Oh boy -- Choi quickly grows up

When Ernie Choi was a freshman, Vernon Hills coach Chris Curry thought he had the potential in time to be a big varsity contributor.

He was less sure after Choi had a disappointing sophomore season.

"He wasn't aggressive at all," Curry said. "He's not good when he's tentative. We had a talk at the end of last year where I told him he had all kinds of talent, he just had to believe in (himself)."

Choi, a junior opposite, is playing with increased confidence during his first varsity season.

Over the last two weeks in particular, his play has been instrumental in helping the Cougars (15-10, 7-0) climb to first place in the North Suburban Conference.

"He keeps getting better and better," Curry said.

Against Stevenson on April 24, Choi came through with 9 kills in the Cougars' 25-21, 26-24 victory.

He followed that by raising his game to another level Tuesday against Warren, who also was undefeated in conference play. He had 5 kills on his last 7 attempts, and he finished with a match-high 11 kills to help the Cougars win in three games.

His block of Warren's Ryan Schuette near the end of the third game was one of signature plays of the match.

"Wow, who knew he could block like that?" senior Jeff Achler said with a smile. "He came through big time. He's an anchor for us right now."

Choi, who is a running back on the football team, began playing volleyball in seventh grade. He gained a lot of experience in the last year by playing club volleyball.

"That brought my confidence level up a lot," he said.

Choi added that it's easy to have confidence this season.

"Our team is so much fun," Choi said. "Our bench gives us so much energy and can bring up the whole team."

When Vernon Hills played Warren the first time this season in a tournament, Choi was a non factor.

Curry motivated Choi by telling him before Tuesday's match that he probably did not make the Warren scouting report.

His reaction?

"He just smiled," Curry said. "He knows what kind of game he has. We've stopped relying just on Herman (Lynn) and Keegan (Harris). He's developed into another weapon."