Warren making strong statement
A trip to Southern California for a bunch of teenagers usually means fun in the sun.
Not so, according to senior Ryan Schuette, for the Warren boys volleyball team's early season journey to San Diego to compete in the North County Invite.
"It was all volleyball, all the time," said Scheutte. "We'd condition on the beach in the morning then practice or play in the afternoon and evening."
It also turned out to be a springboard for success.
Since retuning to Gurnee after going 6-1 in San Diego to place four in the 24-team tournament, the Blue Devils have won 21 straight matches, capped off by Saturday's Palatine Invitational championship.
Warren won all 5 matches at Palatine -- including a 25-16, 25-23 victory over Fremd in the title game -- as Schuette hammered 9 kills against the Vikings after hitting 9 in the Blue Devils' semifinal win over Niles West.
Warren has already won 26 matches this year while losing only 2, against Highland Park in the season opener and California school Valley Central.
"Winning this tournament means a lot to us," said Warren outside hitter Tyler Schwede, who had 6 kills and 9 digs against Fremd.
"We want to show everyone how good Warren volleyball is and winning a tourney like this helps us do that."
Fremd went 4-0 en route to the title match including a classic 3-game victory over MSL West rival Palatine, a team they'll meet again in conference play next week, in the semifinals.
"That was great, great volleyball," said Fremd coach Curt Pinley of his battle against the host Pirates. "It was exciting to watch.
"We learned a lot in this tournament about our team and our capabilities."
Kevin Prest (33 of 35, 11 kills) led Fremd on attack in the semifinal win, while senior Benjamin Whitmer set 88 of 90 with 31 assists.
The host Pirates recovered to finish 3-2 in the eight-team tourney with a win over Niles West in the third-place match, while Prospect shook off the effects of a disappointing Friday night preliminary round to enjoy a superb Saturday.
After losing to Warren and Palatine on Friday in pool play, the Knights defeating Maine West and West Aurora, then scored a stellar 3-game comeback win over Stevenson to claim fifth place.
The Patriots finished 2-3 at Palatine, while Maine West claimed a final match win over West Aurora.
"We played more relaxed today," said Prospect junior Kevin Reed, who finished the tourney with 44 kills and 4 aces, while Scott Pickle led the way for the Knights on attack with 48 kills and also had 31 digs.
"We need a win to give us a lift and we got one in our first match today (against Maine West)," Reed said. "It was a bad win in a way because we didn't play well, but it gave us confidence."