Neuqua Valley got a dynamic performance from junior Derek Menendez in its quarterfinal win over Glenbard East at the boys volleyball state finals.
The 6-foot-5 middle hitter had nine kills, which matched his season high, and have five blocks going up against Sun-Times player of the year Dan Mader and company.
"He's such a great athlete," Neuqua coach Erich Mendoza. "All year, we've been trying to turn him into a volleyball player."
I'm no expert, but Menendez looked extremely volleyball-player like against the DuPage Valley Conference champs. And his outward enthusiasm, his celebratory screams, are good for a team that stays even keel for the most part.
"He's a real intense kid," Mendoza said. "All the other guys are kind of low key. ...Derek kind of is our spark plug on the court. He is one of the guys who actually shows some emotion."
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