High-powered Marist, Lockport and Lincoln-Way East return with a ton of talent, but several other area teams are on the cusp.
Top 10 Teams
1. Marist (35-4)
RedHawks have a ton of experienced junior and senior talent. Christian Teresi, a junior setter, has enough power to be a hitter if called upon. Senior middle/right side Jack Meador has Harvard’s attention. Junior outside hitter Nathen Toth had breakout season last spring.
2. Lockport (29-10)
One of the most experienced teams in the state with seven senior returning starters. Setter Evan Dziadkowiec is a three-time all-state pick, while 6-8 right-side Josh Bluhm had 299 kills a year ago and libero Kevin Rodriguez is an acrobat in back. Wade Welke is a strong all-around player.
3. Lincoln-Way East (32-6)
Griffins boast pair of potent outsides in junior Matthew Muehlnickel and senior Trey Marek who can touch 11 1/2 feet. Muehlnickel is a product of U.S. national team developmental program. Rest of starting lineup is inexperienced but talented. Some seniors have been waiting their turn.
4. Lincoln-Way West (30-10)
Warriors lost some firepower to graduation, but 6-5 senior outside Connor Jaral had 291 kills and 37 blocks last spring and junior middle Hunter Vedder had 126 kills. Noah Konopack and Andrew Flores are defensive wizards. Coach Jodi Frigo is five wins away from 200 for her career.
5. Homewood-Flossmoor (23-15)
Fresh off a state title in basketball, can Lincoln-Way East transfer Mac Hagemaster make impact as senior middle? Vikings have been trending up in recent years, and with standouts Ahmad Powell, Nate Epley and Lane Sunley back, this team could be best in program history.
6. Marian Catholic (29-9)
Justin McGary, a senior setter who has been wearing a black mask as his trademark after the pandemic, was an all-state selection in 2023. He’s also a three-time team MVP. Senior middle James Bullock Jr. is getting college looks for both volleyball and basketball.
7. St. Rita (20-17)
Senior outside Aidan Peloquin enters fourth year on varsity, this time for first-year coach Dan French. Peloquin had 320 kills and 197 digs last spring. Senior setter Timmy Moore will again feed Peloquin. Senior right-side hitter Lucas Olszewski (Mount Olive) also provides power.
8. Brother Rice (32-8)
Paul Baker, a junior outside, brings back experience from last season’s state quarterfinalist. Many new faces will try to keep Crusaders on top, including junior twin hitters Zach and John Mikrut. Brother Rice graduate Brandon McGinnis replaces longtime coach Dan Dwyer.
9. Oak Lawn (20-16)
Sophomores middle Oisin Walsh was South Suburban Red’s player of the year last spring with 195 kills and 64 blocks. Senior middle/outside Connor Lewis (Lakeland) and sophomore setter/outside Marco Budzak are ready to make a difference for Spartans.
10. St. Laurence (19-15)
Dylan McKeon, a senior outside, is back after winning Lawless Award in the Catholic League White. Vikings, who were young last season, are looking to make a big leap forward behind senior libero Ryan Elliott (St. Xavier) and senior middle Sebastian Corral, a blocking machine.
Brother Rice’s Paul Baker (14) delivers a kill in the second game against Lyons during the state quarterfinals at Hoffman Estates on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Brian O’Mahoney / Daily Southtown)
The 25 Players to Watch
- Myles Aquino, Sandburg, senior libero.
- Paul Baker, Brother Rice, junior, outside hitter.
- Josh Bluhm, Lockport, senior, right-side hitter.
- Miles Czerkies, Joliet Catholic, senior, setter.
- Evan Dziadkowiec, Lockport, senior, setter.
- Ian Faber, Chicago Christian, senior, middle hitter.
- Andrew Flores, Lincoln-Way West, junior, libero.
- Connor Jaral, Lincoln-Way West, senior, outside hitter.
- Ryan Elliott, St. Laurence, senior, libero.
- Kaden Kaczmarek, Providence, senior, middle hitter.
- Justin McGary, Marian Catholic, junior, setter.
- Dylan McKeon, St. Laurence, senior, outside hitter.
- Trey Marek, Lincoln-Way East, senior, outside hitter.
- Matthew Muehlnickel, Lincoln-Way East, junior, outside hitter.
- Lucas Olszewski, St. Rita, senior, middle/right-side hitter.
- Krystian Paluch, Reavis, junior, libero.
- Aidan Peloquin, St. Rita, junior, outside hitter.
- Kevin Rodriguez, Lockport, senior, libero.
- Tyler Sempek, Andrew, senior, libero.
- Lane Sunley, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, middle hitter.
- Christian Teresi, Marist, junior, setter.
- Nathen Toth, Marist, junior, outside hitter.
- Oisin Walsh, Oak Lawn, junior middle hitter.
- Wade Welke, Lockport, senior, outside hitter.
- Cael Whitchurch, Lemont, senior, setter/right side hitter.
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
