The DuPage All-Area boys volleyball team

Jake Blackman, Neuqua Valley

Everyone on the opposing defense knows the ball is going to Blackman most of the time, but that doesn't stop him. This all-around player is the Wildcats' floor leader and stands out in many statistical categories. During the regular season he put away 258 kills and 22 aces. He was also second on the team in both digs and blocks. He's especially dangerous in the clutch in big games. "Jake has a quiet intensity," said Neuqua Valley coach Erich Mendoza. "He gives his all during every point, whether it is in practice or in matches."

More Coverage Links Your captain: Dan Mader

Jon Bunge, Naperville North

This great leaper and Huskies mainstay for three years went through an injury-marred season, missing the last five matches and the playoffs. But through most of the year he proved to be one of the best hitters in the state. "We always knew how great Jon is, but we really appreciated him a little more when he was gone," said Huskies coach Roger Strausberger. His great vertical combines with impeccable timing and the abilities to read the defense, find holes in the block and adjust in mid-leap, to make him an extraordinary offensive presence.

Brian Clark, Neuqua Valley

Relatively small for a middle hitter at 6-foot-2, Clark makes up for that with his quickness, jumping ability and overall athleticism. He's been the heart of the outstanding Neuqua blocking unit for the past two years, and this year he scored on 72 solo blocks and assisted on 35 others. On his 176 kills he showed the ability to put the ball down from the middle or either side of the court. "Brian's reads and communication at the net take our team to another level defensively," said Wildcats coach Erich Mendoza.

Roger Coffin, York

This middle hitter, who is the starting center on the Dukes' basketball team, uses his tremendous height (6-foot-6) and quickness to great advantage on both offense and defense. A superb blocker, he's a mobile force on offense, who can take sets at all three positions and then find the open spot on the floor. He rarely gets blocked. "Roger has gotten better and more valuable over the past two years," coach Patty Iverson said.

Brad Connors, Addison Trail

No player on the all-area team made a bigger adjustment this year. As a senior, Connors went from being a setter who had delivered 1,500 career assists in a 5-1 offense to an outside hitter and the team's main scoring threat. "Brad's experience as a setter helped give him a different perspective," said Blazers coach Tom Hubner. "And he became adept at hitting whatever came off the setter's hands. He became the team's go-to guy and put away more than 300 kills. He worked hard and got better every week."

Pat Dodd, Hinsdale Central

Dodd is a skilled player, a four-year veteran and a leader on some very good Red Devils teams. He's been the bellwether of the offense who has been the team's kills leader for three straight years and owns the career record for kills with 927 at regular season's end. "Pat is a great leader whose intensity is unmatched," coach Len Serwat said. "He sees the floor well on both offense and defense, and he can play any position, attack from anywhere and he never leaves the floor."

Dan Dowjotas, Montini

Dowjotas is Montini's "Mr. Volleyball," a four-year starter who can do it all. The 6-foot-3 outside hitter amassed more than 300 kills, often against double- and triple-teams. "Dan has really matured," coach Cathy DiGregorio said. "He can now direct others to make adjustments on the court and his presence gives them confidence. He even helps me work with the JV." An aggressive hitter and great jumper, Dowjotas, knows how to place the ball. He's strong at blocking, passing and defense, and he's scored 233 service points.

Alex Gigler, Waubonsie Valley

In this his fourth year on varsity, Gigler, obviously the Warriors' go-to guy, put away an amazing 476 kills. Whenever a big point was needed, the ball went to him. Possessed of great power and one of the big vertical leaps on the All-Area team, Gigler developed consistency and has learned where to place the ball for his kills. He also had a great year as a passer, came up with 75 digs and had 53 blocks. Gigler was a unanimous all-Upstate Eight Conference choice. "Alex took his captain's role seriously," said Warriors coach Al Lagger. "On the floor he kept everyone relaxed and helped us get over the rough spots."

Tyler Gustafson, Glenbard North

Panthers coach Dedra DiBenedetti noticed the maturation of her lanky junior's game right from the beginning of practice in his third year on varsity. "He's always been a great hitter, but now he's a smart player," the coach said. "He knows where to position himself and he can read a defense. As one of our captains, he's also taken a leadership roll." At 6-foot-5 Gustafson, who had 219 kills, can cover the court and his long reach helps him put down a kill even if the serve is less than perfect.

Eric Hardek, Wheaton Warrenville South

Tigers coach Bill Schreier calls Hardek "the bridge" because he's played on two state champion teams and he communicates the program's tradition to his teammates and future varsity players. One of the most competitive and exciting volleyball players in Illinois in recent years, Hardek's dramatic left-handed smashes often change the momentum of the game. This year he stepped up with 327 kills and 53 blocks. "He has come to excel in both defense and ball control this year," Schreier said. "And he is dangerous from the service line."

Scott Harold, Lake Park

The athletic Harold played his third position in three years. Starting out as a libero his sophomore year, he moved to the right side and then fit in comfortably as an outside hitter as a senior. The changes have helped him develop a variety of skills and he's become capable and knowledgeable in every aspect of the game. His 194 kills are comparatively modest for a hitting leader, but it's a reflection of the variety of roles he fills for the Lancers. He was also at or near the top of the team's stats in every other category. "Scott has a passion that makes him successful at everything he does," coach Brad Baker said.

Jay Hayes, St. Francis

As one of the top liberos in the state, Hayes, at 5-foot-8, sees no ball that he believes has a right to touch the floor on his side of the net. As a "doctor" of the serve-receive he covers two-third of the court and his acrobatics provide a vivid example to his teammates of how to hustle on defense. A natural leader, Hayes' ability to push his the team to get the job done has been a key component in the Spartans' success the past few years. "People look at the big hitters," said St. Francis coach Mike Lynch. "But as Jay goes, so goes our offense. He's just so smart on and off the court."

Mike Henry, Naperville North

The 6-foot-6 Henry started on the outside and moved to the middle early in the season. He became one of the dominant middle hitters in DuPage County. He has a natural ability to see the block and he can control the ball control to direct the block to either side. He's also become a force in the back row where he can deliver blistering kills or play a major role in the Huskies' defense. "Mike is also a big hitter whose kills spark emotion and intensity. And he's got strong leadership qualities." said Naperville North coach Roger Strausberger. "He often brought the momentum back to our side of the net."

Mark Jones, Glenbard East

Jones, a 6-foot-5 junior, is about the same height as teammate Dan Mader and also fills the dual role of setter and hitter in the Rams' 6-2 attack. In fact he and Mader have developed the uncanny knack of setting for each other on numerous kills. Next year he will step up to fill the vital leadership role for the Rams. Coach Marci Maier calls Jones one of the most well-rounded players she's seen. "Mark has the ability to adjust and adapt, and he puts up a solid block," said Maier. "His jump serve is becoming an important weapon."

Joe Kelly, Wheaton Warrenville South

The junior setter is the proverbial coach on the floor reminiscent of the presence Doug Burchett gave the Tigers for four years. He set teammates with 816 kills and managed to come up with 182 digs and 42 aces, and his surprise dump kills are often game-changers for the Tigers. Kelly brings a supreme confidence to the setter position. "Joe is going to make the right play," coach Bill Schreier said. "His ability to run an out-of-system ball going against the flow of the match is his greatest strength."

Dan Mader, Glenbard East

In his four years on the Rams varsity, Mader defined the Golden Era of Glenbard East volleyball. Entering this weekend's Elite Eight, the Rams sport a 112-28 record during Mader's career and he's been at the center of the action for most of that time. He has also been captain of the Daily Herald All-Area team the past two years. "I'm ecstatic to have had the opportunity to coach Dan," said Rams coach Marci Maier. "He's elevated Glenbard East volleyball to the next level and set a high bar for his teammates and future players."

Joey Murnane, St. Francis

At the core of Murnane's success is his understanding of and love for the game of volleyball. He's a quiet leader with a "noisy" game, who puts down dramatic kills, especially at key times in a match. Murnane, who stands 6-foot-2, is a great jumper with quick reactions which make him able to read the defense and adjust his hits. "Joey is a gamer," coach Mike Lynch said. "He steps up in the clutch. He's a humble kid who has helped turn our program around. He works hard at practice and shows the other kids what hard work can do."

Peter Netisingha, Hinsdale Central

This four-year starter and two-year captain is one of the great quarterbacks and pure setters in the state, Netisingha has a great volleyball mind, tremendous speed on the court and great vision and anticipation on both offense and defense. He has a school career record 1,764 assists, 781 this season. He also put away a school-record 57 aces this season, and has the career-record with 165. "The other kids respect Peter and they listen to him," coach Len Serwat said. "He's always moving, he sets our tone and he makes the team click."

Kit Ortmann, Glenbard West

In its second year in the West Suburban Silver, the Hilltoppers program finished third and Ortmann was one of the primary reasons. A captain for the past two years, the agile outside hitter has made all-conference twice and this year also garnered All-Academic honors. He had a team-high 349 kills, but showed his versatility with 40 aces, 38 blocks and 106 digs. "His leadership on and off the court, his dedication and determination have been invaluable to this program," said Glenbard West coach Christine Giunta-Mayer.

Matt Yanz, Naperville Central

Yanz is quite simply, one of the best middle hitters in the state, a difference-maker who forces other teams to change their lineups to match up with him. On a resurgent Redhawks' team he was the leader in kills with 264, aces with 29 and blocks with 162. Yanz is the epitome of the go-to guy who puts down 2 kills for every 3 balls that are set for him. "Matt has matured a lot over the past year," coach Bryan Johnwick said. "He stepped into the role of being the leader, and he's doing really well with it."

Honorable mention

Matt Ahlberg, Wheaton North, OH, sr; Rob Bauer, Neuqua Valley OH, jr.; Matt Brahm, York, OH, sr.; Peter Dabrowski, Glenbard East, MH, jr.; Rob Everette, Hinsdale Central, L, sr.; Bill Foran, Benet , OH, sr.; Noah Johnson, Hinsdale Central, MH, sr.; Ryan Krage, West Chicago, L, jr.; Hunter Lee, Naperville Central, L, sr.; Victor Lei, Naperville Central, S, jr.; Tim Lovik, Glenbard East, OH, jr.; Neill Nystrom, Wheaton Warrenville South, OH, jr.; Jay Petty, Downers Grove North, OH, sr.; Rob Samp, Wheaton Warrenville South, MH, jr.; Matt Santowski, Addison Trail, L, sr.; Kyle Schwetz, Glenbard North, OH, jr.; Mike Segneri, St. Francis, S, jr.; Brad Stout, Neuqua Valley, L, Sr.; Jake Torcasso, Lake Park, L/RS, sr.; Chris Toth, Downers Grove South, OH, sr.; Bob Vonderhaar, St. Francis, MH, sr.