Will the Red Raiders Head Down 76th to Glenview Then Take a Right on Bluemound? A Preview of Boys Sectional Eight

CONTENDERS

Brookfield Central, Brookfield East, Shorewood, Wauwatosa East, Wauwatosa West, Whitefish Bay/Dominican

2008 RECAP

Wauwatosa East won a five-set thriller over Wauwatosa West, 22-25, 22-25, 25-15, 25-16, 15-11. The other two sectional semifinalists were Brookfield East and Shorewood.

2009 RANDOM NOTES

• Brookfield Central The Lancers will no doubt count on junior Steven Dusing,. Seniors Brandon Hutchinson and Dan Droese are two other names we've run across in our research.
• Brookfield East Sophomore Kyle Rohde captained the USA Continental Select Red team that finished second in the Boys National division at the 2009 High Performance Championships this past summer (BTW, Catholic Memorial's Trevor Novotny was also on the team and Nicolet's Matt Klingspohn was on the team that finished first). Also, if our googling is telling us anything, the Lancers will also have seniors Ben Fronberry and Alexander Balge on their roster.
• Shorewood Gone is Ohio State recruit Nick Gibson, leaving much of the heavy lifting this season on the shoulders of junior middle/opposite Nick Yannett and sophomore Adam Kessenich.
• Wauwatosa East After graduating nine in 2009, the Red Raiders will rely heavily on senior opposite Kyle O'Connell (145 kills in 2008). They're also likely to get support from senior middle Thomas Schultz and Matthew Patton, among others.
• Wauwatosa West Besides senior setter Ryan Bruss, will be able to get plenty of assists by dishing it to a couple of quality front-row players in juniors Alec Redlich and Mitch Lahmann.
• Whitefish Bay/Dominican Senior leadership will be provided by their go-to outside hitter Chris Nichols. Also look for contributions from junior Charlie Sather, sophomore opposite Drew Summers and setter Riley Mehls on a team that could surprise this year.

OUR PREDICTION

Wauwatosa East over Brookfield East in four.

Tomorrow: Girls Division Four Sectional One

Will the Hilltoppers Scale Another Mountain? A Preview of Boys Sectional Seven

CONTENDERS

Milwaukee Marquette, Pius XI, Waukesha North, Waukesha South, West Allis Central, West Allis Hale

2008 RECAP

Milwaukee Marquette defeated West Allis Hale in three. Pius XI and Waukesha North were the other sectional semifinalists.

2009 RANDOM NOTES

• Milwaukee Marquette Last year's state champs graduated nine in 2009--and they're still nicely positioned to repeat as state champions. Four seniors return: setter Peter Heinen (611 assists in 2008), middle/opposite Jack Hauser (.504 hitting percentage in 2008), outside Trevor Metz (43 kills in 2008) and opposite Matt Machi (99 kills in 2008). Also on last year's roster were junior libero Tyler Jerominski (122 digs in 2008) and sophomore setter Michael Schneck (239 assists in 2008). Others who might contribute include junior outside Sean Foley and sophomore Peter Hutz. And yes, we're sure we're missing some who had fantastic club seasons and could make a contribution. Let's just say head coach Eric Sullivan will plenty of options.
  
• Pius XI The Popes graduated four players who were Classic Eight all-conference honorees at one level or another, including first-teamer Dave Maternowski. Beyond that, we don't have any information about last year's No. 2 seed in this sectional. We'll add info to this preview if and when we get it.
  
• Waukesha North Coach Nick Maske returns two honorable mention Classic Eight all-conference honorees in seniors Aaron Gendrich and Ben Leech.
• Waukesha South The Blackshirts will likely count on honorable mention Classic Eight all-conference senior Zach Boehmke. They'll also expect a big block from senior Robert Grubb.
  
• West Allis Central The Bulldogs graduated 11 players from their 2008 roster, but return talented junior Luke Towler.
  
• West Allis Hale Senior libero Dylan Hardwick and setter Taylor Chladeck will be two players to watch for the Huskies.

OUR PREDICTION

Milwaukee Marquette over West Allis Hale in three.

Tomorrow: Boys sectional eight

Will the Rebels Return to Tosa? A Preview of Boys Sectional Six

CONTENDERS
Greendale, Greenfield, Heritage Christian, Racine Case, Racine Horlick, Racine Park, Racine St. Catherine's

2008 RECAP
Racine Horlick relied heavily on senior leadership in a three-set victory over Racine Case in the sectional final. Greenfield and Racine St. Catherine's were the other sectional semifinalists.

2009 RANDOM NOTES

• Greendale You know what they say: If at first you don't succeed, google and google again. After typing in every search term imaginable, we finally tracked down the following names and information: The Panthers return junior setter Dan Grieshop, as well as fellow juniors Brandon Kozinski and Kevin Walsh to a team that "finished 2-10 in Woodland play and 4-6 in tournament play." Any additional insight would be very welcome.
  
• Greenfield We haven't found anything on this team, which is a shame since they made it to the sectional semifinals last season. Sorry about that. Let us know if you have any insights.
  
• Heritage Christian We know they'll be at the Trojan Invite on October 3rd. Seniors Jacob Hicks and Enrique Rodriguez played club for Southwest 17s.
• Racine Case We don't have much on this school, either, other than the fact that head coach Kerry Timler will clearly have to replace last year's honorable mention all-state outside Trevor Weimer.
  
• Racine Horlick Last year's middles, Jamil Wilson and Antwon Oliver, are now playing basketball at Oregon and Iowa State respectively. The Rebels also graduated last year's setter, but they'll still be able to turn to senior outside Dillon Martinez (103 digs and 25 aces in 2008) and junior defensive specialists Michael Goetz (87 digs in 2008) and Devon Thomas (90 digs in 2008).
• Racine Park Senior Kevin Bebholz was second-team Southeast all-conference last season. The Panthers also have a site that lists their 2009 schedule.
• Racine St. Catherine's They'll be at the Trojan Invite on October 3rd. Don't know much else. Would like to, but don't.
  

OUR PREDICTION
Racine Horlick over Racine Park in three.

Tomorrow: Boys Sectional Seven

Will the Black and Gold Be Going for Gold in November? A Preview of Boys Sectional Five

CONTENDERS
Franklin, Kenosha Bradford, Kenosha Tremper, Muskego, New Berlin United, South Milwaukee

2008 RECAP
New Berlin United defeated Kenosha Tremper in three in the sectional final. Muskego and Franklin were the other two sectional semifinalists.

2009 RANDOM NOTES

• Franklin The Sabers graduated five seniors, four of whom were starters. This season, they'll likely turn to junior John Jablanowski, an all-conference performer in 2008, and Steven Fons, who could see action as a libero or an outside.They also return junior middle Nick Romanowski who led the Sabers in blocks with 73 -- in his first year of volleyball! Junior setter Riley Stone also returns (591 assists in 2008).
  
• Kenosha Bradford The Red Devils will get plenty of senior leadership from Brett Kaczmarek (first-team Southeast all-conference) and Joey Stella (second-team Southeast all-conference). An early test will be at the September 12 Neenah Invite.
• Kenosha Tremper The Trojans graduated 10 of 15 on their roster, including all-state star Tomas Goldsmith, a Rutgers University recruit, as well as four other starters. Seniors Kyle Quinn, who played opposite the past two seasons, and Kyle Bakkila, who played middle the past two seasons, are the two returnees. Key tournaments will be the September 12th Racine Invite and hosting the Trojan Invite on October 3rd.
• Muskego Junior Sam Benson was second-team Southeast all-conference last season. The Warriors will be at the Trojan Invite on October 3rd as well.
• New Berlin United The Black & Gold will once again rely heavily on senior outside Jeremy Dejno (305 kills and .428 hitting percentage in 2008) to help win them a second straight ticket to Tosa. Others to watch on a team that only graduated one senior include junior middle Mike Beeler (96 kills in 2008) senior setter Chris Pokrzwya (500 assists in 2008) and sophomore middle Nick Olson (85 kills in 2008).
  
• South Milwaukee We have not been able to find any information about the Rockets' upcoming season. If and when we find it, we shall share.
  

OUR PREDICTION
New Berlin United over Kenosha Bradford in three.

Tomorrow: Boys Sectional Six

Will It Be the Falcons, the Cardinals or a Non-Avian Mascot? A Preview of Boys Sectional Four

CONTENDERS
Beloit Memorial, Burlington, Madison Memorial, Madison West, Middleton, Mukwonago, Westosha Central

2008 RECAP
Middleton defeated Burlington in three. Westosha Central and Mukwonago were the other sectional semifinalists.

2009 RANDOM NOTES

• Beloit Memorial The Knights lose Marshall Davis in the middle, as well as a setter and right side from last year's team. This will, of course, force them to rely on youth to move them forward. An early test will occur at the Neenah Invite on September 12.
• Burlington The Demons have a top-flight player in honorable mention all-state senior libero Mike Porcaro. He'll be digging those hits straight to senior setter Kevin Robers, who, in turn, will often be sending the ball straight to senior outside Cody Peterson.
  
• Madison Memorial First-year coach Josh Reinieking will have a young team with very little varsity experience, having lost all-conference Big Eight setter Anderson-Goldsworthy.
• Middleton Returning conference champions, perennial state contender and a consistent top 10 team in Wisconsin, the Cardinals will once again be a force under the leadership of last year's Wisconsin coach of the year, Ben White. Even though they lost four of six starters to graduation, they return plenty of firepower, including 6'7" senior Michael Owen (second team all-state with 205 kills in 2008). Michael can -- and probably will -- be called upon to play any front row position. Another key contributor will be senior middle and third-year starter Will Kraus (116 kills in 2008). Nick Wong returns from a back injury to set and Brad Denruiter will take over at libero.
  
• Mukwonago Even though they graduated first-team Classic Eight all-conference outside Jordan Mannin, the Indians return junior setter Shawn Vick and 6'6" senior middle Logan Krueger.
• Westosha Central If anyone's going to give Middleton a run for its money, we're guessing it will be the Falcons. They'll be led by senior outside Jim Schultz (HM all-state and first team all-conference with 299 kills and 46 aces in 2008), senior middle Matt Feivor (second team all-conference with 241 kills and 31 total blocks last season) and junior setter Dayton Erickson (second team all-conference and 612 assists last season). Also look for key contributions from senior opposite Tyler Barnstable. They'll be in a number of tough tournaments, including the Racine Invite, Kettle Moraine Invite, Red Raider Invite and Shorewood Invite.
  

OUR PREDICTION
Westosha Central over Middleton in five (and yes, like yesterday, we're much more confident about the match going five than we are in our predicted outcome).

Tomorrow: Boys Sectional Five

Will West Be Best? A Preview of Boys Sectional Three

CONTENDERS

Catholic Memorial, Fort Atkinson, Kettle Moraine, Madison East, Madison La Follette, Waukesha West

2008 RECAP

Last season, the Kettle Moraine Lasers defeated Catholic Memorial in five closely contested sets (25-27, 25-27, 28-26, 24-26, 15-12). The other two sectional semifinalists were Fort Atkinson and Waukesha West.

2009 RANDOM NOTES

• Catholic Memorial The Crusaders have a nice mix of youth and experience that should make them a legitimate contender. The two middle positions will likely be held down by a pair of seniors, Chad Bonis and Sam Spence. Also look for contributions from junior libero Dan Caspar and sophomore Trevor Novtny.
• Fort Atkinson New coach Mike Ziegler will likely look to returning outside Anthony Galston for offense. If the Blackhawks are going to succeed, however, the key will be replacing two key graduation losses in setter Joe Athas and 2008 first-team Big Eight all-conference middle Jason Bohn.
• Kettle Moraine The bad news is that all-state honoree Ean Reid has graduated, along with his 164 kills in 2008. The good news is that he was the only senior on last year's state-qualifying team. Returnees include last season's co-captain, senior Jonathan Tuttle, as well as senior setter Jim Mayenschein (324 assists in 2008), senior libero Mitch Rupp, junior middle Greg Duma and junior opposite Connor Keating.
• Madison East Second-year coach Tyler Cleveland returns four of six starters from last year's team, including junior libero Brad Fraser, the only sophomore in the Big Eigh last season to garner all-conference honors. The Purgolders will likely fill their middle position with senior Steve Horn, who finished fifth in the Big Eight in blocks last season. Junior outsides Joey Topping and Garrett Lytle, junior setter Joe Toman and sophomore right side Nick Herbig will likely round out the lineup for East. An early test will be at the Neenah Invite on September 12th.
• Madison La Follette With the exception of their libero, the Lancers bring back every single starter from last season's team, including first-team Big Eight all-conference outside Jon Dybevik, senior setter Jake Amend, senior middle Lucas Dubois and senior middle Jaren Singh. With all that experience, veteran coach Pat O'Leary could have a fantastic season.
• Waukesha West The Wolverines return six of seven starters on a team that consistently ranked in the top 10 last season. They'll look to senior libero Dan Simon and senior middle Ryan Solberg for leadership (both were honorable mention all-state and first-team Classic Eight all-conference in 2008). Senior setter Danny Jonas will also be able to dish out assists to sophomore outside Alex Jelacic and senior outside Stephen Waclawski. Senior Dan Warner will likely hold down the other middle position and senior Jake Schaefer should get plenty of swings at opposite. An early test will be at the Racine Invite on September 12.

OUR PREDICTION

Waukesha West over Catholic Memorial in five (unless, er, it's the other way around--this is a tough one)

2009 KEY LINKS

• Rosters (to come)

2009 SEASON NOTES

• Catholic Memorial won the Kettle Moraine Invite, 9/5/09

Will the Knights Again Have Their Day at State? A Preview of Boys Sectional Two

CONTENDERS

Arrowhead, Fond du Lac, Germantown, Homestead, Neenah, Nicolet

2008 RECAP
Nicolet defeated Homestead in four on their way to a runner-up finish at state. Arrowhead and Fond du Lac were the other sectional semifinalists.

2009 RANDOM NOTES

• Arrowhead The Warhawks lost two Classic Eight all-conference performers in Joe Kurkiewicz and Tony Mancuso, so new coach Will Hall will turn to a group that includes juniors Daniel Umhoefer and Joe Humpal, as well as senior Nick Korom.
• Fond du Lac The Cardinals finished 4-5 in the Fox Valley Conference last season. We're still looking for more information on this program.
• Germantown Another program for which we're lacking information. Please let us know what you know so we can share it with the world (or at least that tiny sliver of the world that reads this blog).
• Homestead New coach Todd Lyon will likely turn to honorable mention Greater Metro all-conference senior Brian Hoffman, as well as seniors Will Ault, Erik Grothman, Patrick Jones and Matthew Savage
• Neenah The Rockets didn't graduate a single player last season. And with experienced senior leadership this year from Alex Malesa, Ryan Robillard and Jon Zerrien, as well as a large crop of young future prospects, the Rockets hope to make some serious noise in this sectional this season. You can follow coach Brian Zimmerman throughout the season on Twitter or at his blog.
• Nicolet The Knights will return senior setter Anatoli Berezovsky (875 assists and 59 aces in 2008) and junior outside Matt Klingspohn (227 kills in 2008), both of whom were honorable mention all-state in 2008. They'll also turn to first-team Greater Metro all-conference senior middle Rob Mayer (203 kills and 62 aces in 2008). Other key contributors could include junior DS Patrick Bieser (137 digs in 2008) and senior DS Aaron Westling (four aces in 2008 state semifinal victory).

OUR PREDICTION

Nicolet over Homestead in three

Tomorrow: Boys Sectional Three

Will the Ghosts Be Galloping Back to State? A Preview of Boys Sectional One

CONTENDERS

Appleton East, Appleton North, Appleton West, Green Bay Preble/Green Bay East, Green Bay Southwest/Green Bay West, Kaukauna, Kimberly

2008 RECAP

It was predicted to be a battle between Kaukauna and Kimberly, and that's pretty much exactly what happened, with the Galloping Ghosts defeating the Papermakers in four. Appleton North and Appleton East lost in sectional semifinals.

2009 RANDOM NOTES

• Appleton East The Patriots will rely heavily on senior Noah Mader. They'll also be looking for big contributions from junior outside Ross Johnson and senior libero Chris Flood. As with many teams in this sectional, one early test will occur on September 12 at the Neenah Invitational.
  
• Appleton North Another team that should make a serious run at state will be the Lightning, who are once again led by 6'7" senior setter Mickey Flynn.
• Appleton West Coach Tim Weiss graduated eight seniors last season and will be working with an entirely new group of student-athletes. Coach Weiss will get a good sense for how this group will match up when he takes them to the Neenah Invite on September 12.
• Green Bay Preble/Green Bay East We need more information on this team. And if we get it, you can be sure we'll do what we can to draw attention to boys volleyball at these schools (and any other schools for which we lack information).
• Green Bay Southwest/Green Bay West Here's another team for which we haven't been able to find much information.
• Kaukauna Graduation has certainly taken its toll on last year's state qualifiers. Gone are outside Domenic Judkins and his 303 kills, as well as six other seniors. With that in mind, the Galloping Ghosts will look to senior DS Troy Van Zeeland (38 aces and 150 digs in 2008) and senior Kevin Biese (117 kills in 2008) as they attempt to punch another ticket to Tosa.
• Kimberly There have been a lot of graduations and other changes within this program. Senior Erik Harke was second-team Fox Valley all-conference in 2008.

OUR PREDICTION

Kaukauna over Appleton East in three

Tomorrow: WIAA Boys Sectional Two