Hill, Wildcats whip Warren

Libertyville senior opposite J.J. Hill did not have much of a plan when he first started playing volleyball as a sophomore.

"I just tried to hit the ball as hard as I could," Hill said.

How did that work out for him?

"I usually hit it to the back wall," he said with a smile.

Now, the 6-foot-6 Hill's hitting ability puts smiles on the faces of Libertyville's players and coaches. Hill had 6 kills Thursday in the Wildcats' 25-16, 25-20 North Suburban Conference Lake Division victory over Warren.

"He (started) as a project and he's done a wonderful job of turning into a volleyball player," Libertyville coach Steve Rochon said.

Hill only came out for volleyball because a friend of his was playing. Although he's played basketball most of his life, volleyball has become his favorite sport.

Hill doesn't lead Libertyville in kills, but his points often elicit the biggest reaction from the bench and crowd.

"He has (kills) like that all the time," senior outside hitter Tom Hannum said. "It boosts our morale."

Hannum helped take command in the first game with a run of 3 consecutive kills. He finished with a match-high 11 kills.

In the second game, Hannum made a perfect pass on serve-receive. The ball was set back to Hannum, and he came through with a cross-court kill to give Libertyville a 10-9 advantage. It was a lead the Wildcats (19-5, 6-2) would not relinquish.

"Tom's a very smooth player," Rochon said. "He's done a great job here."

This season, Hannum has relied more on his jump serve.

"It's easier if I do it every time," Hannum said. "I wanted to be more aggressive this year."

The most aggressive player for Warren (16-10, 5-2) in the second game was 6-foot-5 sophomore Eduard Ciobanu. He had 3 of his 4 kills early on to help Warren gather momentum.

"When we talk at the net we can be really effective," Ciobanu said.

Added coach Yun Chen: "There were some times he came through with the kills that we needed."

Senior Michael Metzler (4 blocks) was another bright spot for Warren on a night where the Blue Devils struggled.

"We're communicating in practice, but it's not transferring to the court," Chen said. "I felt like there was something intangible missing."

Senior Matt Anderson contributed 6 kills and 4 digs. Senior libero Eric Clover had a team-high 10 digs.

Seniors Jim Revenaugh (4 kills) and Eric Tassler (3 kills) also had strong games.

"Jim is kind of an X factor," Rochon said. "He's a versatile (player). Eric's not spectacular but he gets the job done. He finds a way to be successful."

Senior Matt Bernard had 16 assists and 4 digs.

"He calls a really nice game and his defense is so solid," Rochon said.