Scouting Buffalo Grove, Fremd at state volleyball
Boys volleyball state finals
Where: Hoffman Estates High School
Today's quarterfinals: Minooka (18-8-2) vs. St. Patrick (23-11), 1 p.m.; Wheaton Warrenville South (33-6) vs. Morton (24-10), 2 p.m.; Maine South (39-0) vs. Buffalo Grove (30-5), 5 p.m.; Marist (35-4) vs Fremd (25-12), 6 p.m.
Saturday's schedule: semifinals, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.; third-place, 4 p.m.; title, 5:15 p.m.
Tournament outlook: The Mid-Suburban League will be sending two teams to the state finals in Fremd and Buffalo Grove for the first time since the 2005 season, when Barrington and Hersey advanced. Fremd is making the trip for the first time in school history, while Buffalo Grove has been there four of the last five years. The two MSL rivals will compete against some star-studded lineups as Maine South enters the tourney undefeated, and Wheaton Warrenville South is back to try for a record fourth straight state title and sixth in the last seven years. St. Patrick, which finished fourth in state last season, returns for another try as does Morton and Marist. Minooka rounds out the field.
Local focus
Buffalo Grove vs. Maine South
How Buffalo Grove got here: Buffalo Grove beat Wheeling (25-21, 25-18), Deerfield (25-22, 25-17), Palatine (25-19, 25-14) and Vernon Hills (25-22, 23-25, 35-33).
Bison to watch: Senior outside hitter and Mid-Suburban League East player of the year Nick Baronti (394 kills, 107 blocks 37 aces, 152 digs); Senior outside hitter Mike Jambrone (265 kills, 35 blocks, 28 aces, 152 digs); Junior setter Lukas Karch (1,198 assists, 163 digs, 31 kills, 37 aces).
Outlook: BG (30-5) will be looking to finally claim the ultimate prize after finishing fourth, second and third at three of the last four state tournaments. The MSL champs have a difficult opening match to say the least as they face 39-0, and last year's state runner-up, Maine South. The veteran and battle-tested Bison will be looking for a measure of revenge as well as they lost to the Hawks in the semis last year, and there may not be a player in the state to match up with the 6-foot-9 Baronti at the net. The senior teams with Jambrone and junior Chris Shanahan (281 kills) to boast perhaps the top offensive team in the state, while Alex Kob anchors a defense that has steadily improved throughout the season. Junior Jamie Schnittker and sophomore Sam Wacker provide support for the Bison in the middle. BG has the drive to succeed and wants nothing more than to claim the first state championship for an MSL team, but how much will Matt Aiello's team have left in the tank after Tuesday's exhilirating 3-game sectional win over Vernon Hills, where they escaped four match points in a 35-33 third game victory?
BG coach Matt Aiello: "Our match against Vernon Hills was great preparation for the state finals. This team believes they have what it takes regardless of the circumstances. We didn't play our best match (against the Cougars) and that gives my guys a lot of confidence. Maine South is an outstanding all-around team, and they are able to get a lot of easy points because of their serving. They have the ability to get kills from a number of players on the court. At the same time, though, we believe to a man on this team that we can beat anyone."
Fremd vs. Marist
How Fremd got here: Fremd defeated Hoffman Estates (25-13, 25-17), Wheaton Academy (24-26, 25-17, 25-17), Schaumburg (25-9, 25-17) and Lake Park (15-25, 25-21, 26-24).
Vikings to watch: Senior outside hitter Brian Allen (313 kills, 42 block kills); Senior middle/outside hitter Jeff Chappell (246 kills, 30 block kills, 153 digs); Senior setter Steve Maring (648 assists, 46 block kills, 144 digs).
Outlook: Fremd is making its first trip to the state tourney after a string of several consecutive season where it excelled in the regular season but couldn't make it out of the sectionals. But 2010 is a new year and the Vikings their resolve by claiming the sectional title over Lake Park by scoring the final two kills after losing a late 24-21 Game 3 lead. Allen, switched from middle late in the season, has thrived on the outside and has some powerful assistance from the athletic Chappell. The MSL West champs came on strong late in the year and big reason was the 6-foot-6 Maring, one of the state's top setters who can create havoc for the opposition with his strong offensive skills. Eric Ciura is another star at the outside hitter position, and Peter Ninchich is another force at the net. But the biggest strength of the Vikings may be on the defensive end, where seniors Ben Greifer, Kolbe Stenoien, and Justin Sohn excel. Senior leadership may be the most compelling reason why Fremd has a big shot in long-time boys and girls coach Curt Pinley's initial trip to the big dance.
Fremd coach Curt Pinley: "It's great to be a part of the Elite Eight, and it's great to see two schools representing our conference. Even though some people did not expect us to be here, we are coming through the front door just like everyone else who earned the right to play this weekend. Our team has continued to improve all season, and with a few late season adjustments this team has competed well aginst some good teams. We look forward to our opportunity at state. Marist will be a formidable opponent - they've been to the state tournament before, so they understand what it takes to play at this level."