Boys volleyball: Northwest all-area team

Brian Allen Fremd

Allen was not often denied at the net for the state-qualifying Vikings as almost half the senior's attacks went for kills. "He truly is a quiet giant," said coach Curt Pinley, "but his attacks are loud and proud. He became one of the most dominant offense players in our sectional and was a big reason we made it to state. As a middle hitter he made other teams adjust around him, and when we switched him to outside our offense adjusted around him." Allen excelled with 313 kills and 42 block kills.

Kaushik Andra Hoffman Estates

Andra's natural ability was integral to the Hawks, but his greatest asset may have been the support and spirit he gave in good times and bad. "Kaushik was voted our MVP and co-captain," said coach Dan Hutton, "and he was instrumental in leading us to one of our more successful recent seasons." The stats were top notch as Andra recorded 234 assists and hit 225-of-258 from the service line with 25 aces.

Sean Baltowski Prospect

Coach Mike Riedy heaps tons of praise on this natural leader, calling Baltowski "easily one of the best liberos we have ever had at Prospect." The senior was one of the state's best at serve receive with a 93.1 percentage (352-of-378), several of his 343 digs were spectacular and he served 13 aces. "Sean ran our defense in the back row," said Riedy, "and motivated other players to give their best. He'll be very difficult to replace."

Brian Bourn Rolling Meadows

Bourn not only excelled at setter with 612 assists, but was also a force at the net with 57 blocks. The senior was inspiring in the classroom as well, earning a 36 on his ACT. "Brian did an excellent job distributing the ball this year and making good setting choices all the time," said coach Tim Piatek. "His raw intelligence and natural athletic ability made him a phenomenal leader on and off the court."

Jeff Chappell Fremd

This senior's versatility and unselfish play was a driving force in Fremd's big season. Chappell was switched from the outside to the middle late in the year, accepted the challenge and focused his energy on becoming the best player he could be. "Who knew that the leadership and sacrifice he always showed on the court would be overshadowed by the team sacrifice he made by becoming a middle," said coach Curt Pinley. Had 246 kills and 153 digs.

Austin Czarnecki Barrington

Arguably the top defensive player in the Mid-Suburban League, Czarnecki made tremendous strides despite being only a sophomore. He had a possible record-setting 496 digs, was second on the team in service receive (2.22) and served up 20 aces. "Austin was our heart and soul," said coach Rob Ridenour. "His natural ability to prolong rallies was jaw-dropping at times, and I was most proud of how hard he worked to improve his fundamentals."

Sanup Desai Schaumburg

Desai's superior hitting and passing led the Saxons deep into the state playoffs, The senior captain was no slouch in the classroom, either, receiving the Mid-Suburban League All-Academic Senior Athlete award and the IHSA Scholastic Achievement award. "Sanup is a strong hitter and loves to play defense," said coach Kyle Reid. "He was our vocal leader in the huddles and on the bus, and he led on and off the court." Had 184 kills and 322 digs.

Glenn Frost Schaumburg

It was a tremendous season for possibly the strongest hitter in the area, who kept opponents on their toes with his powerful swing. His team-high 310 kills are sixth all-time in Schaumburg history. "There were times," said coach Kyle Reid, "that I thought he might actually hurt someone." Frost was second on the team in blocks (52), first in aces (41) and had a .294 kill efficiency rating. "He is very deserving (of this honor)," added Reid.

Ron Gajewski Maine West

The leadership skills of this all-around athlete proved most important to West's success. He led the team with 59 blocks, slammed 142 kills, earned 95 service points and 15 aces. "Ron energized his team before and during every match," said coach Randy Tiller. "He even spilled blood for the team, diving for a ball at Niles North and loosening two front teeth. He battled every opponent - he was a true Warrior."

Justin Ginter Palatine

Ginter moved up to varsity this season and excelled in all areas, especially with the helpers with 738 assists. But the junior exceeded expectations with 82 kills, 24 aces and a 94 percent serving efficiency rating. "He's been playing and leading like he's been doing this all his life - his potential is through the roof," said coach Frank Stark. "It's obvious as the season went on that his confidence increased and he realized just how good he can be."

Mitko Houbev Leyden

Houbev, one of the area's top middles, was a disruptive force to the opposition all season. The 6-foot-4 senior not only averaged 41/2 blocks a game, but hammered 487 kills and served 22 aces. "He became a dominant player for us on both offense and defense," said coach Dave Sebald. "He had the ability to read the other team and block some of the best hitters we faced. He helped us take other teams out of what they wanted to do, and ran our offense."

Mike Jambrone Buffalo Grove

This intense stalwart lived and breathed BG volleyball, and switched from middle to the outside this year to lead his team to another state playoff run. Jambrone had 265 kills, 35 blocks, 28 aces and 152 blocks. "He's grown into one of our emotional leaders," said coach Matt Aiello. "When Mike is in rhythm it's hard to find a more capable hitter. He's been an absolute privilege to know and coach."

Lukas Karch Buffalo Grove

The future is bright for Karch and BG with the junior back for another season. This setter kept his outstanding hitters active by recording an unbelievable 1,198 assists on the year, but also hit 31 kills, recorded 61 blocks and 37 aces. "Lukas has done a tremendous job running arguably the best offensive team in the state," said coach Matt Aiello. "He has gladly accepted his leadership responsibility. He's got great jumping ability and reads the game really well."

Brandon Klein Hersey

Klein was the Huskies best all-around player and his stats were equivalent to some of the state's best. The senior not only hit 248 kills and passed 336 balls for an outstanding 2.33 average, he was rock solid at the net with 28 blocks, had 204 digs, and 12 aces on 244-of-287 from the line. "Brandon is a dynamic outside hitter," said coach Jodi Blazek. "His quickness and speed make him a force both in the front and the back row. He was our go-to guy."

Mitch Lewis Wheeling

Lewis was the main man for the Wildcats this year and didn't disappoint, earning the respect of his teammates who voted him MVP. "Mitch is an outstanding young man," said coach Ed Uhrik. "He's always held himself accountable for his team's performance and continued to seek out ways to improve his game. He's been a very consistent and dependable player." The senior finished the year with a 2.136 kills average and 141 total kills.

Pat Livingston Maine West

A great jump-server can be one of a team's most important assets and Livingston kept many an opponent off-balance from the line. "He's got a blistering jump serve," said coach Randy Tiller, "one that only the best passers could handle." The junior had a team-high 25 aces but also had a powerful offensive season with 149 kills and 12 blocks. "Pat gets great height in his approach and swing," added Tiller. "He can hit over almost any blocker."

Matt Logue Barrington

Logue was the man for the Broncos whenever a crucial kill or big dig was needed. The junior, who coach Rob Ridenour called "our most consistent player," led the team in serve receive (2.26), had 29 aces and 204 kills. "Whenever we needed a settling influence," added Ridenour, "Matt provided it. He played his best games against the top teams. His leadership skills developed over the course of the year and we're lucky to have him returning."

Steve Maring Fremd

This three-year varsity player transitioned to setter and his superior work ethic helped the Vikings to their first state playoff berth. He finished 648 assists but also had 46 block kills. "Steve dedicated himself at his club season to becoming the best setter he could possibly be," said coach Curt Pinley of the 6-foot-6 star. "His leadership was the guiding force our team needed, and he was voted team captain by his peers."

Richard McLoughlin St. Viator

McLoughlin followed a record-setting hoops season by taking the leadership reins on a up-and-coming volleyball squad. The senior and two-time all-area football and basketball pick had more than 200 kills, 30 block kills, 26 aces and a .286 hitting percentage. "Rich is an all-around athlete that gave our team a spark of energy," said coach Chris Boylan. "He was always enthusiastic and had a lot of pride in his work ethic even in a tough season."

Nat Pearson Palatine

The Mid-Suburban West player of the year has been the glue that kept the Pirates together, and his leadership saw the Pirates grab a share of the division title. "He's an amazing athlete," said coach Frank Stark. "His work ethic has gone unmatched by his teammates and it's been so much fun to watch him grow and mature. He'll be tough for this program to replace." Pearson had 391 kills on the year, a .320 kill efficiency rating and 228 digs.

Matt Schimel Conant

This all-academic player also possessed smarts on the court, and proved it by hitting 201 kills to go with 75 solo blocks and 147 digs. But according to coach Steven Peter, it's the intangibles that also make the senior stand out. "Matt's exciting play is inspirational to both the younger and the veteran players," said Peter. "He possesses big power on attack and finesse on defense. He has a passion for the game that is great to see as a coach."

Chris Shanahan Buffalo Grove

One of the top juniors in the state, Shanahan was an integral part of BG's Mid-Suburban League championship. The athletic outside hitter hammered 281 kills, served 27 aces and got 42 blocks. "Inch-for-inch he might be one of the best volleyball players to go through our school," said coach Matt Aiello. "He has speed, skill, reach, and talent." Also excelled on the defensive end with 266 digs.

Scott Siwicki Elk Grove

Lindenwood University (Mo.) will be welcoming this stellar all-around player after the senior proved his worth by leading the Grens in kills with 258. Siwicki was second in digs with 224 and had 52 blocks. "Scott did a great job transitioning this year from middle to outside," said coach Dan Windholz. Siwicki was perhaps most valuable from the service line, where he kept opponents on their heels with a 90 percent serve rating and 42 aces.

Kyle Weiner Rolling Meadows

This two-year varsity starter earned a stellar .320 kill rating and led the Mustangs on offense with 225 kills. "Kyle showed a selflessness that you don't see in most teenagers," said coach Tim Piatek of the natural athlete who also played varsity basketball. "He always put the success of the team first. When Kyle was on and in sync rhythmically, he was as good as any hitter around."

Kevin Wolter Prospect

A lot was expected of Wolter in 2010 and the senior didn't disappoint, not only recording 618 assists but becoming a leader by example. "Having him in the 'quarterback' position has made my job so much easier," said coach Mike Riedy. "He's a smart player who works very hard to better every single ball that is passed to him."

Honorable mention

Kyle Caldwell (Hoffman Estates, S, Jr.), Matt Cayton (Hersey, S, So.), Joe Davidson (Barrington, OH, Sr.), Szymon Gierut (Elk Grove, OH, Sr.), Mike Hammersley (Prospect, OH, Sr.), Adam Hebein (Palatine, DS, Sr.), Steve Judson (Rolling Meadows, DS, Sr.), Alex Kob (Buffalo Grove, DS, Sr.), Paul Kolesar (Hersey, MB, Sr.), Greg Kusch (Maine West, S-OH, Sr.), Tommy Leonard (Barrington, MH, So.), Matt Levine (Wheeling, MH, Sr.), Adam Miller (Schaumburg, DS, Sr.), Anthony Moreno (Hersey, DS, Sr.), Sash Patel (Palatine, OH, Sr.), Vishal Shah (Hoffman Estates, DS, Sr.), Scott Shewmon (Rolling Meadows, MH, Jr.), Kolbe Stenoien (Fremd, DS, Jr.), Dan Szwiec (Fremd, MH, Jr.), Colin Williams (Palatine, MH, Sr.), Jason Wojcik (Schaumburg, MH, Sr.)

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<h2>Related documents</h2>

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<li><a href="/pdf/cookboysvolleyballfront10.pdf">Northwest suburban all-area team Page 1</a></li>

<li><a href="/pdf/cookboysvolleyballteam10.pdf">Northwest suburban all-area team Page 2</a></li>

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