After losing to Naperville Central on Thursday night, Naperville North coach Roger Strausberger said he would be holding open tryouts every day as he searches for the right combination of Huskies.
The Huskies tried out two lineup changes at the Lincoln-Way East Invitational: moving Mike Henry from outside hitter to the middle and starting junior Ryan Kristensen at setter in place of senior Mike Buckman.
While the Huskies (19-11) presented their coach with more frustrating results -- two-game losses to Lake Forest and Lincoln-Way Central in bracket play -- Strausberger told The Heat Index on Saturday evening that he was encouraged with the play of Henry and Kirstensen.
Henry, a 6-foot-6 senior, has played in the middle on his club team and he played well enough this weekend to earn all-tournament honors. North has struggled all season with its blocking, so this move might help shore up its defense.
"He's found a spot in the middle, definitely," Strausberger said.
As for Kristensen, who like Buckman came into the season without any varsity experience, there are still some question marks, but Strausberger wants to see if Kristenesen can become effective and consistent with his decision making and his delivery.
When the Huskies (7-3) play at DuPage Valley Conference leader Glenbard East (9-1) on Tuesday, expect Kristensen to be the starter.
"I guess I'll try Kristensen again," Strausberger said.
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