Scouting DuPage County boys volleyball
Addison Trail
Coach: Tom Hubner (eighth year).
Last year: 28-8, 5-1 second place in the West Suburban Gold, lost to Downers Grove South in the regional finals.
Top players: MH Tom Jelonek, sr.; OH Brad Connors, sr.; OH Dave Zuber, sr.; S Chris Vasquez, jr.; OH Mike Fashoda, jr.; MH Jon Hendricks, jr.; L Axel Salvo, jr.; OH Matt Santowski, sr.
Outlook: After three straight conference titles, the Blazers fell to second place last year, and that was mainly because they didn't play the gutsy defense that had become their trademark. That won't be so this time around because this group is a throwback to the flying around, dig and-dive-to-the-floor style Hubner prefers. And they have a chip on their shoulders because they weren't happy with that second-place finish. "We won't dictate what happens in a match," Hubner said, "but we'll be able to make adjustments and react, which we didn't do last year." Connors and Fashoda will be the team leaders and best hitters, and Vasquez, who has great hands, will get them the ball. There aren't any superstars here, just a tough group of solid volleyball players.
Benet
Coach: Amy Van Eekeren (third year).
Last year: 18-18 overall, 6-3 third place in the East Suburban Catholic Conference, lost to Downers Grove South in the regional semifinals.
Top players: MH Josh Brozek, sr.; OH Bill Foran, sr.; OH Mike Quigley, sr.; OH Kevin Massura, jr.
Outlook: After a magical first year in 2006, the Redwings began building for real last year with a group of young and talented athletes. Brozek is a veteran presence in the middle and Foran moves outside to take the primary hitting duties. Massura, who played like a star early in the campaign before being injured, will be available later in the year as he works his way back from reconstructive knee surgery. A tough early-season schedule will test the Redwings and should strengthen them for the long season. "These are good athletes, they're smart and they can be coached," Van Eekeren said. "They just have to develop into confident, aggressive players."
Downers Grove North
Coach: Karen Eder (second year).
Last year: 24-13, overall, 3-3 fourth place in the West Suburban Silver, lost to Glenbard West in the regional final.
Top players: MH Tom Gilbert, sr.; MH Chris Dionne, sr.; OH Jay Petty, sr.; Util. Chris Arnold, sr.; L John Walgamuth, so.; OH Tyler Blake, sr.
Outlook: With all-stars Chase Michels and Scott Parik and the rest of a strong senior class having graduated, Jay Petty will be the go-to man this year. He's tall, a great leaper and he has sound instincts. He's got a great jump-serve and can place the ball wherever he wants. He'll be playing at Lewis University next fall. Eder believes libero Walgamuth is a future star. "We're an inexperienced team, but we're hoping to find some unity, growth and consistency," Eder said. "I expect us to remain a competitive program." The season has taken on an extra sense of loss and sadness as the Trojans cope with the tragic death last December of their friend and teammate, junior Eric Yessa.
Downers Grove South
Coach: Tony Nevrly (third year).
Last year: 26-13 overall, 6-0 champions of the West Suburban Gold lost to Wheaton Warrenville South in the state quarterfinals.
Top players: OH Chris Toth, sr; OH Zach Jacob, sr.; L Pat Soukup, sr.
Outlook: The Mustangs are coming off a dream season, surprising everyone by making it to the Elite Eight. They got better as the season went on, as they demonstrated how far a team can go with superb teamwork and communication, not to mention great athletes with volleyball skills. Most of that team graduated, but what remains is a strong group of building blocks, starting with Toth, an all-area returnee who plays the game with incredible energy and joy. He can do everything. This year he must step into the role of verbal leader. Jacob and Soukup were important contributors last year. "We have three solid players," Nevrly said. "If they can bring the younger kids along, we're not talking state quarterfinals, but we should make another run at a conference title."
Fenton
Coach: Rich Wiess (second year).
Last year: 14-16, lost to Hinsdale South in the regional semifinals.
Top players: OH Mike Marrone, sr.; MH Ryan Natiello, sr.; MH Matt Lein, jr.; OH Anthony Impastato, jr.; S Alex Escalante, sr.; S Alex Sanchez, jr.; OH Jonnathan Cardoso, jr.
Outlook: Veterans Marrone and Natiello will be shouldering a great deal of leadership responsibility, but Wiess believes they're capable and mature. They'll be joined by a pair of juniors, Lein and Impastato who have really improved through year-round participation in club volleyball. Lein could be the breakout player. According to Wiess, his game only starts with his strength as a middle hitter. He's a great leaper, the team's best passer in the back row, and can even set if he has to. "We have a lot more talent than I expected," Wiess said. "We're already a good offensive team, so defense will hold the key to our success." The setters are inexperienced and their development will be crucial to the final product. The coach will be happy with a plus-500 season and a win or two in the playoffs.
Glenbard East
Coach: Marci Maier (10th year).
Last year: 28-7 overall, 9-5 tied for third place in the DuPage Valley Conference, lost to Downers Grove South in the sectional semifinals.
Top players: S Dan Mader, sr.; MH Peter Dabrowski, jr.; OH Tim Lovik, jr.; DS Dan Wywrot, sr.; OH Nick Kenny, sr.; S/RS Mark Jones, jr.; OH Alec Palmer, sr.; MH Tom Seagraves, sr.; OH/L Nick Finder, sr.; DS/L David Cook, sr.; S Dan Watson, sr.
Outlook: The Rams have become a perennial DVC contender and have come to expect success. Mader, the captain of the Daily Herald All-Area team last year, again leads the way as a setter and is also a fearsome hitter. He has improved in every facet of his game. Dabrowski, Lovik and Jones logged a lot of court time as sophomores, and they're seasoned veterans this time around. The Rams have become known for their great defense, and Maier thinks the blocking will be a lot better this year. "We're dealing with experienced players now," Maier said. "The thing that impresses me coming into the season is the shared leadership." She believes that the team can go far in the playoffs with a little more fluidity in the offense. But overall this is one of the most talented Rams' squads and a strong contender in the DVC.
Glenbard North
Coach: Dedra DeBenedettti (sixth year).
Last year: 9-17 overall, 4-10 seventh in the DuPage Valley Conference, lost in the regional semifinals.
Top players: OH Mike Eskridge, sr.; MH Bobby Mason, sr.; DS Anthony Gaba, sr.; S Rae Bisharat, jr.; OH Tyler Gustafson, jr.; MH Kyle Schwetz, jr. OH Kyle Winter, sr.; S/RS Adam Mark, jr.; OH/RS Brian Kennedy, sr.
Outlook: The Panthers were breezing along last year until they suffered a conference loss to Naperville Central that seemed to take the wind out of their sails. "I thought we were going to have a great year," DeBenedetti said. "But in that match we put so much into it and we lost. We had a hard time recovering from that." This year the Panthers are working on mental toughness, so they can better overcome setbacks. There's good size, a variety of hitting options and quality experience with Gustafson, Mason and Bisharat among the potential standouts. Gustafson is a powerful hitter who could have a breakout year. If the leadership and communication on defense develop, the Panthers have a shot at making the top half of the DVC.
Glenbard West
Coach: Christine Mayer (fourth year).
Last year: 15-21 overall, 1-5 fifth in the West Suburban Silver, lost to Addison Trail in the regional semifinals.
Top players: MH John Shurna, sr.; S Jack Kennedy, sr.; OH Kit Ortmann, sr.; OH/S Scottie Glotzbach, jr.; S Ben Jacobson, jr.; MH Johnny Schmid, jr.; L Michael Clifford, jr.; L Daniel Leonard, jr.
Outlook: It's year four of the Glenbard West boys volleyball program, and things couldn't be rosier. Also, this year's team looks like a winner with all-conference Ortmann, basketball standout Shurna and former all-star Glotzbach, who missed last season with a broken back, joining setter Kennedy to make up a formidable lineup. Add a group of promising graduate of last year's conference champion JV team and you know why Mayer is so happy. "We were better than our record," she said. "We lost a lot of games by 2 points. This year with more experience and depth, we should be closing a lot better."
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Len Serwat (10th year).
Last year: 34-5 overall, 6-0, West Suburban Silver champions, lost to Downers Grove South in the sectional final.
Top players: S Peter Netisingha, sr.; OH Pat Dodd, sr.; OH Jordan Williams, jr.; MH Noah Johnson, sr.; DS Andrew Callicutt, sr.; MH Alex Andre, jr.; L Rob Everette, sr.; DS Dave Discipio, sr.; DS Justin Diaz, jr.
Outlook: The Red Devils could go far into the state tournament. It's a veteran ballclub led by four-year starters and two-year captains Netisingha and Dodd. Netisingha, who led the team in digs, is the quarterback on the court, and Dodd, the all-time kills leader, has great court vision and versatility. "Besides having outstanding skills, Peter and Pat have a great love for the game," Serwat said. "That pushes them to the next level and makes everyone around them better." While, they provide the savvy and the leadership, there's a talented cast around them, including several tall underclassmen who will be major factors at the net. With four solid defensive specialists coming back, it will be hard for the opposition to put anything down on the Red Devils' side of the court.
Hinsdale South
Coach: Brandon Skweres (third year).
Last year: 19-11 overall, 3-3 fourth place in the West Suburban Gold, Lost to Hinsdale Central in the sectional finals.
Top players: OH Jeff Kohlsaat, sr.; MH Kinan Hayani, sr.; OH Jim Barham, sr.; RS/L Brian Wolf, sr.; S Dave Jung,sr.; OH Jordan Burns, so.; RS D'Voray Eatherton, sr.
Outlook: The Hornets are experienced and athletic, but success this year will depend on them doing all the little things well. In order to compensate for their lack of size, they're emphasizing a strong defense and the intangibles such as positioning, aggressiveness and communication. "Chemistry is important," Skweres said. "If we don't have chemistry, we won't be able to do much of anything." The team is fundamentally sound and passing will be a strongpoint. The Hornets are hoping to challenge for the conference title and make a nice run in the playoffs. Although there are no superstars, veterans Kohlsaat and Barham could be breakout players and transfer Eatherton can sky.
Lake Park
Coach: Brad Baker (first year).
Last year: 26-11 overall, 9-11 second place in the Upstate Eight Conference, lost to St. Charles North in the regional final.
Top players: OH Matt Durbin, sr.; MH Erik Werner, sr.; S Scott Harold, sr.; OH Jake Torcasso, sr.; S/L Joe Kosciw, jr.; OH Dan Grose, jr.; OH Kyle Olszewski, jr.; MH Mark Lewan, jr.
Outlook: New coach Baker steps in for the retired George Sherman, who established the winning Lancers tradition. As they've been in the past, Lake Park is quick and tenacious, with a nucleus of veterans who know how to win. Harold, who's quick and a great leaper, will serve as both a setter and a hitter. He'll share the scoring load with the other seniors. The Lancers expect success and know how hard they have to work over the course of the year to attain it. Once again they'll compete for the Upstate Eight title. "We're working on becoming better communicators on the court," Baker said. "And we want to be a little more aggressive with our serving. But we've got the athletes and we have the experience."
Montini
Coach: Cathy DiGregorio (third year).
Last year: 10-5 overall, lost to Glenbard East in the regional semifinals.
Top players: OH Dan Dowjotas, sr. MH Kevin Pope, sr.; S Kevin Cervan, sr.; MH Matt Cook, sr.; OH Adam Wakely, sr; OH/L Andrew Todd; OH/L John Schuler, OH Eric Velkme, fr.
Outlook: The Broncos are the little big team that could. Montini, though a small school, has good size, talent and experience and either won or came very close in just about all its matches last year. Dowjotas, who has been the team's bellwether for four years, is outstanding. He's a dynamic hitter, defender and passer and seems to be a step ahead of the opposition in court awareness. Cervan and Pope also appear headed for good things. They all communicate well on the court. The Broncos will be better this year, much better if a consistent libero develops. "We would love to come up with victories against the successful teams such as Benet and St. Francis." DiGregorio said. "Our veterans have played together for a long time and this should be their year."
Naperville North
Coach: Roger Strausberger (fifth year).
Last year: 31-7 overall, 13-1 co-champion of the DuPage Valley Conference, lost to Neuqua Valley in the sectional semifinals.
Top players: OH Jon Bunge, sr.; OH/RS Mike Henry, sr.; MH Colin Ball, jr.; OH Dan Orna, sr.; L Miguel Calvillo, jr.; S Mike Buckman, sr.; S Ryan Kristensen, jr.; MH Brian Murphy, sr.; MH Dan Laughlin, jr.
Outlook: Returning Bunge and Henry, the top two hitters from last year's team, is a good place for the Huskies to start on their annual quest to make it to state. The effort came up just short in 2007, but Strausberger expects a blend of athleticism and teamwork to be the right combination this year. Bunge is an all-area player, who's one of the most exciting hitters in the area. Both he and Henry are great leapers with high points of contact. In early practices the coach sees a great deal of team unity and selflessness. In addition to the powerful attack on the outside, some combination of Ball, Laughlin and Murphy will keep the middle well-fortified. The setters and liberos are new but athletic and promising. "I'm excited about our possibilities," Strausberger said. "I think we'll surprise some people."
Naperville Central
Coach: Bryan Johnwick (first year).
Last year: 16-20, 5-9 fifth place in the DuPage Valley Conference, lost to Joliet Catholic in the regional final.
Top players: S Victor Lei, jr.; MH Matt Yanz, sr.; L Hunter Lee, sr.; OH Dan Dierking, jr.; OH Joe Thomas, sr.; MH Mike Brdicka, sr.
Outlook: A solid core of veterans, which includes five returning starters, greets first-year coach Johnwick. Lei is in his third year as setter, and Lee, who will spearhead a strong transition game, is in his fourth year as a starter. The passing game will be the key to the team's success. Yanz is a returning all-conference player in the middle "There were a lot of new guys in new roles on last year's team," Johnwick said. "The added year of experience will make us competitive." Johnwick knows the Redhawks' boys volleyball tradition because he starred for the team when he was a student in the mid-1990s. He believes this year's team is capable of taking a couple of steps forward in the DVC and in the postseason.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Erich Mendoza (first year).
Last year: 34-4-1 overall, 10-0, champion of the Upstate Eight Conference, lost to Wheaton Warrenville South in the state semifinals and finished third in state.
Top players: OH Jake Blackman, sr.; MH Brian Clark, sr.; DS Brad Stout, sr.; OH Rob Bauer, jr.; MH Derek Menendez, jr.; RS Grant Hedrick, jr.; S Sean Harmon, sr.; RS/OH Tim Brackett, jr.
Outlook: The Neuqua express to the state title was derailed in the semis by the eventual champs, but it was one fantastic season. The players who return from last year are talented and they know how to win. That will be a benefit to the younger guys who join them on varsity. Mendoza, who served as the coach of successful freshman and JV teams the past three years, has coached everyone on the team and that's an big advantage for a new mentor. "We expect to win conference and make another run in the playoffs," Mendoza said. "All the guys are athletic and quick and they know the game." The Wildcats aren't missing very much. The biggest question is who's going to set. Blackman is the Wildcats' best all-around player.
St. Francis
Coach: Mike Lynch (10th year).
Last year: 31-8, lost to Wheaton Warrenville South in the sectional semifinals.
Top players: OH Joey Murnane, sr.; L Jay Hayes, sr.; MH Bob Vonderhaar, sr.; S Mike Stegneri, jr.; MH/RS Jake Rio, sr.; MH/RS Steve Howe, so.; OH Jeff Dixon, sr.; S Mark Hale, jr.; DS Steve Hewitt, sr.; OH Dave Metzler, jr.; RS Colin Brown, jr.; DS Andrew Rutkowski, sr.; RS Aaron Metzler, sr.
Outlook: The Spartans have 10 players returning from last year's best St. Francis team ever, including all-stars and leaders Murnane and Hayers. Murnane is bigger, stronger and more confident, while Hayes is simply one of the best liberos in the area. The team isn't as big as last year, but it's quicker and deeper. "This is the most balanced we've been," Lynch said. "And we're clicking as a team sooner than we have in the past. The passing and the setting is there and we're playing better defense." The Spartans will be hosting a sectional for the first time, so they'd love to go deep into the tournament. They have the horses to do it. Vonderhaar, Rio and Howe give them a strong presence in the middle.
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Al Lagger (13th year).
Last year: 16-19 overall, 4-5 fourth in the Upstate Eight Conference, lost to Neuqua Valley in the regional final.
Top players: S Keith Dickenscheidt, sr.; OH Alex Gigler, sr.; MH George Ghassan, sr.; MH Connor Dougherty, jr. OH Michael Kolkay, sr.; L Traeger Penicook, jr.; MH Matt Neid, jr.; S Pat Calwell, sr.; RS Isaac Fizer, sr. RS John Ghassan, so.
Outlook: A veteran cast will work to bring the Warriors back from what was a disappointing year. Most of that can be attributed to a run of injuries that sidelined several top players. For starters, the Warriors are big, led by middle hitters George Ghassan, who's 6-feet-6 and Dougherty who's 2 inches taller. The size advantage will give them both a tactical and a psychological edge over a lot of teams. Dickenscheidt, who is more mature and has worked hard to develop consistency at setter, and Gigler a four-year varsity starter, will step into leadership roles. "We're excited to go ahead this year and compete with a healthy team on the floor," Lagger said. "We want the Upstate Eight title and we have the horses to make a serious run."
West Chicago
Coach: Kris Hasty (14th year).
Last year: 28-10, 9-5 tied for third in the DuPage Valley Conference, lost to Wheaton Warrenville South in the sectional semifinals.
Top players: OH Brendan Jones, sr.; OH Andrew Oppermann, sr.; S Justin Leduc, sr.; S Steven Romanelli, jr.; MH Danny Calabrese, jr.; MH Jon Malandruccolo, sr.; L. Ryan Krage, jr.; L Oscar Grajeda, sr.
Outlook: Jones is the only starter back from a veteran team that was a pleasant surprise last year. He's a powerful hitter, a good passer. Oppermann will also be solid on the outside. The Wildcats are working hard on passing and blocking. "We have very little varsity experience at most positions," Hasty said. "But we'll run a faster tempo game, which gives the new setters a lot of responsibility." The rebuilding should be hastened by the fact that many of the newcomers have played club ball all-year and come in with some hitting and ballhandling ability. The Wildcats hope to make it to the top half of the conference and play better than .500 ball overall.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: D.A. Nichols (third year).
Last year: 8-17 overall lost to Hoffman Estates in the first round of the regional.
Top players: OH Brooks VanderVeen, sr.; OH Hans Engebretsen, sr.; RS Ben Westrate, sr.; MH Jared Cochrum; OH David Petersons, sr.; L Brandon VAnderVeen , so.; MH Mark Fernandes, jr.; S Tim Streets, jr.; OH John Lang, jr.
Outlook: This is year three in Nichols' plan to turn Warriors volleyball into a winning program. Two years ago this group, which includes a number of fine athletes who excel in other sports, learned the game from step one. In 2007 they played with more fluidity and made great strides. "Last year we made huge improvements, skills-wise," Nichols said. "This year we're looking to make those improvements, game-wise. Things like understanding the game and reading the blocks will get us above .500 for the first time." He expects to reverse the decisions on last year's early losses that the team suffered because of its inexperience. VanderVeen is an all-star candidate.
Wheaton North
Coach: Ryan Baker (fifth year).
Last year: 10-19, 4-10 sixth in the DuPage Valley Conference, lost to Rolling Meadows in the sectional semifinal.
Top players: OH Matt Ahlberg, sr.; MH Keegan Ovitt, jr.; RS Braden Anderson, sr.; L Tyler Berecz, sr.; MH Josh Giuliano, sr.; S. Jake Denhoff, sr.; RS Luke Nelson, jr.
Outlook: The Falcons are bigger, more athletic and more experienced than last year, but they face the daunting task for trying to improve their position in the tough DVC. Ahlberg and Ovitt are much-improved and have stepped up into leadership positions. Keegan, always a strong blocker, is now a solid all-around player, and Ahlberg is the go-to guy on offense. There is no shortage of great athletes, including Giuliano, a soccer goalkeeper, Nelson, a football player, and Denhoff, a state qualifier in wrestling. "Our athleticism is a team strength," Baker said. "We just want to improve, be more competitive and give teams more of a run for their money and hopefully make it to the sectional final."
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Bill Schreier (10th year).
Last year: Illinois state champion, 37-4, overall, 13-1 DuPage Valley Conference co-champion.
Top players: OH Eric Hardek, sr.; S Joe Kelly, jr.; OH Neill Nystrom, jr.; MH Neal Whittington, jr.; MH Rob Samp, jr.; L Brian Williams, sr.; OH Kevin Mueller, jr.; S Eric Wilkins, so.; OH Eric Luhrsen, fr.; OH Matt Wilkins, so.
Outlook: Put simply, this is the dominating team in Illinois boys high school volleyball. The Tigers' resume' includes four state titles in seven years, five consecutive sectional titles and six appearances in the Elite Eight in the past seven years. And they were young last year and still feature a group of tall and agile underclassmen in support of superstar Hardek. Kelly is one of the best setters in the area, while Nystrom, Whittington and Samp are all 6-foot-7 and taller, and they can move and they can play. Williams looks like a talented replacement for the graduated libero and leader Matt Caputo. It wouldn't shock to anyone if the Tigers repeated as the state champions.
Willowbrook
Coach: Diane Vegter (ninth year).
Last year: 16-20 overall, 2-4, fifth place in the West Suburban Gold, lost to Lyons Twp. in the regional semifinals.
Top players: S Howell Adams, sr.; OH Gary Almeroth, sr.; DS Brian Ferguson, sr.; MH Adam Williamson, sr.; S Chris Bruder so.; OH Kyle Shanahan, sr.; MH Jahmaal Stapleton, jr.; L Eric McCarthy, fr.; OH Dan Cash, jr.
Outlook: There should be a lot of scraped elbows and knees at Willowbrook this year, because the Warriors' main asset going into the season is their scrappiness. "We're athletic though we're not very tall and we don't have that much experience, so we're going to focus a lot on defense," Vegter said. "We can't let anything hit the floor." Adams is a potential star who's developed into a team leader as he sets the tone for hustle and consistency. Shanahan and Almeroth provide some power on the outside and serve as good targets for Adams' sets. Vegter believes the Warriors can get over the .500 mark and can pick up a win or two in the playoffs. "It's going to take a lot of work, but we can do it," she said.
York
Coach: Patty Iverson (fourth year).
Last year: 27-9, 4-2 third place in West Suburban Silver, lost to Lyons Twp. in the regional final.
Top players: OH Matt Brahm, sr.; MH Roger Coffin, sr.; MH Ken Osgood, sr.; RS Steve Ogden, jr.; S Sean Davis, jr.; OH Stefan Salzano, so.; MH/RS Seth Hanson, sr.; S Matt Wyman, jr.; L Riley Cruse, jr.
Outlook: Going into the season, the Dukes seem to have it all. They're tall, quick, deep and athletic and much improved over last year. Brahm made the Daily Herald All-Area team last year and he has improved his ballhandling, developed a wider variety of shots and his court sense is outstanding. Coffin, who was all-conference in basketball, is an athletic middle-man. Osgood, who, like Coffin, stands 6-feet-5, gives the Dukes an imposing tandem at the net, while the others give every position the energy and skill needed to make this a big season. "We'll set our sights high," Iverson said. "Be more physical at the net, we'll have better defense in the back row and focus on passing."