By Bobby Narang
The boys high school boys volleyball season will to go in full swing in the first part of April. After missing all of the 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic, and then enduring a shortened 2021 season, boys volleyball teams from the northeastern Illinois area are primed for an influx of matches this Spring.
Normally, the annual Tiger Classic Invitational, with host Wheaton Warrenville South, serves as the unofficial tipoff for the season.
But the prestigious tournament was pushed back for the first time past Spring break, and begin April 14, with the championship match April 16. Wheaton Warrenville South boys volleyball head coach Bill Schreier said the tournament, in its 18th season, is filled with quality teams.
“It’s a loaded tourney from top to bottom,” Schreier said. “Illinois schools have stepped up and taken the place of some of the out-of-state schools that have been in this tourney previously. This is the first year we are running this outside of the week of Spring break, so that’s a change from the previous 17 tourneys.
“We have a whole host of the top teams in the State and are well represented on that one for sure. Numerous teams are ranked highly in the region, and even some in the Nation. We should see some great competition once again from Barrington, Lincoln Way East, Plainfield North, Sandburg, St. Rita, and defending State champion, Glenbrook North. There have been 16 total state championships won by teams in this tourney field.”
The field includes Benet Academy, Addison Trail, Barrington, Glenbrook North, Lake Park, Metea Valley, Naperville Central, Neuqua Valley, Oswego, St. Charles North, St. Charles East, Wheaton North, and host Wheaton Warrenville South.
The host Tigers are aiming to make some noise in the tourney, led by senior setter Dylan Feely, senior middle hitter Ammar Brzovic, senior outside hitter Daniel Vlassov and junior middle hitter Evan Hutchins.
“Our team is doing okay as we adjust to each other,” Schreier said. “The difficulty for us is that the beginning of the season has all three levels in one gym for practice. Now that we’re separating into two gyms is when we will be able to really start to put the work in and get after things. We will be a much tougher team by the end of the season as compared to now, as we mix our youthful inexperience with our veteran core group.”
Nazareth baseball update:
Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park is one of the teams to watch this season in high school baseball. The Roadrunners have a plethora of talented next-level players capable of putting together a memorable season.
“I’m pleased with everyone staying focused with the unpredictable practices and game conditions because of the weather,” Nazareth head coach Lee Milano said. “This team comes to work every day regardless of time or locations of practices and games yet still have fun. We’re in the first quarter of the season and there is still a long way to go. Weather permitting we play every day this week. The (East Suburban Catholic) Conference opens Saturday against undefeated St. Viator. Our Conference doesn’t have a weak team. Every game is a battle that prepares us for the State playoffs.”
The Roadrunners (7-1) have been on a hitting tear during their five-game winning streak, and piled up 52 runs.
“We currently have seven guys hitting over .400,” Milano said. “Luca Fiore and Nick Drtina are getting it done, both on the mound and at the plate. Fiore is hitting .400 and Drtina .500. Both are 2-0 on the mound with ERAs lower than 1.00.”