Naperville Central will put its undefeated record on the line Saturday against Sun-Times' No. 8 Sandburg in the quarterfinals of the Tiger Classic.
The second-ranked Redhawks (8-0) won their pool on Thursday night with an impressive three-game win over No. 7 Marist and a smooth-sailing TKO of Wheaton North.
Making it to the golden bracket in this prestigious 24-team monster at Wheaton Warrenville South is an honor. Central junior Dan Dierking knows that, but he says the Redhawks want more.
"The teams here are really good teams," said the 6-foot-5 outside hitter. "I'm sure that (performing well on Saturday) gives us a little leg up, but we just have to keep pushing the whole season. We can't just stop at any point. We have to push throughout the whole year."
In this tournament, filthy with power brokers in Illinois boys volleyball plus a couple hot shot ringers from out of state, a bad start means peace, see you later.
All week in practice, Central coach Bryan Johnwick said he stressed how important the first game against top-seed Marist was. In Johnwick's mind, "Everything rides on this first match."
After the quick win over Wheaton North, I asked Dierking if this was the type of game the Redhawks envisioned playing against Marist.
"I mean, maybe, but I think that tested us though," Dierking said after putting down seven kills against Wheaton North. "Because after that three-game match we were all tired mentally and physically. Wheaton North pushed us because they had nothing to lose."
Enemy Props
Marist coach Bob St. Leger said he was impressed with Central senior Matt Yanz, referring to the 6-foot-6 middle hitter as "a stud in the middle."
"No. 9 is a hell of a player," St. Leger said. "The big kid. He puts the ball away. We knew it going in. We had him scouted."
Golden Tickets
Joining Central and Sandburg in the golden bracket are defending state champion WW South and No. 6 Glenbrook North, which opened with a two-game win over Waubonsie Valley.
The Warriors' opponent in the quarterfinals of the silver bracket will be the second-place team from Pool F (Lincoln-Way Central, DeSmet Jesuit (Missouri) and Stagg), which plays on Friday night.
Champs vs. North
The No. 5 Huskies open play in Pool E against Brother Rice, which won the Tiger Classic last year, and finish against Oak Park-River Forest.
If North can win its group, the Huskies would play the winner of Pool D (Buffalo Grove, Lincoln-Way East and Evanston) in the golden quarterfinals.
UPDATE: The Sun-Times points out the solid game -- four kills, seven blocks -- that Central's Mike Brdicka had against Marist.
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