Boys volleyball: Northwest preview

MID-SUBURBAN EAST

Buffalo Grove

Coach: Matt Aiello

Roster to include: Senior Joe Ascher (RS), Tom Angerame (S), Matt Bronson (L), Jim Wizniak (M), Mike McEvoy (M), Greg Wajda (OH); juniors Chris Falknor (OH), Jon Schumacher (OH), Dan Wichmann (S), Joe Duda (DS), Jason Dubs (M); sophomores Nic Baronti (RS), Mike Jambrone (OH), Steve Imgrogno (OH)

2007 record: 28-8, 7-3

2008 outlook: The Bison return four solid seniors (Ascher, Angerame, Bronson, Wizniak) in an effort to avenge last year's disappointing loss to Mundelein in the sectional finals. The quartet will be ably assisted by McEvoy and Falknor, both of whom also got the taste of playoff pressure down the stretch. "We actually return 10 players from last year's roster," said Aiello. "We're extremely deep, well-rounded and diverse."

Elk Grove

Coach: Dan Windholz

Roster to include: Seniors Robin Philip (L), Kevin Roberts (MH), John Condon (S), Danny Baker (DS), Eric Freidenfelds (OH), Nick Mortensen (M/OH), Ricky Jansen (OH), Brian Swirut (OH), Jonathan Tompary (OH); juniors Tim Furlong (MH), Garrett Greaves (MH); sophomore Szymon Gierut (OH).

2007 record: 17-14, 4-6

2008 outlook: Five starters return to form a strong nucleus for the Grens, including all-conference outside hitter Skwirut. Nice seniors on the roster also add up to more depth as EG looks to move up in the division. "We should be solid with Skwirut, Condon, tompar, Greaves and Mortensen," said Windholz, "and Condon has made a nice transition from libero to setter. This team is looking forward to battles in the MSL East."

Hersey

Coach: Jodi Blazek

Roster to include: Seniors Kevin Cayton (L), Mark Doyle (OH), Griffin Dwyer (OH), Steven Hampe (OPP), Chris Hoffman (S), Mike Mueller (MB), Mike Reiser (MB), Brad Peterson (OPP/S); juniors John Magdziarz (OPP), Cody Matchen (DS), Jack Welter (OH); sophomore Paul Kolesar (MB)

2007 record: 21-11 overall, third in MSL East

2008 outlook: A mix of players including some veterans from 2007 and an influx of younger talent new to varsity have Blazek excited about the upcoming year. "We have some guys who are ready to fill in some of our openings due to graduation." The Huskies did lose a couple of stellar players, including all-area standouts B.J. Hollowell and George Stoichev, but the current squad "has been working extremely hard in practice" according to Blazek. "I've been seeing improvements on a daily basis," added the coach. "I've been impressed with their attitudes and work ethic."

Prospect

Coach: Mike Riedy

Roster to include: Seniors Nick Carlson, Joe Colmone, Josh Doerr, Kamil Krzyzak, Peter McBride, Scott Pickle, Joe Salerno, Brendon Smith; juniors James Hoffman, Kevin Reed; sophomore Kevin Wolter

2007 record: 28-8, 8-2 (MSL East, MSL champions)

2008 outlook: Prospect rallied after a middling 2007 start to record 8 straight conference wins, overtaking Buffalo Grove on the last day of division play to win the East, then defeating Barrington in the MSL title game. They lose all-conference players Markus Zusevics and Dave Doucette to graduation but return a strong squad including Pickle, possibly the MSL's top hitter. "We have an older team," said Riedy, "with 8 seniors and hope to have another outstanding year." Riedy is also impressed with his newcomers. "Doerr and Wolter will take over the setting responsibilities," said Riedy, "while Salerno will look to contribute in the middle."

Rolling Meadows

Coach: Janet Opels

Roster to include: Seniors Blake Olson (OH), James Tamraz (L), Matthew Vinezeano (MH), Sebastian Matei (OH), David Pak (MH); juniors Ryan Kedzie (OH), Nick Marek (S), Brian Mulvihill (OH), Joe Nigliazzo (DS), Tyler Vinezeano (MH), Weston Genovese (OH); sophomore Brian Bourn (S), Weston Genovese (Jr OH)

2007 record: 21-11

2008 outlook: The Mustangs advanced to the regional championship match last year where they fell to Wheaton St. Francis. A core group of outstanding players have graduated including all-area setter Mike Larson but Meadows does return stellar hitters Olson and Matt Vinezeano. "We will have two young setters taking over the offensive duties," said Opels. "The outside hitters should be strong, and I think they'll get better as the season progresses. We have good size in the middle hitter position, and it'll all come down to whether we can get the ball to them. This is a team with a lot of club experience and hopefully that will give us a competitive edge."

Wheeling

Coach: Ed Uhrik

Roster to include: Chris Schaeffer (OH), Dan Hehn (OH), Tom Devitt (M), Joe Preston (M), Paul Desmond (OPP), Kevin Taylor (S)

2007 Record: 16-16, 2-8

2008 outlook: Uhrik feels his team will be solid, with two middles, Devitt and Preston, who should be among the best in the area. The Wildcats will feel the effect of the graduation of all-area player and all-around athlete Chris Nauert, who hit 282 kills last season, but Schaeffer and Hehn (a libero in 2007) hope to pick up the slack. "My feeling is that we are improved from last year," said Uhrik. "We should be very competitive in our conference."

MID-SUBURBAN WEST

Barrington

Coach: Rob Ridenour

Roster to include: Seniors Wade Lernihan (OH), Chris Michelotti (MH), Dan Frommeyer (MH), Jason Schneider (OH), Patrick Ryan (MH), Mike Cernivec (OH), Rafael Assis (L); juniors Nick Leiding (L), Max Deevy (L), Christian La Bar (S), Randy Lorenz (OH), Eric Clement (OH)

2007 record: 25-10, 9-1 (MSL West champions)

Outlook: The Broncos suffered a big loss with the graduation of two-time MSL West player of the year Andrew Clement. Impressive junior La Bar takes over the setting duties, and veteran hitters Lernihan and Frommeyer are among the returnees who hope to lead Barrington to a fifth straight West title and another chance at an MSL title. The Broncos fell just short last year with a loss to Prospect in the championship match. "Our middles will be strong with a lot of experience with the return of Dan and Chris." said Ridenour. "Our passing and defense will need to be a strength with Wade, Nick and Max playing important roles. Overall, I'm excited about this group and their potential. They are very intelligent and work hard."

Conant

Coach: Peggy Scholten

Roster to include: Seniors Dan Aloisio (OH), Johnny Pontarelli (MB), Ken Ropiak (MB), Ryan Scraub (S); Drew Fisher (S), Peter Lauterbach (OH), Evan Lejman (OH/MB), Kurt Willer (OH), Matt Crail (MB), David Kim (D), Colton Ford (MB/RS), Chris Kim (DS), Dan Dewar (OH)

2007 record: 14-22, 4-6

2008 outlook: The Cougars lost all-conference libero Tim Kehl to graduation, but behind the four returning seniors and an influx of talent from last year's 29-4 JV squad, Conant looks to make inroads in an MSL West that has been dominated by Barrington and Fremd in recent years. "We're preparing to compete for a top spot in our division," said Scholten. "This year the MSL and the West will be filled with exciting and competitive matches throughout the season. The Cougar varsity players have a renewed passion and enthusiasm for their sport and are on a mission."

Fremd

Coach: Curt Pinley

Roster to include: Seniors Ben Whitmer (S), Kyle Lehner (OH), Chris Chancler (DS), Kevin Prest (OH), Ryan Jozwiak (M), Daniel Brophy (OH), Daniel Teschner (M); juniors Jason Sohn (DS), Cal Nolan (OH), Michael Smearman (S), Trevor Clark (OH-M); sophomore Steve Maring (OH/M).

2007 record: 29-6, 9-1 (tied for MSL West title)

2008 outlook: Despite the losses of MSL West player of the year Dominic Spadavecchio and all-conference setter Steve Gorski, the Vikings will look to continue their recent string of top-flight seasons behind seasoned returnees Prest and Teschner. "We do have some huge holes to fill with the loss of Gorski and Spadavecchio," said Pinley, "but we have quite a few returning players, so that will help in terms of leadership and focus. We'll need to be consistent in our play in order to try and maintain the level of success from last season. We'll see how fast we can come together as a team - this is one of the most talented teams I have coached from one through 12, but we'll see how that translates onto the floor."

Hoffman Estates

Coach: Dan Hutton

Roster to include: Seniors Tyler Davis (OH), Max Martin (OH), Dan Bartnicki (RS), Steve Anderson (S); juniors Shrey Paraikh (DS), David Perez (RS), Rafael Fernandez (DS), Priyesh Patel (S),Yi Wei Mei (MB), Neel Kothari (DS)

2007 record: 10-25 overall

2008 outlook: Martin scored 261 kills last season while Davis added 137, so all will be well up front for the Hawks with their return. But Hoffman graduated almost everybody else so there is work to be done. "My guys are very excited for the season to begin," said Hutton. "They've been working hard throughout the offseason and are ready for play to begin. Our goals for the season are to be competitive throughout the season and in conference."

Palatine

Coach: Frank Stark (first year)

Roster to include: Seniors Erik Ginter (Sr DS), Adam Dziubinkski (DS), Adam Barnum (DS), Zach Comptone (H), Josh Graham (H), Chris Brown (DS), Ben Johnson (H), Josh Rustman (M), Bart Danczuk (H), Ronny Lampen (M); junior B.J. Boldog (S), Kevin Friske (H); sophomore Nat Pearson (H)

2007 record: 4-6 in West

2008 outlook: The Pirates won't be looking up at many teams this year with the 6-foot-9 Rustman, 6-5 Lampen and 6-5 Johnson in the lineup. It'll be the first year as varsity head man for Stark after 7 years with the JV. Stark takes over for long-time coach Joyce Richardson, who led Palatine to 3 regional championships in the last four years and a fourth place state finish in 2004. "I've obviously got some big shoes to fill," said Stark. As far as this year's squad goes, "we're an outstanding group," said Stark. "They're very competitive and love to work hard. With only one club player we understanding that we'll be playing catch up, but we're expecting great things from our returning varsity starters."

Schaumburg

Coach: Kyle Reid

Roster to include: Seniors Mitch Wiskirchen (S), Kyle Aragon (OH/OPP), Alex Christie (MH), Mike Wernert (MH); Connor Nelson (OH/OPP), Joe Robie (OH/OPP), Kyle Boyer (L)

2007 record: 14-22, 4-6

2008 outlook: Returnees Wiskirchen, Aragon, Christie and Wernert combined for over 400 kills last season. The Saxons will be without all-area graduate Jeff Dudek but some newcomers look to pick up the slack. "We have four returning starters," said Reid, "and we are really excited about the upcoming season. This team will be led by the setting of Mitch and the outside hitting of Kyle, but major contributions will also be made by outside hitter Connor and middle hitters Alex and Mike. Kyle Boyer will control the back row with his defensive play."

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

St. Viator

Coach: Charlie Curtin

Roster to include: Seniors Kyle Hanley (M), Patrick Carney (M), Sean O'Connor (OPP), Tim Rast (OH), Brian Romani, Kyle Deger, Sal Palafox; juniors John Lopez (S), Mike Czopek (OH), Tyler Anderson (L), Danny Kinasz, Greg Turk, Lucas Underys, Matt Ryan, Stan Sroka

2007 record: 10-20-1, 4-5

2008 outlook: St. Viator will be a veteran team this year with 5 returning starters and look to senior leadership to improve its fortunes. The Lions also have the height they've lacked in the last several years as the front row players average 6-foot-4. "I'm expecting to be competitive in each and every match," said Curtin. "The guys have been working hard both in the off season and early in the season thus far, and we are going to be taller than we have been in the past. If the guys continue to put in the work and get better on defense every day, we are going to have a team that is very successful."

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH

Maine West

Coach: Maureen Moeller

Roster to include: Seniors Anthony Umana, Jon Jain, Joey Ruffolo, Dan Heinz, Frank Pulvino, Tony Gasior, Siby Mathew, Sargon Youssef, Stewart-Turner Jackson, Tony George; juniors Brendan Joyce, Larry Heneghan, Jim Voy, Joe Belville, Danny Nitahara

2007 record: 1-35, 0-10

2008 outlook: It was a struggle for the Warriors last season but the experience gained by the eight varsity returnees, including captains Pulvino, Jain and Gasior should translate into more wins this year. "I'm very excited about the upcoming season," said Moeller. "We're working hard in practice and can't wait for our opener Monday against Niles West."

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD

Leyden

Coach: Dave Sebald

Roster to include: Ryan Giles (OH), Ricky Mena (M), Craig Ortiz (L), Kevin Quinlan (S), Robert Viktor (OH), Anthony Pilolla (L), Sean Morrison (RS), El Duarte (M)

2008 outlook: Sebald has a couple of goals for this season; take the team closer to a conference championship and make a good showing in the state tournament. "This group is hungry to do well," said Sebald. "They're working hard to get there." All-area libero Ortiz has returned to help lead the charge, and returnees Giles, Mena and Quinlan also have a year's experience. "We've got many returning players," said Sebald, "and the players with no varsity experience are working hard to fill holes."

Three questions

1. Can Buffalo Grove win the Mid-Suburban League and avenge last year's shocking sectional final loss to advance to the State tournament?

2. Will Prospect overcome the loss of stellar hitter Markus Zusevics and return to the MSL title game?

3. Can upstart Conant, with its influx of young talent from a 29-4 JV squad, compete for the MSL West championship?

Players to watch

Joe Ascher (Buffalo Grove, Sr., RS); Christian La Bar (Barrington, Jr., S); Griffin Dwyer (Hersey, Sr., OH); Scott Pickle (Prospect, Sr., OH); Blake Olson (Rolling Meadows, Sr., OH); Daniel Teschner (Fremd, Sr., M); Max Martin (Hoffman Estates, Sr., OH); Mitch Wiskirchen (Schaumburg, Sr., S); Craig Ortiz (Leyden, L)