A look back at the Smack Attack … Brother Rice showed poise downing a hot Naperville Central squad in the championship match of its 24-team tournament Saturday. The Crusaders regrouped from a Set 1 deficit and endured a late rally to win in two sets. Ball State recruit Mitch Weiler headlined the 17-person All-Tournament team. He was joined by Brother Rice teammate Kevin Myren, Eisenhower’s Robert McCoy, Lincoln-Way Central’s Connor Hipelius, Marist’s Jake Moran, Reavis’ David Kasprzak and Lincoln-Way North’s Austin Faller.
Reavis’ Kasprzak and North’s Faller earn props. Reavis coach Bob Wielgos didn’t hesitate calling Kasprzak the Rams’ best player after the right-side hitter helped in wins over Providence and Eisenhower. Kasprzak has 141 kills and 93 solo blocks for Reavis (9-9). Meanwhile, North coach Matt Lawrence said Faller is drawing interest from a handful of colleges. “There’s a reason our guys are hitting so well,” said Lawrence, giving a nod to his setter.
Lincoln-Way West is unbeaten. At 15-0, the Warriors are the only team in the Southland with an unblemished record. Much of that has to do with the standout play of setter Michael Wexter and middle hitters Jake Gasparich and Jon Adlington. The other reason is a relatively thin out-of-conference schedule — though that should change over the weekend as the Warriors compete in the 24-team Lincoln-Way East Invitational.
