbard West

McGinnis, a 5-11 senior, was one of the premier liberos in the state. A two-year captain, McGinnis can cover the floor on defense and he led the team with 453 assists. His court awareness and leadership grew out of his experience as a starting setter when he was a soph. “Kevin’s always in the right place at the right time,” Giunta said. “He just knows where the ball is going. He knows the game so the other kids listen to him.” He’ll play at Cal-San Diego.

Dave Manganiello, Downers Grove South

The 6-foot-5 opposite, who’ll play volleyball at Hannibal-LaGrange, is a great athlete who can set up the big block and hit to all areas of the court. He scored on 199 kills and had 51 blocks and 20 aces. He has a great volleyball IQ and was the team’s most consistent hitter down the stretch. “David is a true captain, who provides a ton of leadership,” Nevrly said. “And he’s a great person who’s deeply involved in numerous community and school activities.”

Jack Mordell, St. Francis

Of everybody on the All-Area team, Mordell had the greatest adjustment to make this year. The former outside hitter was moved to setter just before his senior season. “And he stepped into his new role and really excelled,” said St. Francis coach Mike Lynch. “He’s the consummate leader, but he was also our go-to outside hitter and one of our top passers.” Mordell put up the almost eerie stat combination of 393 kills, 584 assists and 148 digs.

Greg Petty, Downers Grove North

Petty was the captain of the All-Area Team last year. One of the great offensive threats in the state, he posted 342 kills, led the team with 129 digs and he delivered 70 aces. “We know he can control a game with his ability to swing,” said coach Mark Wasik. “But this year we’ve been impressed with his passing and defense.” Petty, who has been named to the USA Youth National Team, will play volleyball at Lewis.

David Priest, Wheaton Warrenville South

Priest, who finished with 968 assists, is a former libero who switched to setter this year and the transition was seamless. With his accurate sets, the 6-foot-3 Priest kept the Tigers multitude of strong hitters happy and productive “David brought it all together,” coach Bill Schreier said. “He was great at serving, setting up the block and he’s a very smart setter. He just has a great feel for the flow of the match.” Priest will attend Indiana Wesleyan.

Michal Stefanski, WW South

This 6-foot-6 Rotary Exchange Student from Poland had a huge impact on the Tigers. The athletic outside hitter is one of the best servers in the state and a tremendous offensive presence on the outside, finishing with 255 kills. “Michal was a great fit for our system,” coach Bill Schreier said. “He’s a great athlete, very quick and a great jumper. We were blessed to have him for a year.”

Jon Storm, Neuqua Valley

Storm has been the main offensive threat for the two-time conference champion Wildcats. The 6-foot-4 senior registered more than 300 kills. Storm is capable of taking over matches with his great vertical and the ability to make adjustments in mid-air. And he has every kind of shot. His dramatic kills were often momentum-changers. “Jon is also one of our primary passers,” coach Erich Mendoza said. Storm will play volleyball at Carthage College.

JP Tulacka, Downers Grove North

The 6-foot-7 middle led the Trojans in blocks with 99, but he was also second in kills with 222 with a .439 kill efficiency, which means opposing middles have to stay with him, creatins more opportunities on the outside. A baseball player, Tulacka first came out for volleyball as a sophomore “He’s a perfectionist who’s never satisfied with his own performance even when he’s outstanding,” coach Mark Wasik said. “He’s got great drive and wants to improve.”

Bobby Wehrli, Benet

This 6-foot-5 junior outside was one of the most improved players in the area. He’s the go-to guy for Benet, landing 296 kills. He contributed all around with 97 digs, 51 blocks and 13 aces. He’s also taken on a larger role as a passer. “Bobby is an incredible athlete,” said Redwings coach Amy Van Eekeren. “He can dominate the court with his aggressive attacking and outside blocking skills. He keeps our team focused.”

Shane Witmer, Naperville North

The high-flying 6-foot-3 Witmer is a true superstar whose dynamic play led the Huskies to the state finals. He just took it to another level this year. The numbers reveal that he’s just one of the best in the state — 411 kills, 170 digs 36 blocks, 34 aces. “He decided to be the guy who carries the team,” coach Nate Bornancin said. “He’s a big-time player and he gets better in big matches.” Witmer will play volleyball at Ball State.

Honorable Mention:Leo Bartyzel, West Chicago, OH, sr.; Henry Cheatham, Naperville North, OH, sr.; Pat Dougherty, Benet, S, so.; Zach Gilligan, Neuqua Valley, L, sr.; Ryan Hanrahan, St. Francis, OH, sr.; Thomas Jaeschke, Wheaton Warrenville South, OH, jr; Eddie Keesecker, Lake Park,OH, sr. Sean Keeve, Waubonsie Valley, OH, sr.; Albert Lei, Naperville Central, S, Jr; Bobby Lenderman, Hinsdale Central, L, sr.; Jeremy Lenich, Wheaton Academy, OH, sr Steve Massoni, Naperville North, S, sr.; Eric McCarthy, Willowbrook, L, sr.; Matt Nussbaum, Wheaton Warrenville South, MH, jr; Kevin O#146;Halloran, Downers Grove South, MH, sr.; Zack Parik, Downers Grove North, S, jr.; Blazej Sadowski, Addison Trail, L, sr Tim Shenkin, Glenbard East, OH, jr.; Trace Szczygiel, Lake Park, OH, sr. Armin Trgo, Addison Trail, OH, sr.

Danny Boryca
Kevin Farrell
Dan Flores
Jordan James
Sam Kull
Ian Lawson
Adam Lepold
Eric Luhrsen
Dave Manganiello
Matt McCown
Kevin McGinnis
Jack Mordell
Greg Petty
Dave Priest
Michal Stefanski
Jon Storm
JP Tulacka
Bobby Wehrli
Shane Witmer