Top 10 teams and 25 players to watch
For Daily Southtown
TOP 10 TEAMS
1. Marist (23-4): Redhawks graduated Nyherowo Omene, the 2021 Daily Southtown Player of the Year, but they return an abundance of talent in junior star Marty Canavan, senior outside hitter Kellen O’Keefe and a trio of heralded middles in Fontbonne recruit Josh Blomberg, Alex Smith and Mike Uldrych.
2. Lincoln-Way East (20-7): Griffins could be stronger than last year’s team that finished fourth in the state. Injuries hit them hard, but they still put together a memorable run with some impressive underclassmen who return. Hitters Jared Byas, Jon Guch and Tyler Walenga are a force when healthy.
3. St. Rita (19-8): Mustangs have qualified for state three straight years and return a ton of talent, including Loras recruits Jimmy Sanders, a libero, and Danny Chambers, a setter. Right-side hitter Ryne Jacobsen, a Quincy recruit, and 6-foot-6 middle hitter Charlie Flynn also pose problems in front row.
4. Lincoln-Way West (19-5): Senior outside Brian Lynch (Mount Mercy) made the AVCA All-America watch list for the Warriors, who have won backto-back SouthWest Suburban Red titles. Junior outside Connor Studer was strong last season and Conner Dargan (Trinity Christian) anchors middle.
5. Sandburg (15-6): Eagles return quality in senior libero Kyle Wagner and senior outside Gavin Kissane, while hitters Brayden Rice, Josh Aquino and Seth Judd are poised for breakout seasons.
6. Lockport (22-4): After advancing to state for the first time in program history in 2021, the Porters graduated nine seniors. Sophomore setter Evan Dziadkowiec will be bring leadership to a team with many new faces.
7. Lincoln-Way Central (8-8): Senior setter Will Hinchcliffe will be connecting with senior middle Michael Greco quite a bit. Last year’s abbreviated season of 16 matches prevented Knights from winning 20 or more matches for just the second time in the past 15 years.
8. Brother Rice (13-11): Last year was a downer for Crusaders, but they did boast victories over Lincoln-Way West and Lyons. Luke Dwyer is the new setter with plenty of options to choose from in Joe Pfeiffer, Tom Lamb, Connor O’Malley, Brendan McCarthy and Sean Paulsen.
9. Chicago Christian (17-11): Knights, who are only in their third year, are hoping to surpass last year’s huge season. Senior setter Jack Dryfhout had 242 assists and 30 blocks. Hitters Grant Veldman and Nolan Krygsheld bring power.
10. Homewood-Flossmoor (14-12): Vikings were once a power, taking third in the state in 1992 and fourth in 1994. After many years of struggles, the needle is pointing up. Senior middle Charlie Van Etten hopes to keep things rolling.
THE 25 PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jared Byas, Lincoln-Way East, senior, outside hitter; Marty Canavan, Marist, junior, outside/right side hitter; Danny Chambers, St. Rita, senior, setter; Jack Dryfhout, Chicago Christian, junior, setter; Evan Dziadkowiec, Lockport, sophomore, setter; Charlie Flynn, St. Rita, senior middle hitter; Michael Greco, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, middle hitter; Jon Guch, Lincoln-Way East, senior, right side hitter; Will Hinchliffe, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, setter; Carter Holbrook, Joliet Catholic, junior, libero; Ryne Jacobsen, St. Rita, senior, outside/right side hitter; Gavin Kissane, Sandburg, senior, outside hitter; Brian Lynch, Lincoln-Way West, senior, outside hitter; Kellen O’Keefe, Marist, senior, outside hitter; Joe Pfeiffer, Brother Rice, senior, outside hitter/middle hitter; Jimmy Sanders, St. Rita, senior, libero; Connor Studer, Lincoln-Way West, junior, outside hitter; Thomas Suchecki, St. Laurence, senior, libero; Sam Szafoni, Lincoln-Way East, junior libero; Jacob TerMaat, Lemont, senior, setter; Michael Uldrych, Marist, junior, middle hitter; Charlie Van Etten, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, middle hitter; Grant Veldman, Chicago Christian, senior, outside hitter; Tyler Walenga, Lincoln-Way East, junior, outside hitter; Kyle Wagner, Sandburg, senior, libero.