Boys volleyball: Lake County all-area team

By Bill Pemstein

Daily Herald Correspondent

Nate Amos Lake Zurich

The senior joined the Bears early in his freshman season. What a long way he's come. He is the captain of the all-area team after helping lead the first Lake Zurich volleyball team to the state tournament. The power hitter is the man in the middle for the Bears. Amos, who has been accepted at Iowa but will entertain other offers, helped the Bears with 217 kills, 112 blocks and 54 digs. "These stats may not truly reflect Nate's talent as a volleyball player, said coach Lesly Ravenscraft. "Because of his experience and success in club volleyball, his teammates look up to him and follow his lead. This year he has grown into a strong leader who is a main reason our team is going to state for the first time in Lake Zurich history."

Jared Bennett Vernon Hills

A year ago, Bennett was the setter on the Vernon Hills team that finished second in the state. This year, he turned to offense and made more great impressions. "Jared is, I think, the most versatile, multiskilled athlete we've ever had in the program," said coach Chris Curry. "There aren't a lot of guys I've ever seen who can set a team at state one year and lead the team in kills with over 300 the next year. He would have made a great middle if we could have used him there. Other than libero, there's not a position where I don't think he might be the best in the county." In his lone year of hitting, the senior rang up 314 kills - third-best in Vernon Hills history. His 55 serving aces are also a school record. "And, think about this, he never gets to practice any position exclusively," Curry said. "We moved him around all year. At our early tourney he was setting a 6-2 part of the time, a 5-1 other times. By the Warren tourney, he was hitting outside, even though he had hit right side for two years." Bennet was named an Illinois High School Volleyball Coaches Association second-team all-state selection.

Jeff Carmody Lake Zurich

How about a setter with 1,269 assists? Carmody just went about the business of setting Lake Zurich's stellar team without much fanfare. He also was effective at the net with 62 blocks. He had 111 digs on defense and notched 41 aces. "As a sophomore last year, he helped us get to the sectional semifinals," coach Lesly Ravenscraft said. "And this year, he is leading us to state. Jeff has become a top setter in the state who has learned to run an extremely effective 5-1 offense. In addition to his setting, he is a successful blocker when he is in the front row." The sign of the successful setter is if he spreads the ball around to all the hitters - and the Bears had 5 hitters with more than 150 kills.

Ian Flatley Antioch

The Sequoits made great strides this season, and the veteran Flatley is certainly a major reason for it. He's been a member of the Antioch varsity since his sophomore season. And for the last two years, he's been a team captain and all-area selection. Flatley notched 167 kills, 198 digs and 272 serve receptions this season. "He's been a great leader for us," coach Jamie Atkinson said.

Andrew Gilbertson Lake Zurich

And you thought Gilbertson was just a basketball player. In addition, he became a major force in the middle for this powerful Bears team. "He is our 'gentle giant,' but his size alone intimidates teams before he even gets on the court," said coach Lesly Ravenscraft. "Once he gets his first kill at the 10-foot, teams know he is the real deal." Gilbertson used his 6-foot-9 frame to knock balls down with regularity for the Bears. "His role changed this year," Ravenscraft said. "At 6-9, he is able to hit over blocks and with extreme power, not to mention his own blocking capabilities." His senior season saw Gilbertson chalk up 189 kills, 117 blocks and 21 digs.

Ryan Hirschel Libertyville

Here's another player who did his job and turned his team into a major player in boys volleyball this spring. Libertyville coach Jenny Smith says the junior is the best setter the program has had in the past five years. "Ryan is best known for his technically sound setting," Smith said. "It makes it nearly impossible for blockers to read and predict what decisions he's about to make." In Libertyville's run to the sectional final, Hirschel notched 798 assists and added 83 kills. "Ryan is a dangerous player," Smith said. "He's hard to predict, is able to see defensive movement, and the greatest trait is that he is a tremendous leader and is able to encourage all of his hitters to perform at their best."

Colton Jewell Lakes

We've heard from this athlete before, in both football and basketball. First-year coach Michele Keenan is glad Jewell continued in volleyball. "He led his team every match with his skill, determination and leadership," Keenan said. "In years past he had a big go-to hitter to get a well-needed side out. This year, Colton had to learn how to run a sophisticated offense to help his team get into one-on-one hitting situations. He did a great job creating holes for his hitters. He is able to run the middles from just about anywhere on the court. He is one of the most creative setters I have ever coached and is so quick at play calling." Jewell dished out nearly 600 assists, yet still managed to get 71 kills. "Colton is not just a setter," Keenan said. "He is a very good defender and hitter." Jewell also managed to chalk up 145 digs on defense.

Sam Kharasch Libertyville

The successful Wildcats could play defense, and this junior was a big reason why. He's been on varsity since his freshman season. "He is the hardest worker in our gym day in and day out, a tremendous leader, not to mention the best high school libero I have seen," coach Jenny Smith said. The school record holder in digs, Kharasch can slow down many an opponent. "Sam can neutralize any opposing attacker, giving our team the upper hand in nearly any match," Smith said. "He is the voice on our team that everyone listens to during matches and at practice. He is a dynamic leader." The team captain has crossed over the 1,000 mark for career digs.

Alex Krasowski Lake Zurich

What a great first impression the junior right side made at the state tournament. "This year he has earned his starting spot, and it has never been in question," coach Lesly Ravenscraft said. "Alex is probably our most consistent offensive player both at the net and at the serving line. Other teams are usually surprised by him because he is quiet and doesn't showboat or draw attention on the court. However, he is effective. He is our 'silent assassin,' quietly getting kills and aces consistently." Krasowski, who's earned captain status, had 314 kills, 86 blocks, 67 digs and 38 aces.

Justin Leonard Stevenson

Much has been made of the injury problems the Stevenson team went through this year. But when Leonard returned to the Patriots' lineup, he quickly made up for lost time. Coach Eric Goolish watched as the 6-foot-5 senior outside hitter dominated a match at the Warren Invite, pounding 17 kills with only 1 hitting error on 21 attempts. "This equated to a hitting efficiency of 0.762, which is the single greatest outside hitting performance," Goolish said. Leonard sustained several injuries this season but still was voted by his team for the Big Gun Award winner. That's a Stevenson tradition that recognizes achievement for the most valuable team member based on practice effort and contest contributions.

Michael May Carmel Catholic

Clearly one of the most dangerous hitters in the county, May was also called to set the ball to his teammates. "He is a total competitor on the court," said coach Kevin Nylen. "He's very intense and passionate. He has been so valuable to us because he can hit and score from anywhere on the court. This year, we added setter to his resume because that is what he spent time doing for club in the off-season. He did a really nice job with that transition, and it really helped the team. He is certainly up there with the best hitters/players in Carmel history." The three-year starter had 329 assists and led all setters with 258 kills. The two-time all ESCC player also had 117 digs and 30 blocks. "He is a big powerful lefty who could be dominant at times," Nylen said.

Johnny McDonald Vernon Hills

McDonald emerged as a major player for the Cougars this season. "Johnny took the success of this year's team very personally," coach Chris Curry said. "He started on last year's state team, but was sometimes an afterthought in the offense. This off-season, he worked as hard as any kid I've ever seen to transform his body. He was carrying a lot of weight to play defensive end for the football team, a lot of heavy, slow-twitch muscle. He did his research and worked all winter to remake his body so he'd jump higher and endure longer. It clearly paid off." McDonald had 238 kills and 198 digs. "He's always taken great pride in his defense," Curry said. "He really wanted to play libero so he could defend all the time, but we were a little thin on 6-4 outsides, so we left him where he was. At times, he carried the team. His ability to impact the tone of play was huge. When he figured that out, we had our best run of matches near the end of the season."

Patrick Meadie Carmel Catholic

The Carmel season would have included more wins if the high-leaping Meadie was in the lineup more. An injury slowed him down, but his return was important. Meadie was a four-year varsity starter. He moved around from defensive specialist to libero to outside hitter. "Compared to some of the beasts that we have faced during his time, he would be considered diminutive," said coach Kevin Nylen. "But, boy, can he jump. And considering how slight he is, he hits hard." That jumping ability will take him to college volleyball at Fontbonne University. "He is also a team captain and someone who I have enjoyed watching grow up," Nylen said.

Nick Meyer Lake Zurich

He is another gifted basketball player who also made news in this spring sport. And his hitting and blocking were key for the team that made state. All from a player who doesn't play club. "He is a natural athlete who has come into his own as a volleyball player," coach Lesly Ravenscraft said. "He has become an all-around player who does not leave the court. Even though he may not have the club experience, his teammates look to him as their captain simply because he is an athlete. He is clearly one of the best all-around players in the state." Meyer's senior season saw him notch 336 kills, 178 digs and 36 blocks. He also was all-area in basketball.

Zach Schultz Warren

The first player to make a four-year run at Warren was an important one for the Blue Devils this season. "Zach has improved as a player throughout the years," said coach Yun Chen. "But more importantly, he matured into a leader that everyone on the team followed this season. Zach was not a club player, so to get where he is at, he had to gain all his volleyball IQ through the seasons, and that's no small feat." Schultz racked up 249 kills, 315 digs, 39 blocks and 30 aces.

Jack Stevens Libertyville

Where did they find this player? So polished, so poised - Stevens has star written all over him. In his sophomore season, Stevens was one key to Libertyville's success. "This is a kid who can do it all well," coach Jenny Smith said. "He is able to perform any position at a high proficiency, however, dominates on the outside." In his first season, Stevens compiled 285 kills. His serve was dangerous with those 63 aces. "His maturity allows him to perform under high stress efficiently and effectively," Smith said. "Jack gets the job done and has stood out in almost every single match we have played this year."

Keegan Zack Grayslake Central

It was the Rams' first season of boys volleyball, but they boasted an experienced club player in the 6-foot-1 junior hitter. Zack racked up 162 kills, 32 blocks, 93 digs and 48 aces, as the Rams went 12-14-1. "Keegan Zack is the type of player any coach would love to have," coach Dan Erlenbaugh said. "He is an all-around player. He can dominate a game from the front row and play solid defense in the back row. He could also take over a game from the service line. He is a great teammate as well. He worked to better the other players on the court, as it was only their first year playing volleyball. Keegan is the main reason the Grayslake Central boys volleyball program had such as successful first year. The program is lucky to have him back next year for his senior year."

All-area roster

Player School Yr. Pos.

Nate Amos* Lake Zurich Sr. MH

Jared Bennett Vernon Hills Sr. OH/S

Jeff Carmody Lake Zurich Jr. S

Ian Flatley Antioch Sr. OH

Andrew Gilbertson Lake Zurich Sr. MH/RS

Ryan Hirschel Libertyville Jr. S

Colton Jewell Lakes Sr. S

Sam Kharasch Libertyville Jr. L

Alex Krasowski Lake Zurich Jr. RS

Justin Leonard Stevenson Sr. OH

Michael May Carmel Catholic Sr. S/OPP

Johnny McDonald Vernon Hills Sr. OH

Patrick Meadie Carmel Catholic Sr. OH

Nick Meyer Lake Zurich Sr. OH

Zach Schultz Warren Sr. OH/RS

Jack Stevens Libertyville So. OH

Keegan Zack Grayslake Central Jr. OH

* all-area captain

Honorable mention

Spencer Mueller (Carmel), Ryan Fuller (Carmel), Austin Freund (Grant), Alec Barrettsmith (Grant), Bobby Fortmann (Grayslake Central), Matt Kozak (Grayslake Central), Matt Haufe (Lakes), Nick Halberg (Lakes), Nick Zoellick (Libertyville), Brendan Cook (Libertyville), Shane Feiereisel (Libertyville), Linden Ewing (Mundelein), Ben Arebalo (Libertyville), Grant Maleski (Stevenson), Peter Drozdzewicz (Libertyville), Matt Kushnir (Vernon Hills), Jake Fiorito (Vernon Hills), Chris Winter (Vernon Hills), Aaron Wagan (Warren), Kyle Wells (Warren), Mihajlo Gomez (Warren)

Selections and profiles by Bill Pemstein