Buffalo Grove nets another MSL title
It's been a memorable four-year run in the Mid-Suburban League for the Buffalo Grove boys volleyball team.
The Bison have won 40 MSL East conference matches without a loss; they've claimed four straight East crowns; and after Wednesday night's 25-21, 29-27 victory over West champs Barrington, they've taken three of the last four MSL championships.
But ask BG coach Matt Aiello or any of his players about Wednesday night's title match victory, and they'll say it was just another day at the office.
“We've got bigger goals,” said BG junior middle Michael Starzec, who contributed 7 blocks to the win. “This was a stepping stone for us to regionals, sectionals and state.”
The Bison, to a man, are focused on their goal of winning a state championship. BG has advanced to the Elite Eight for three consecutive years and has won the second- and third-place state trophies, but never the top prize.
“I told them they could enjoy this win for about 15 minutes,” joked Aiello. “As a matter of fact, I just heard Jon (Ward) and Luke (Karch) tell the guys, ‘Now it's on to state.'
“I think I've brainwashed them and they've bought into it — or maybe they've brainwashed me, because they've got the desire and the effort to get it done.”
BG senior right side Chris Shanahan, who was voted MSL East player of the year, led the winners with 10 kills while 6-foot-8 Barrington middle Tommy Leonard had 9 kills and 2 blocks.
Broncos senior Matt Logue was named the West's MVP.
“It took awhile for us to get adjusted to playing in such a big match,” said Broncos coach Rob Ridenour. “They (BG) have a lot of guys who have played in big matches, so experience was a factor tonight.”
“I was extremely proud of the way the guys responded in Game 2. They slowed their minds down and let their physical play take over.”
After the Game 1 loss, Barrington struck back in Game 2 to take an 18-15 lead behind TJ Shanahan (4 kills) and Taylor Ganzer (22 assists).
Then Chris Shanahan's rocket serves helped BG take the lead back, but Ganzer's stellar block of a late Shanahan spike attempt brought the Broncos to a 26-26 tie.
“That was incredible,” said Ridenour of the block. “He got him (Shanahan) at a clutch time.”
After the teams traded sideouts, kills by Ward and Starzec gave the win to BG.
Jamie Schnittker added 7 kills for the Bison, while senior setter Lukas Karch was 45-of-45 with 20 assists.
“This is just the beginning,” said BG senior libero Camryn Castle, “and it all starts with defense. Everyone knows we have awesome hitters and a great setter, but if our passing is there I don't think anyone can stop us.”
“Barrington made some adjustements tonight, but we were able to see those coming — and anyway, it's all on us. I feel like if we come out and play our game we can take care of business.”