Boys volleyball: Northwest all-area team

By Bill Esbrook

Daily Herald Correspondent

Eduardo Amador FremdConsistency has been the key for the Vikings setter not only this year, but for the last three seasons. The senior handled over 1,000 set attempts the last two years alone, getting 600 assists in that time. The most amazing part of that stat line is that Amador has missed less than 50 serves in his entire high school career, an extraordinary mark. "Eduardo is well respected both in school and on the volleyball court," said Fremd coach Curt Pinley. "He is the only recipient of our MVP award two years in a row. The fact that he is so well respected speaks volumes about who he is as a person."

Vito Brunetti St. ViatorBrunetti was one of the big reasons why the Lions won a regional title this year. The senior had 576 assists on the season, and was also a force from the service line with 27 aces on 382-of-395 serving. "He was our vocal leader on and off the floor as team captain and setter," said Viator coach Chris Boylan. "His energy and athleticism provides the spark this team needs to push through adversity. He works the hardest of anyone I've ever coached and is a true winner."

Ryan Campbell PalatineCampbell brought the heat for the Pirates this year on both offense and defense, swatting an outstanding 282 kills while also earning 157 digs. "Ryan is one of the hardest working kids I've seen, both on and off the court," said Palatine coach Frank Stark. "Just an all-around amazing person. I've been lucky to have him on my team for three years." Campbell added to his team's success at the service line with 31 aces.

Angelo Coniglio HerseyConiglio's switch to the right side paid big dividends for the Huskies' attack this year. "He became a force in the front row with his powerful swing," said Hersey coach Nancy Lill. "The best news for us is that he returns for one more season." The junior was second on the team with 283 kills, was a 93 percent server, and was solid with 214 digs and 54 blocks.

Geoffrey Dybicz Elk GroveDybicz wouldn't be denied in 2015, hitting a team-high 201 kills for the Grens in addition to getting 70 blocks. "I feel that he was the best middle hitter in the MSL East," said Elk Grove coach Dan Windholz. "No one was able to shut him down, and the fact that he put up his numbers with opposing teams keying on him was incredible. Geoffrey is a great kid and a very coachable young man." The senior added 36 aces on the year.

Adam Glader BarringtonBroncos coach Rob Ridenour calls Glader a "tremendous all-around volleyball player," and it's easy to see why as the senior finished with a consistent 151 kills, 23 blocks, and 105 digs. "Adam has contributed in so many ways this year," said Ridenour. "He can be an offensive force, or make they key dig that can turn a match. Most importantly he has raised his level in big matches and his competitiveness has been a key component for our team."

Justin Glader BarringtonStastics alone don't tell the whole story of why Glader was named co-Mid Suburban West player of the year - but they do tell a lot, as the senior hit 231 kills, had 135 digs and 17 blocks and 15 aces. But it's also the intangibles that made the senior such an integral part of the Broncos' deep playoff run this season. "Justin is so talented," said Barrington coach Rob Ridenour. "His offensive abilities have had a tremendous positive impact on our team by opening up opportunities for other players. He's emerged as a player that wants the ball in every situation. He brings confidence to his teammates."

Tyler Kendzior PalatineAn all-around stellar game that included 343 assists and 50 blocks this season earned the senior Palatine's most valuable player award in 2015. "This kid is one of the most talented, coachable kids I have ever had," said Pirates coach Frank Stark. "He is an amazing athlete and leader. He stepped up so huge this year and was such a factor in our success." Kendzior also hit 243 kills with a .346 hitting efficiency and had 192 digs.

Ray Kraus Elk GroveThe accolades kept rolling in all year for Kraus, who Grens coach Dan Windholz said "did a great job this season running our middle attack." The three-year starter earned 647 assists over the campaign, in addition to recording 77 kills, 64 blocks, 130 digs and 36 aces. "Ray led us to our third-best record in school history," said Windholz. "He is one of the best setters in the area." Kraus will continue his volleyball career in the fall at North Park University.

Eryk Krzyzak ProspectThis dynamic hitter, who Knights coach Mike Riedy calls a "phenomenal leader," kept the family ties binding as he's the sixth Krzyzak Riedy has coached in his 20-year career. "He's got a high volleyball IQ," said Riedy. "Eryk knows the game and he knows how to get the job done. He will be sorely missed." Krzyzak finished the season with a team high 255 kills, 33 aces, 36 blocks and 362 digs, also best on the team.

JT Levitt ConantLevitt left nothing to chance for the Cougars this season. "He brought our team to a high level with his consistent play and serve receive," said Conant coach Steven Peter. "His dedication to the game and to his team is very impressive and he should be recognized and honored for his effort." Levitt finished the year with 317 digs, an 86 percent serving ratio and a passing mark of 2.12/3.

Kevin McGinn SchaumburgSaxons coach Jeff O'Brien appreciates the impact that McGinn has had on his program. "Kevin was the player on our team that every other team had to worry about," said O'Brien. "If he was in the front row they had to commit to blocking him because he could get a kill whenever he was given the ball. Even when they did commit to blocking him, he was still able to get kills." McGinn had 150 kills on the season. "He's worked very hard over the past four years," O'Brien added of the senior. "He's set a great example for younger athletes."

Mike Motyka LeydenMotyka was a complete player for the Eagles this year, and the good news is that he'll be back for two more seasons. "Mike does everything we ask of him and more," said Leyden coach Matt Figiel. "He has a 4.2 GPA and works extremely hard - we couldn't be happier for what he's done for our team this year. I couldn't ask for a better captain." The setter averaged 22 assists and 5 digs per match on the season.

Tommy Murphy Rolling MeadowsMurphy's strengths extend past his skills on the volleyball court. "He has been a leader from day one," said Mustangs coach Kevin Bourn. "Tommy sets a great example for sportsmanship and hard work." The junior also was stellar on the floor with an attack that earned him 307 kills. He also had 35 aces and 164 digs on defense. "Tommy is very responsive to in-game adjustments," said Bourn. "Without his leadership, we would have nowhere as many wins as we had this year."

Kieran O'Brien Maine WestSenior leadership in addition to superior volleyball skills made O'Brien one of the most valuable players for the Warriors this season. "He's earned the respect of his teammates," said West coach Randy Tiller. "They chose him at the beginning of the season to be team captain." O'Brien had 207 season kills. "His scoring has been an example and a motivation to all of our other hitters," added Tiller. "To his teammates and me he is Captain Determination."

Conor O'Brien Maine WestOnly a junior, O'Brien showed the drive on the court that made him almost unstoppable. Pairing with his brother, Kieran, the O'Briens were a major force for the Warriors. "Sibling rivalry expanded to team rivalry," said West coach Randy Tiller, "resulting in more scoring and some of our best tournament finishes in the past seven seasons. If Kieran wasn't leading our team in kills, Conor was." O'Brien hit 193 season kills.

Marc Quezada Rolling Meadows

The Mustangs corralled a strong season in 2015 and the defense of Quezada was one of the main reasons why. "By the end of the season," said Meadows coach Kevin Bourn, "he was making just some unbelievable digs. He kept us in the close games." Quezada finished the season with 220 digs, and also had 22 aces. "Marc has really improved this year," added Bourn. "He earned the starting libero job in the middle of the season and he's very deserving of this accolade."

Noah Ricchetti BarringtonFinishing the year with 724 assists is a big reason that Ricchetti was named Co-MSL West player of the year, but there's so much more to this talented setter. "Noah had an amazing year," said Broncos coach Rob Ridenour. "He has consistently come up with big plays in big moments and has been a leader for us on the court. His contributions to our team success are immeasurable." Ricchetti added to his success with 35 aces, 60 kills, 41 blocks and 126 digs.

Tullio Ruscitti Buffalo GroveThe Bison were Mid-Suburban League champions this year and Ruscitti, co-MSL East player of the year, was the focal point for the champions. "He is one of the best liberos I have ever seen - arguably the best in the area," said BG coach Tim Kosiek. "His serve receive was nearly flawless, and his ability to chase down balls kept our team in many points." Ruscitti had an extraordinary 472 digs on the season. "Our offense," added Kosiek, "can credit much of its success to consistent passing and defense provided by Tullio."

Matthew Schiferl WheelingThe sophomore played like a veteran for the Wildcats this season, setting the tone with his solid play. "He was playing at the varsity level for the first time," said Wheeling coach Jason Kopkowski, "and he showed no reservations and played without hesitation." Schiferl dug 389 balls on the year, had a serve rate of 91 percent with 22 aces, and added a serve receive mark of 2.39/3. "Matt's volleyball IQ is outstanding for such a young player," added Kopkowski. "His skills are remarkable."

Ryan Schiller St. ViatorIt's a second straight all-area appearance for Schiller, who impressed coach Chris Boylan all season with his "work ethic and leadership." The senior excelled with 60 solo blocks in the middle, to go along with 38 aces on the year and 192 kills. "Ryan has been a staple in our lineup for the past four years," added Boylan. "He's transformed this program. His quickness and volleyball IQ are better than most, which helped propel this team to our regional championship."

Dane Schweinzger ProspectSchweinzger came into 2015 on a mission - to break the long-standing Prospect record for hitting efficiency, which stood at .424. Mission accomplished as the senior hit at a rate of .437, and also recorded 205 kills. "Through his great ability and net presence," said Knights coach Mike Riedy, "Dane was able to crush the record and become one of the best hitters in the Mid-Suburban League." Schweinzger also led Prospect with 74 blocks.

Kevin Shanahan Buffalo GroveIt was not only the hitting and defense - Shanahan swatted 183 kills and earned a 475 serve receive - but it was also the intangibles that made the senior indispensible to the Bison. "Kevin displayed selfless leadership that contributed significantly to our success," said BG coach Tim Kosiek. "His maturity on the court provided a stability and composure in very competitive situations." Shanahan added 28 blocks and 251 digs to his stellar stats. "He has an incredible knowledge of the game," said Kosiek. "Kevin also possesses an unsurpassed work ethic and a court sense that makes him very difficult to defend."

Matthew Stacy Hoffman EstatesStacy was a dynamic player for the Hawks this spring, leading the team with 108 kills, serving up 22 aces, finishing with 88 assists and getting 95 digs. "He was a three-year varsity starter for us," said Hoffman coach Dan Hutton," and this year he was team captain. His leadership and commitment to the game will be missed next season."

All-area roster

Player School Yr. Pos.

Eduardo Amador Fremd Sr. S

Vito Brunetti St. Viator Sr. S

Ryan Campbell Palatine Sr. OH

Angelo Coniglio Hersey Jr. RSH

Geoffrey Dybicz Elk Grove Sr. MH

Adam Glader Barrington Sr. OH

Justin Glader Barrington Sr. OH

Tyler Kendzior Palatine Sr. RSH

Ray Kraus Elk Grove Sr. S

Eryk Krzyzak Prospect Sr. OH

JT Levitt Conant Sr. L

Kevin McGinn Schaumburg Sr. MB

*Bart Migus Hersey Sr. OH

Mike Motyka Leyden Soph. Setter

Tommy Murphy Rolling Meadows Jr. OH

Conor O'Brien Maine West Jr. Opp.

Kieran O'Brien Maine West Sr. MB

Marc Quezada Rolling Meadows Soph. L

Noah Ricchetti Barrington Sr. S

Tullio Ruscitti Buffalo Grove Sr. L

Matthew Schiferl Wheeling Soph. L

Ryan Schiller St. Viator Sr. MH

Dane Schweinzger Prospect Sr. MH

Kevin Shanahan Buffalo Grove Sr. OH

Matthew Stacy Hoffman Estates Sr. OH

* All-area team captain

Honorable mentionEnrique Avellaneda (Rolling Meadows, Sr., S), Alex Blethen (Prospect, Sr., OH), Ethan Carroll (Barrington, Jr., OH), Athan Cruz (Buffalo Grove, Sr., OH), Matt Drab (St. Viator, Sr., OH), Ryan Frankel (Palatine, Sr., L), Alex Franz (Buffalo Grove, Sr., OH), Bryan Girard (Hoffman Estates, Sr., MB), Max Hogan (St. Viator, Jr., MH), Tyler Larson (Fremd, Jr., OH), Kevin Messer (Hersey, Sr., L), Lucas Metzger (Maine West, Jr., S), T.J. Murray (Barrington, Jr., MH), Anthony Prochenski (Elk Grove, Sr., L), Zach Schnittker (Buffalo Grove, Jr., S), Nikola Todorov (Conant, Jr., MH), Kevin Wade (Fremd, Sr., M), Jeff Waisganis (Rolling Meadows, Sr., RSH), Peter Wesolowski (Hersey, Sr., S), Zach Wheat (Palatine, Jr., M), James Woods (St. Viator, Jr., OH)

Selections and profiles by Bill Esbrook