Boys volleyball: Scouting Northwest

Scouting boys volleyball

St. Viator coach Jim Neill says he will have some "under the radar" players this season in newcomers Timothy Allaire and George Bowman, both 6-foot-3 senior middles. "We'll be very young," said Neill, "but I'm hoping that we'll play a little better than a 500 pace." The Lions will be paced on offense by outside hitters Marcus Lannie, a junior, and James Bilhorn, who is a freshman.

Leyden is coming off an ultra-successful 2017 campaign, one that saw them win their first regional championship since 2012. Leading the way was outside hitter Robert Elem, who will return in 2018 for his senior season. "Robert had a great year for us both offensively and defensively," said Eagles coach Michele Mueller. "We are looking for him to continue that success this year for us as well as stepping up and being a leader for us." Also returning to play integral parts this year will be senior middle Tom Radziszewski and junior libero Axel Castillo. "Tom was new to our program last year, but was a quick learner and became a great block and offensive option for us," said Mueller, "and Axel got some back row experience at the varsity level, so we're looking for him to be our leader defensively. We also have a lot of newcomers to the team that are looking to be key contributors."

Maine West has a new coach, Mike OBrill, and he's looking forward to a season that includes a lot of returning players from last year's squad. The returnees are middle hitters Liam Skinner and Danny Rice, outside hitters Shivam Patel and Mike Bilotich, right side Jack Collins and libero Faraz Bashir. "We also have a talented junior class joining," added OBrill. "With our experience, height and new talent, we expect to be highly competitive in many of our matches this season - especially in a tough conference. Top newcomers for the Warriors are Milos Dugalic, Dylan Macariola, Simon Grimm, Nick Stasch, Mason Robbins and Dorin Drimboi.

Buffalo Grove finished second in the Mid-Suburban East last year, and coach Tim Kosiek says that this season will present some new opportunities for several of his athletes. "Brian Franz is returning in a new position as outside hitter," said the coach, "and he brings great leadership to our team. Michael Lohse is moving from DS to Libero, and his heart and vocal presence are a huge asset." Also back will be Scott Mahon, who will be steering the offense in a prominent setting role, and Lucas Ledgerwood, moving into a starting middle role, where Kosiek says he will "capitalize on his hard work with the varsity team last year and his development in the offseason." Kosiek added that his team can't wait for the season to begin, saying "these players and other additions to our program provide opportunities for significant growth throughout the year. We're excited for our athletes to develop in these new roles."

Elk Grove coach Dan Windholz says that he has an athletic and balanced team this year. "We've got a nice mix of older and younger players," said Windholz. Counted on this year for the Grenadiers will be senior Shivam Amin, a senior opposite; Kevin Doyle, a senior outside hitter; setter Ed Gonzalez; and sophomore outside hitter Mark Wickstrom.

Hersey was great in 2017, winning the Mid-Suburban East with a 10-0 record and advancing all the way to the Elite Eight. Now they're looking for more in the current campaign. "Our team has a lot of talent and high expectations," said Huskies coach Nancy Lill, "but we need to execute each time out on the floor." Top returning competitors for Hersey will be 6-foot-6 senior outside hitter Jacob Mailloux and 6-foot-7 senior middle blocker Joe Nugent. "We graduated some great players," said Lill, "but we have quite a few athletes returning and others ready to step into bigger roles." Senior Camran Saeed returns on the outside for the Huskies, and Lill will also be counting on Andrew Leno, Michal Marevych, Jakub Migus, Mike Seneczko, and Christian Castro. Some newcomers include Brent Gurvis, Alec Naumowicz, Lucas Irwin and Mike Pedota.

Prospect is hoping that varsity experience last season will translate into success this year. Included on the Knights roster will be middle hitters Pat McPartlin and Zack Cacini, outside hitters Ben Miller and Quinn Benson, libero Josh Kern, setter Danny Weiler and defensive specialist Zach Matters. "We're looking to improve on last year's performance," says Prospect coach Mike Riedy. "This team is dedicated and focused on success." Also on the squad will be newcomers Cory Fugiel (right side hitter), Owen Koury (outside hitter), Joseph Schwister (setter) and Stef Salemi (defensive specialist)."

Rolling Meadows' outlook is for a strong season dependent on a slew of returning seniors, which include Art Barczak in the middle, Max Chertler, an outside, and Billy Psarros at setter. "Art and Billy have been starters since their sophomore year," says Meadows coach Kevin Bourn, "and they're now ready to help turn this group of Mustangs into a winning team." Also looking to make a big contribution will be junior opposite Jackson Brossett. "We're welcoming some younger players into the mix as well on the defensive end of our game," added Bourn. "Our focus early is to develop the level of team defense that we need in order for our offense to reach its potential."

Wheeling has a young team, and coach Jason Kopkowski thinks that they will find out what they're made of early in the season. "Even though we are relatively inexperienced in the high school arena," said Kopkowski, "the majority of guys have been playing year round and are excited to make their own mark on WHS volleyball." Returning players are Jon Jankowski and Jared Moser, while new to the squad will be Jan Baranowski, Alex Ocampo, Jorge Carvarjal, Jared Urueta, AJ Ruttenberg, Joe Hernandez, Ryan Thomas, Mario Lomanto, Kuba Ciepiela and Aiden McCoy. "They've set the standards high and are challenging themselves on a daily basis," added the coach. "One of our biggest strengths will be our versatility. With many players being able to play multiple positions as well as back and front row, we can mix up the lineups and attach the ball in a number of different ways."

Barrington looks to build off its Mid-Suburban League and regional championship season in 2017. "If this group can commit to getting a little bit better each day," said coach Rob Ridenour, "I think they will like the level they are playing at by May." The roster includes returning seniors Evan Carroll, Michael O'Toole, Petar Lumovic, Thomas Chapman, Dillon Davey, Cameron Sorce, Ryan Brown and Hari Ramakrishnan, and a junior returnee, Gabe Hartke. "Team defense and serve receive should be a strength," added Ridenour. "There has been great competition at the middle and opposite position. While we're inexperienced in those areas, we have good athletes that are committed to getting better. We are looking forward to a great year." Newcomers to the Broncos squad this season will be Kyle Vasquez, Ricky Gibson, Ben Ridgway, Luke Kolder, Veron Phillips, Matt Sarnowski, Michael Henrickson and Chris Babicz.

Conant has a core group of top players that will include seniors Sam Bryant (middle), Anthony Chan (outside), Luke McLaughlin (setter) and Doug Jurgenson (libero), and junior Waris Walia (right side). Cougars coach JC Brown is hoping that experience will lead to an increase in the win column this year. "We return four starters from last year plus a talented group of juniors," said Brown. "We'll have a powerful offense this year with Sam and Anthony returning, as well as the addition of Waris. They're looking to improve on their conference and overall record from last year."

Fremd is excited for the season to begin, looking to continue the success it enjoyed last year when the Vikings finished 17-11 and second in the MSL West. "We've got many athletic players at all levels," said coach Curt Pinley. "Even on the varsity level we have several players who have never played the sport before but are gifted athletes." Leading the charge for the Vikes will be returning starters Aaron Peterson (outside hitter), Jacob Peterson (setter), Martin Michalski (outside hitter), and Rocco Stella (middle). The roster will also include Michael Arango, Josh Avelino, Jason Hajdukovic, Tim Wink, Justin Spiekermann, Andrew An, Dominic Cox, and Steven Jandura. "Where we are now will greatly improve as the season goes along," says Pinley. "Already we are dealing with health issues so the inexperienced players and getting a lot of reps early on. I'm excited to see the growth of this team and if we get everyone back, and some point, I believe we will be a formidable opponent. The ceiling is very high for us."

Hoffman Estates, despite losing some top players, will be focused on the play of some seniors this year who gained some valuable experience last season. "We graduated many solid players," said Hoffman coach Dan Hutton, "but the youngers guys knew this and are anxious at having a shot of making the varsity roster." The seniors who lead the Hawks in 2018 are James Swan, Jonathan Kolweier, Adeen Zamir and Jaccamo Henslee. "The returning varsity members," added Hutton, "are stepping into the leadership roles that were opened with our graduating class last year. The guys are working hard and are learning to communicate with one another. They are excited to start the season and be competitive in the MSL." Up and coming juniors for the Hawks will be Marek Gaslorowski and Chris Fermaintt.

Palatine will boast a "very strong group of kids" this season, according to coach Frank Stark. "They've been amazing friends since grade school," said Stark. "We have competitors and volleyball players this year." The roster will include seniors Johnny O'Shea, Camden Hill, Conor Nix, Bryant Smith and Leo Donlin, and juniors Curtis McLennan and Ben Rinella. "Their work ethic is the best that I have ever had," added Stark about his team. "This will be my last year coaching to spend time with my five kids who are heavily involved in their own sports - and I specifically chose this group to 'graduate' with because of how special they are."

Schaumburg takes to the court this season with a cohesive, experienced unit as they return five starters from the 2017 team. "We expect to be competitive," said Saxons coach Eric Melton, "in our conference and in our region. If our players dedicate themselves to responding in the right way and working together, we'll find the success we are looking for." Returning to the floor for Schaumburg will be outside hitters Dan Kaszuba and Ryan Regier; middle blockers Robert Grasse and Matt Hoppesch; setters Isaiah Mitchell and Nathan Thomas; and libero Brian Kirschbaum.

- Bill Esbrook