Boys volleyball all-area team / Northwest

Nikita Bulauski Buffalo GroveBulauski was the go-to player in many areas for a determined Bison squad in 2014. Not only did the senior excel at the net with 203 kills, he also fought his way to 38 blocks and in addition served up 20 aces. "I asked Nikita to do a lot for us this season," said BG coach Matt Aiello. "He played not only middle but also right side and outside for us. We worked to match him up against the other team's top player in most matches for hitting and for blocking purposes."

Colin Costagna Barrington"Colin was the leader of our team," said Broncos coach Rob Ridenour of the Mid-Suburban West player of the year. "He is obviously an incredible athlete, but the trait that I hope our underclassmen remember about his is his amazing work ethic. Nobody on our team wanted to win more than he did." Castagna recorded an outstanding .405 hitting percentage to go along with 202 kills and 37 blocks.

Fotis Christacos HerseyOne of the Huskies' top performers for the last three season, Christacos owns the school mark for digs in a match with 33. He also set Hersey records for season digs (559) and career digs (1271), and this season also contributed a solid 17 aces on 85 percent serving. "His quickness and reaction time were second to none," said Huskies coach Nancy Lill. "The ball rarely hit the floor with Foti on the court. He was a huge part of our team's accomplishments."

Mike Fuerst HerseyPrinceton-bound Fuerst holds all the blocking records for the Huskies and was a three-year varsity starter. "Mike left his mark at Hersey," said coach Nancy Lill. "He was a dominating presence at the net offensively and defensively. " Fuerst leaves quite a legacy with a match block record (12), total season blocks (141) and career (348). "On top of his volleyball skills," added Lill, "Mike's leadership skills had a big impact on our team's success this year. He will be missed greatly next season."

Stephen Knitter SchaumburgIt was no surprise that Knitter was captain of the Saxons squad for two years. The player who coach Jeff O'Brien calls a "fantastic athlete" will attend Miami of Ohio next year to major in engineering. "Stephen was a very smart player who made full use of his potential, doing the little things that led us to success. He played in the post season on varsity every year, and he was so good I even subbed him in for his ball control during his freshman year in post season." Knitter led his team in service (204-211, 22 aces) and passing (236-241).

Ray Kraus Elk GroveThe range and athletic skill of Kraus was key to the Grenadiers' attack this season. "He was so tough in the front row," said Elk Grove coach Dan Windholz, "and I was impressed with his ability to direct our offense." Kraus excelled in 2014 with 813 assists to go along with 56 blocks, 190 digs, and 28 aces. "Ray was one of the best setters in the Mid-Suburban League this year," added Windholz, "and one of his best accomplishments was being named to the all-tournament team at the Marist Invitational."

Eryk Krzyzak ProspectThe Knights were in the thick of the MSL East race all year and a lot of credit for that went to the dynamic Krzyzak. "As a junior I asked Eryk to lead a team with five strong seniors - not an easy task," said Prospect coach Mike Riedy. "He accepted the role and excelled at it. His leadership style allowed everyone's strengths to shine. He has strong court-sense and is one of the smartest players I have coached in many years. " Kryzyak finished with 33 aces, 233 kills, and 254 digs.

Gregg Lugo Hoffman EstatesLugo excelled not only in the sporting world but also in the classroom, where he earned the highest GPA for any Hawks male athlete in a spring sport. "He's one of the hardest working athletes I've ever coached," said Hoffman coach Dan Hutton. "He strives to be the best, and his competitive nature and court awareness made him a great role model for his teammates and underlevel teams." Lugo showed the heart of a champion this year as he posted 160 kills on 340-of-429 attacking, 16 aces from the service line, and 212 digs.

Bart Migus HerseyOne more season at Hersey for this dynamic hitter means one more year of bad news for his opponents. "Bart did it all for us," said Huskies coach Nancy Lill. "He was a big part of our attack with his huge swing, tough jump serve and intimidating block.' Migus led Hersey in passing this year with a 2.28 ratio, was 2nd on the team in digs with 229, and led the squad in kills with 272.

Jake Niedizwicki PalatineThe consistent Niedizwicki played every match and every game for the Pirates this season. "Without a doubt," said Palatine coach Frank Stark, "he was the type of player that when his game was on, we did not lose." In addition to hitting 285 kills, the senior played a complete all-around game with 146 digs and 25 aces. "Jake is a great kid," added Stark. "He's got a phenomenal work ethic and was a three year varsity starter for us."

Cameron Nolan SchaumburgNolan was effective attacking in 2014 with an efficiency rating of .400, but his all-around game was what drew praise from teammates and opponents alike. "He was a difference-maker on the court," said Saxons coach Jeff O'Brien. "He was a very strong attacker and other teams had to be aware of where he was offensively and defensively. He was very good at placing the ball where the other team was not." Nolan averaged 3 blocks again, had 181 kills and had a 50 percent kill percentage.

Kyle Obernesser PalatineAfter an all-area setter campaign in 2013, Obernesser was switched to defense this year where he became a major force. "We had a huge need to improve our serve receive," said Pirates coach Frank Stark, "and we moved Kyle to libero where he did a great job." Obernesser finished with a 2.23 serve receive ratio, earned 174 serving points, had 264 digs and 22 aces. "Kyle understands the game extremely well," said Stark. "He excelled at numerous positions."

Sam Ostling Elk GroveOstling was a 2-year starter who electrified Grens fans with his hard hitting. The senior finished his senior campaign with 266 kills and 25 blocks. "Sam emerged as our offensive leader this season," said Elk Grove coach Dan Windholz. "His hard work and dedication to the game was key to his improvement during his junior and senior years."

Noah Ricchetti BarringtonRicchetti was a major reason the Broncos went undefeated in Mid-Suburban League play in 2014 and won the MSL championship. "He had a great year," said Barrington coach Rob Ridenour. "Noah has a passion for the sport of volleyball and was a lot of fun to coach. I am really excited to work with him for another year." In addition 696 assists, Ricchetti posted outstanding marks of 39 blocks, 45 kills, 187 digs and 18 aces.

Romario Rios SchaumburgRios was a supremely effective passer for the Saxons this season in addition to swatting 181 kills from his outside position. What made Romario special according to Saxons coach Jeff O'Brien was his court presence. "He was a player that other teams tried to isolate, yet was still a very strong passer and attacker for our team. Opponents had to be aware of where he was at all times, but if they weren't he would score a point. Romario was our second most effective passer and tied our libero with a 96 percent serve-receive percentage (334-of-349). Rios also garnered a .280 hitting efficiency mark. "Our program and our school," added O'Brien, " are going to miss him."

Ryan Schiller St. ViatorOne of the few underclassmen on this year's all-area squad, Schiller had a "breakout year" according to Lions coach Chris Boylan. "Ryan broke school records in hitting percentage this season and led the team in blocks," said Boylan. "He was captain as a junior and the team rallied around his leadership." Schiller's outstanding statistical performance included .408 hitting, 144 kills, 13 aces, 41 block kills and 13 assist blocks.

Sharief Scott FremdAttack plus defense made Scott one of the most formidable volleyball players in Illinois during his final season. "His defensive skills are what kept us in matches throughout the year," said Vikings coach Curt Pinley. "He was our floor captain and never left the court all season during matches. He became stellar in serve receive and was second on the team only to our libero, and also led us in service aces with 21. Scott had over 550 serve receive attempts in his 2-year career as a starter. "He sparked our team and kept them focused," added PInley. "That cannot be coached."

Kevin Shanahan Buffalo GroveWhether the assignment was hitting a big kill, playing stellar defense or blocking at the net, Shanahan was the man for the job this year for the Bison. "Kevin was asked to be a go to hitter, and he loved that challenge," said BG coach Matt Aiello. "He is one of the best leaders in the area, can hit from any spot, and is a suprising good blocker too. He can do it all and works incredibly hard." Shanahan had 287 kills on the season go to along with 14 blocks, 17 aces and 149 digs.

Tom Srnak Rolling MeadowsA superior outlook on the game as well as terrific skills helped drive Srnak to an outstanding season. "Tom's leadership on and off the court this year has been immeasurable," said Meadows coach Tim Piatek. "We started three underclassmen this year on varsity and Tom has showed them what it means to hustle, communicate and have fun." Srnak finished with 231 kills with a hitting efficiency of .324, and had 87 digs and 43 blocks, to go along with 17 aces. "Tom showed how important it was to maintain a great attitude even when the ball doesn't bounce your way," added Piatek. "It was an absolute pleasure to coach him for three years."

Matt Torvik HerseyTorvik's statistics were mind-boggling as the senior led the Huskies to a Mid-Suburban East title and of their most successful seasons in recent memory. "Matt dominated his opponents with his big swing," said Hersey coach Nancy Lill. "He was the rare combination of a dominating hitter and a top setter, and his added offense was instrumental to our success." In addition to 502 assists in a 6-2 offense, Torvik led the team with 44 aces and swatted 213 kills.

Ryan VanWees Maine West

This Carthage College recruit led the Warrios in kills this season by a factor of two. "He led us on and off the court," said West coach Randy Tiller. "Ryan played a great all-around game, hitting and blocking in the front row, and setting out of the back row. He's a very talented, dedicated volleyball player." VanWees finished 2ith 233 kills, 49 blocks, 38 services aces and 115 service points.

Ethan Wolf St. ViatorWolf enjoyed a second straight stellar campaign with 425 kills, 47 aces, 265 digs and 37 solo blocks. "Ethan was our go-to player all year," said Viator coach Chris Boylan. "He broke school records in kills and aces, and had 30 kills in one match (14th best in IHSA history). He's a leader on and off the court and is a great example of a student-athlete." Wolf became an all-East Suburban Catholic Conference all star for two straight years, only the second player in the last 10 years from the Lions to do so. "On any given night," added Boylan, "he's one of the best players in the area."

Connor Wright Barrington

The leaping ability and strong hitting style of Wright could, and did, dominate many a match. "Connor was a rock for us this year," said Barrington coach Rob Ridenour. "He had great maturity on the court and was integral in so many different ways. He will leave behind a huge hole in so many areas that we will miss next year. Wright smashed 283 kills on a .292 hitting percentage, excelled on defense as well with 173 digs, and served 35 aces.

All-area roster

Player School Yr. Pos.

*Grant Andler Prospect Sr. OH

Nikita Bulauski Buffalo Grove Sr. M/RSH

Fotis Christacos Hersey Sr. L

Colin Costagna Barrington Sr. MH

Mike Fuerst Hersey Sr. MB

Stephen Knitter Schaumburg Sr. OH

Ray Kraus Elk Grove Jr. S

Eryk Krzyzak Prospect Jr. OH

Gregg Lugo Hoffman Estates Sr. OH

Bart Migus Hersey Jr. OH

Jake Niedizwicki Palatine Sr. OH

Cameron Nolan Schaumburg Sr. MB

Kyle Obernesser Palatine Sr. L

Sam Ostling Elk Grove Sr. RSH

Noah Ricchetti Barrington Jr. S

Romario Rios Schaumburg Sr. OH

Ryan Schiller St. Viator Jr. MH

Sharief Scott Fremd Sr. OH

Kevin Shanahan Buffalo Grove Jr. OH

Tom Srnak Rolling Meadows Sr. RSH

Matt Torvik Hersey Sr. S

Ryan VanWees Maine West Sr. Opp.

Ethan Wolf Viator Sr. Opp.

Connor Wright Barrington Sr. OH

* All-area team captain

Honorable mentionEnrique Avellaneda (Jr., S., Rolling Meadows), Vito Brunetti (Jr., S., St. Viator), Ryan Campbell (Jr., RSH, Palatine), Mike Cieniawa (Sr., OH, St. Viator), Karl Freidenfelds (Sr., L, Elk Grove), Justin Glader (Jr., Opp., Barrington), Mike Gorski (Sr., Opp., Maine West), Patryk Openchowski (Sr., OH, Conant), Jae Pyun (Sr., OH, Conant), Evan Reese (Sr., S., Rolling Meadows), Connor Rodheim (Sr., MB, Hoffman Estates), Tullio Ruscitti (Jr., L, Buffalo Grove), Jacob Schwister (Sr., S., Prospect), Robert Simian (Soph., DS, Leyden), Matt Stacy (Jr., S., Hoffman Estates), Jordan Saeed (Sr., MB, Hersey), Nicholas Stephani (Sr., L, Wheeling), Peter Tedeschi (Sr., OH, Maine West), Mark Tomuta (Sr., L/RSH, Conant), Peter Wesolowski (Jr., S., Hersey)

Selections and capsules by Bill Esbrook