Boys volleyball: Scouting Lake County
ANTIOCH
Coach: Jamie Atkinson (11th season)
Last season: lost to Lakes in Antioch regional play-in
Top returning players: Sr. Nathan Cielek, Sr. Bryan Ortiz, Sr. Jordan Hart, Sr. Sean Bering, Jr. Kristian Jimenez
Newcomers: Sr. Sam Lahti, Sr. Will Smithson, Jr. Cole Krizanovic
Outlook: It seems every year the Sequoits get a little stronger. They return setters Nathan Cielek and Jordan Hart. "This team brings our most depth in years," coach Jamie Atkinson said. "With almost a whole returning starting rotation (back), we look to improve on our record last year and take control in the NLCC." The Sequoits have committed themselves to running a fast-paced offense. "The team looks smarter and stronger than ever," Atkinson said.
CARMEL
Coach: Kevin Nylen (10th season)
Last season: 20-17, lost to Vernon Hills in Highland Park regional semifinals
Top returning players: Sr. Jack Herron, Sr. Sean Wittmann, Sr. Kerrick Podgorski, Sr. Maksym Kolomayets, Sr. Ben Burkhalter, Sr. Maksym Kolomayets, Sr. Kerrick Podgorski
Newcomers: Jr. Jackson Ptasienski, Jr. Shawn Novak, Jr. Jack Teehan, So. Mike Scott
Outlook: The Corsairs are optimistic. "It's hard not to be excited about our squad," coach Kevin Nylen said. "We have a tremendous mix of kids and have as much talent and depth as I can remember. We are in a situation where we've got a number of guys who can play multiple positions. We've got experience, a talented junior class and several exciting sophomores. We have more height than we've had in recent memory, and we are strong up front. We've got great kids and great leadership." Setter Jack Herron and libero/defensive specialist Sean Wittmann are both three-year starters. "Both of them are tremendous young men and great leaders," Nylen said. "Jack has a very even demeanor about him and is an ideal setter who works with the hitters to find the best options. Sean has been a rock in our back row the last few years and takes a lot of pride in his defense and passing." Nylen is also high on the talents of the senior Ben Burkhalter. "He has a tremendous volleyball IQ and understands the game really well." Nylen said. "He was a middle last year but has been making the transition to right side this year. He will play both at various times. He is not the tallest but gets the most out of his height and plays both positions really well." Burkhalter is joined by junior middle Jack Teehan, who Nylen says plays a similar style and good defense and is creative offensively. Mike Scott is a sophomore middle/right side who gives Carmel more options. "He is tall (6-7), athletic and light on his feet," Nylen said. "He can really jump." Also in the mix is junior Jimmy Harvey, who Nylen claims is another big strong kid who hits the ball hard. Carmel is also returning two senior outside hitters who split time last year in Maksym Kolomayets and Kerrick Podgorski." Both are very talented and very strong hitters," Nylen said. A junior to watch is Jackson Ptasienski. "He is a good leader on the court and can play all the way around," Nylen said. "He is big and strong and makes really good decisions with his shots. On defense, look for Shawn Novak and Sean Seidl. "Novak is a strong server and passer and communicates very well," Nylen said. "Seidl is very raw but incredibly athletic. He has the ability and desire to run and dive all over the court to make a save."
GRANT
Coach: Michele Keenan (first season)
Last season: lost to Highland Park in Highland Park regional play-in
Top returners: Sr. OH John Warren, Sr. OH Alec Barrettsmith, Sr. MB Timmy O'Toole, Sr, MB Dierk Frank, Sr. S Jeff Helmich
Top newcomer: Jr. OH Cameron Gist
Outlook: First-year coach Michele Keenan inherits a team that lost more than 20 games last year. Her senior class is driven to be above .500 and win conference in NLCC. Senior outside hitter Alec Barrettsmith was an honorable mention all-conference selection last year. "We seemingly will have a balanced attack with experience at the outside-hitter and middle-hitter spots," Keenan said. "Our bench will provide lots of competition for our starters."
GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL
Coach: Dan Erlenbaugh (second season)
Last season: 12-14, lost to Fremd in Buffalo Grove regional play-in
Top returning players: Sr. Keegan Zack, Sr. Matt Kozak, Sr. Jake Miller, Sr. Matt Kosikowski, Sr. Jovani Martinez
Top newcomers: Sr. Preston Tower, Sr. Aaron Guzman, Jr. Austin Rockel, Jr. Javier Ortiz, Jr. Jameson Loeffler
Outlook: This is Grayslake Central's second year as a volleyball program. The Rams were a respectable 12-14 last season and look to improve as a part of the new NLCC. They look forward to having conference matches this season. The Rams are led by returning all-area senior Keegan Zack. The Rams look forward to another fun and successful season.
GRAYSLAKE NORTH
Coach: Nikki Kirchway (second season)
Last season: lost to Zion-Benton in Buffalo Grove regional play-in
Top returning players: Sr. Al Hartigan, Sr. Brandon LeBaron, So. Austin Martineau
Top newcomers: Sr. Jamal Thomas, Sr. Nick Anello
Outlook: It's the second year of volleyball for the Knights, who have some experience in Al Hartigan, Brandon LeBaron and Austin Martineau, who started on varsity as a freshman last year. Basketball-star Jamal Thomas is out for the team. "We have improved tremendously in our serving, hitting and blocking," coach Nikki Kirchway said. "Many of our athletes are returning and will bring knowledge and experience to the next level of play. Our goals for this season are to work as a team, be competitive in every match and be consistent." Kirchway said Hartigan will be the go-to middle hitter and blocker. LeBaron and Martineau will fill out the outside positions and will help bring the back-row attack.
LAKES
Coach: Kevin Glabowicz (first season)
Last season: lost to Lake Forest in Antioch regional semifinals
Top returning players: Sr. Matt Haufe, Sr. Jacob Deener, Sr. Evan Schneider, Jr. Michael Modell
Newcomers: So. Connor Clowers, Sr. Gino Rouse, Jr. Chris Leyva, Sr. Mark Grandos
Outlook: The Eagles hope to capitalize on an experienced and well-balanced roster that includes all-conference hitter Matt Haufe. Under the direction of first-year coach Kevin Glabowicz, the program is looking to capture the inaugural NLCC championship while also building toward the future. "We have a great group of seniors that are ready to set the culture for years to come," Glabowicz said. "With their buy-in, my staff and I are working every day to build a culture of hard work and smart play that will hopefully lead to Lakes becoming a powerhouse in Lake County." With a lineup that can score from any spot at any time, the Eagles should be a team to reckoned with in 2017."
LAKE ZURICH
Coach: Lesly Ravenscraft (eighth season)
Last season: 30-12, won Waukegan regional, won Barrington sectional, beat St. Patrick in state quarterfinals, lost to New Trier in state semifinals, lost to Sandburg in third-place match
Top returning players: Sr. RS Alex Krasowski, Sr. S Jeff Carmody, Sr. L Daniel Kraversky, Sr. OH Jake Gorey
Newcomers: So. OH Bartosz Wielgos, So. MH Marcel Wiechnik
Outlook: Led by Nate Amos, the captain of the Daily Herald Lake County all-area team, the Bears won a school-record 30 matches and advanced to state last year. Two other main contributors, Nick Meyer and Andrew Gilbertson, also graduated. "Although we lost three key players from last year's fourth-place state team, we still have high expectations for this season," coach Lesly Ravenscraft said. "We have five returning players from that team, and we have some younger players who should make an impact on the court as well." Seniors Alex Krasowski (331 kills) and Jeff Carmody (1,344 assists) were all-area and honorable mention all-conference selections last year. Libero Daniel Kraversky is back after notching 318 digs last season. Senior Jake Gorey pounded 166 kills last season.
LIBERTYVILLE
Coach: Jenny Smith (fourth season)
Last season: 27-11, won Antioch regional, lost to Lake Zurich in Barrington sectional final
Top returning players: Sr. L Sam Kharasch, Sr. S Ryan Hirschel, Sr. MH Shane Feiereisel, Sr. DS Steven Donovan, Jr. OH Jack Stevens, Jr. MH Mark Demaree, Jr. RS Brendan Cook, Sr. OH Drew Fortini, Sr. RS Ben Skeens
Newcomers: Jr. DS Ryan Winiger, Jr. OH Colin Hawkinson, Jr. S Carter Schaffnit, Jr. MH Zach Ford, Jr. RS Andrew Spence, Jr. DS Sammi Storz
Outlook: The Wildcats are in good hands with senior libero Sam Kharash and senior setter Ryan Hirschel along with junior hitter Jack Stevens, all of whom earned all-area and all-conference honors last season. Kharasch, a returning all-area player, is playing his fourth season on varsity. The Wildcats had a strong 2016 campaign, winning 27 matches and advancing to the sectional finals. "Their daily hard work in the practice gym is pushing us to quickly get to where we left off last season," coach Jenny Smith said. "This team has the leadership and experience it takes to set a tone of success for the whole program. They take the time to share their knowledge to their teammates and push each other to get better." Kharasch and Hirschel provide a great 1-2 punch. "They touch nearly every ball on our side of the net, and they will be as effective as ever," Smith said. "And they bring immense leadership and quiet confidence." Smith is also impressed with Stevens. "He was one of our best weapons last season, and he returns bigger and stronger," Smith said. The Wildcats have help in the middle from junior Mark Demaree and senior Shane Feiereisel. "We are also excited for Drew Fortini and Ryan Winiger," Smith said. "(They) are hungry for some court time and bring some renewed energy and fearlessness."
MUNDELEIN
Coach: George Dressen Jr. (15th season)
Last season: lost to Stevenson in Antioch regional play-in
Top returning players: Sr. OH Linden Ewing, Jr. L Ben Arebalo, Jr. S Steven Miritello, Sr. MB Jackson Steiner, Sr. DS Mitchell Zaprzalka, Jr. OH Abram Nazario, Sr. RS Jake Schroetter
Newcomers: So. MB Marc Rey, So. OH/RS Martin Carrillo, So. OH Eric Morales
Outlook: All-conference player Linden Ewing and Ben Arebalo (honorable mention all-NSC) return for the Mustangs. Coach George Dressen Jr. says his team's goals are to return to a 20-win season and play well in the state series.
STEVENSON
Coach: Eric Goolish (fourth season)
Last season: 18-18, lost to Libertyville in Antioch regional semifinals
Top returning players: Sr. Grant Maleski, Jr. Leo Chen, Sr. Hudson Havenhill, Sr. Sudhish Gogula, Jr. Matt Cliffer, Sr. Austin Zhou
Newcomers: So. Will Sorenson, Sr. Yeso Baatarkhuu, Jr. Tyler McDonough, Sr. Danny Orlov
Outlook: UCLA-bound Grant Maleski, a 6-foot-9 senior and four-year varsity player, leads the way for the Patriots. "All the players on the roster have significantly improved their play over the off-season," coach Eric Goolish said. "Despite having very tall teams in recent years, this season's squad will be our tallest in my time at Stevenson." A wrist injury last February limited Maleski, who still earned all-conference honors last season. "Last year was a challenge for Grant, as he played only 29 sets," Goolish said. "But he still hit 0.300 on the outside and averaged 4 kills per set." In the off-season, Maleski played on a successful Adversity team that qualified for nationals by winning the Boys Winter Championship at McCormick Center in January. "We expect our depth to be our greatest asset as it is creating for an incredible level of play during practice," Goolish said.
VERNON HILLS
Coach: Chris Curry (17th season)
Last season: 22-14, lost to Barrington in Highland Park regional final
Top returning players: Sr. S Matt Fiarito, Jr. MB/OPP Derek Jones, Jr. OH/L Drake DeBoer
Newcomers: Sr. MB Leo Turner
Outlook: Senior setter Matt Fiarito dished out 661 assists in an all-conference campaign last season, but he's the Cougars' only returning starter. "This will be the least amount of returning varsity experience we've had in about a decade," coach Chris Curry said. "We have only one six-rotation player (Fiarito)." Derek Jones played only at the net last year, while Drake DeBoer was called up as a libero partway through last season. "The good news is that there's a lot of energy at our practices, a lot of battling for spots, a lot of hard work happening, especially defensively," Curry said. "We may struggle with our lack of experience early, but we won't suffer from a lack of effort. And our goals remain unchanged: be playing our best at the end of the year and find a way to fight into the sectional."
WARREN
Coach: Yun Chen (13th season)
Last season: lost to Palatine in Waukegan regional semifinals
Top returning players: Sr. Brett Bauer, Sr. Jaxon Bongratz, Sr. Matt Daniel, Sr. Mihajlo Gomez, Sr. Maui Viola, Jr. Kyle Wells
Newcomers: Jr. Ethan Fabrie, Jr. Caden Fox, Jr. Gavin Glickley, Jr. Freddy Harris, Sr. Hector Heraz, Jr. Alex Jiang, Jr. Ian Schilling
Outlook: Junior setter Kyle Wells returns after an all-conference season. Senior Mihajlo Gomez earned honorable mention all-NSC honors last year. "We are returning with lots of experience from last year," coach Yun Chen said. "We will have three players playing a different position for us this season. With that said, I believe the players are up to the challenge. A lot of them worked hard during the off-season lifting and playing. We have a few positions that are extremely competitive, and we believe that will work toward our advantage to make each other better."