Boys volleyball: Lakes completes undefeated run in NLCC
It can be debated all day long on whether Connor Clowers is actually 5-foot-11 or 6-feet tall.
One thing is for sure. The Lakes volleyball player can jump to the moon.
Well, only a slight exaggeration.
"I guess that's my training,'' Clowers noted. "We are a team here, no individuals. We are always out for each other."
"He plays year-round,'' said Lakes coach Kevin Glabowicz.
Thursday marked a big day on the Lakes boys volleyball calendar. That's the night the Eagles completed an undefeated run through the Northern Lake County Conference. Clowers had 9 kills and 4 digs as Lakes (19-10, 10-0) stopped Grayslake Central25-19, 25-13.
Lakes also had a strong outing from Ethan Metzelaar (5 kills, 6 digs). He's also a fan of the team concept.
"We really trust each other,'' Metzelaar said. "We are always so positive. Even our second team gives us pep talks. We bring so much energy to the floor."
Metzelaar is off to Purdue after this year and may give club volleyball a try.
The Rams never led in either set but the first set was clearly more competitive.
The Eagles held a slim lead at 16-15 after Jordan Kulis put one down for the Rams. And then Jacob Spicer went in to serve for the home team. Two Clowers kills started the rally and when the serve was over, the Eagles were up 22-18.
The first set ended with a Clowers block at the net.
"I'm lucky to have such a dedicated group of seniors here,'' Glabowicz added.
Clowers also excels at the serving line. He first had a serving ace and Metzelaar put one down and the Eagles were up 6-4 in the second set.
The second set was broken up by 2 kills from Clowers and Metzelaar. Actually, those were 2 blocks by Metzelaar. Ryan Buchanan threw one down and the Eagles' lead was 20-7.
Clowers has other goals in mind when he leaves Lakes. He's headed west to Arizona State where he will study biochemistry.
The Eagles are the top seed in the Antioch regional.
Chad Mueller and Matt Raia had 2 kills each for Lakes. Libero Michael LeBaron notched 14 digs.