Wizniak return boosts Buffalo Grove

It isn't hard to imagine the disappointment Buffalo Grove senior Jim Wizniak felt on the eve of last year's boys volleyball playoffs.

The Bison middle hitter had started every regular-season game as a junior, but tore three ligaments in his ankle in the last practice before regionals and was forced to miss the rest of the season.

"At that time," said Wizniak, "it was the worst thing that had ever happened to me, because volleyball meant so much to me. All I could do was sit on the bench and cheer on my team."

Now this season Wizniak, recovered from his injury, is doing his cheering -- and playing -- on the court as an integral part of BG's early-season run.

The senior was a brick wall at the net Tuesday night, collecting 9 blocks as host Buffalo Grove (18-4, 5-0) defeated Elk Grove 25-20, 18-25, 25-18 in a battle for first place in the Mid-Suburban East.

"I could see it in his face that it killed him," said BG coach Matt Aiello of the letdown Wizniak felt upon missing last year's postseason. "He may not be a captain (on paper), but he's a captain without the title. He's our emotional leader."

Senior Greg Wajda added 6 kills as the Bison held off Elk Grove after it grabbed the momentum in Game 2.

"We had a scouting report on Elk Grove and all that," said Wajda, "but in a big match like this, it's all about your mindset coming in."

After Elk Grove (15-2, 3-2) fell way behind early and lost Game 1, senior setter John Condon led the Game 2 charge and his uncontested ace helped the Grens tie the match.

"We didn't get it done in the first game," said Condon. "We came out flat-footed. Our coach (Dan Windholz) gave us a pep talk between Game 1 and Game 2. He told us to get fired up."

"We were playing nervous," said Windholz, "but that comes with the territory. In the second game we did much better, played our game and did more of what we wanted to do."

Elk Grove took an early Game 3 lead but a big hit from junior Chris Falknor and the superb defensive play of libero Matt Bronson (27 digs) brought BG back. Then a controversial official's decision that gave a point to BG seemed to rattle the Grens midway through.

Bronson's dig, a perfect set from Tom Angerame and kill by Joe Ascher (10 kills) closed out the victory.

"Despite the defeat, we played well as a team," said Condon, who finished with 37 assists and set 93-of-94. "We have greatness in us -- we just have to learn to keep going (in every match) no matter what, and not let something like a referee's call bother us."

Elk Grove senior Bryan Skwirut hammered a match-high 14 kills while Wizniak added 6 kills to go along with his stellar blocking.

"This is awesome," said Wizniak, obviously thrilled to be back on the court. "For our team to play so well in a big game like this -- there's nothing better."

• Chris Michelotti (12 kills), Wade Lernihan (9 kills), Randy Lorenz (9 kills) and Christian LaBar (30 assists) led Barrington (6-11, 2-3) to a 25-21, 23-25, 25-18 MSL West win over Conant (12-5, 3-2). Dan Aloisio's 10 kills led the Cougars.

• Mike Wernert (13 kills) and Alex Christy (11 kills) helped Schaumburg (13-9, 3-2) to a 14-25, 25-21, 26-24 MSL West comeback over Palatine. Josh Rustman and Ron Lampen had 9 and 8 kills respectively for the Pirates.

• Matt Vinezeano had 9 kills and 3 blocks to lead Rolling Meadows (8-7, 2-3) to a 25-20, 25-19 MSL East win over Wheeling (9-11, 2-3). Chris Schaeffer had 7 kills for the Wildcats.

• Scott Pickle had 10 kills and James Hoffman added 7 for Prospect (10-7, 1-4) in a 25-16, 25-23 MSL East win over Hersey. Griffin Dwyer and Jack Welter had 5 kills for the Huskies.

• Kevin Prest and Dan Brophy had 9 kills apiece for Fremd (14-7, 3-2) in its 25-13, 25-16 MSL West win over Hoffman Estates.