Marist, the reigning state champion, should contend again with the return of several elite players.
Top 10 Teams
1. Marist (39-2)
Defending state champion RedHawks return two of the best seniors in the state in Christian Teresi (Ohio State), a setter/right-side hitter and two-time Daily Southtown Boys Volleyball Player of the Year, and outside hitter Nathen Toth (MIT). There are a few spots to fill because of graduation, but Devlin Biggs and Briggs Corona could take over.
2. Brother Rice (25-14)
Crusaders return a ton of talent, including senior outside hitter Paul Baker, senior right-side hitter John Mikrut and twin brother Zach, an outside hitter. Senior setter Matt Phelan will have plenty of options to utilize.
3. Lincoln-Way West (32-8)
After reaching state quarterfinals last season, Warriors are itching for a return with 11 returnees and six returning starters who want to bring home a state trophy. Honorable mention all-state pick Hunter Vedder is back as a senior outside hitter. Senior middle hitter Drew Kregul (Northern Kentucky) grew to 6-foot-9 and senior Andrew Flores is one of the top liberos in the state.
4. Lincoln-Way East (28-11)
Griffins made it to the sectional semifinals with three sophomores and a freshman on the court, and all are a year older. The leader is senior outside/right-side hitter Matthew Muehlnickel (Lindenwood), a second team all-state selection. Hamza Murrar, a three-year starting libero and Oak Forest transfer, will look to work way into the lineup.
5. Sandburg (25-13)
Senior outside hitter Jeremiah Aro is a dynamic player for first-year coach Madisen Babich, who also will enjoy watching Will Ashum and JT Snider put away the sets of Easton Donausky for an abundance of kills.
6. Reavis (23-9)
At top of list of six returning starters for Rams is senior libero Krystian Paluch, who has more than 1,300 digs in his first three seasons. Senior outside hitter Jozef Walus is the South Suburban Red’s reigning player of the year.
7. Homewood-Flossmoor (29-8)
Vikings set program record for wins and return core of strong players paced by senior outside hitter Ahmad Powell, a third team all-state pick. Senior middle hitter Caleb Madden, senior libero Bryan Ahrendt and sophomore outside hitter Surendran Heyward also should contribute.
8. Oak Lawn (21-17)
Another South Suburban Red team with a slew of returning starters. Senior middle Oisin Walsh (Lincoln Memorial) is the headliner. Junior outside hitter Marco Budzak has developed into a strong all-around player who even set last season when called upon.
9. Providence (20-17)
All-conference players Jackson Fowler, Sean Dovin and Andrew Lubinski are all back and looking for a Catholic League White title. Sophomores Brayden Pfieffer and Omar Torreblanca could play big roles this season.
10. Lockport (32-6)
Porters don’t have any returning regulars, so why do they get a ranking? They have averaged 27.5 wins over the past nine seasons. Senior setter Ryan Dziadkowiec will be following in the footsteps of his brother, Evan.
The 25 Players to Watch
- Colin Alvers, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, libero.
- Jeremiah Aro, Sandburg, senior, right-side hitter.
- Paul Baker, Brother Rice, senior, outside hitter.
- Devlin Biggs, Marist, senior, outside hitter.
- Marco Budzak, Oak Lawn, junior, setter/right-side hitter.
- Andrew Flores, Lincoln-Way West, senior, libero.
- Jackson Fowler, Providence, senior, right-side hitter.
- Sam Jager, Chicago Christian, junior, libero.
- Drew Kregul, Lincoln-Way West, senior, middle hitter.
- Jeremy Lin, De La Salle, senior, outside hitter.
- John Mikrut, Brother Rice, senior, right side.
- Matthew Muehlnickel, Lincoln-Way East, senior, outside hitter.
- Sebastian Pardol, Argo, junior, outside hitter.
- Krystian Paluch, Reavis, senior, libero.
- Matthew Phelan, Brother Rice, senior, setter.
- Ahmad Powell, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, outside hitter.
- Aydin Provost, Mount Carmel, senior, right-side hitter.
- JT Snider, Sandburg, senior, outside hitter.
- Matthew Suchecki, St. Laurence, senior setter.
- Madan Sundaram, Lincoln-Way East, senior, libero.
- Christian Teresi, Marist, senior, setter/right-side hitter.
- Nathen Toth, Marist, senior, outside hitter.
- Hunter Vedder, Lincoln-Way West, senior, outside hitter.
- Jozef Walus, Reavis, senior, outside hitter.
- Charlie Zeiler, Stagg, junior, setter.
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
