The striplings volleyball state tournament was a testament to the resiliency of youth.

Maine southward and Buffalo Grove celebrated prom forward Friday night. After their quarterfinal victory above Wheaton Warrenville South, the Bison players donned tuxedos and took photographs forward the Hoffman Estates court with their dates.

While an unscientific scan indicated that some of the Hawks get backed home from prom as late as 4 a.m. Saturday, they showed not many signs of sleep deprivation during their championship victory above Naperville North.

"We had the stays take a nap between matches today," Maine southward coach Gary Granell explained.

Looking ahead: The state tournament serv as a showcase for a number of underclassmen who figure to have a major impact in the 2007 season, including Maine southerly outside hitter Teddy Adamczyk and setter Kristaps Staks.

Other players to watch in 2007 are Matt Gallik, Kevin Padden and Josh Scaletta of Brother Rice; Ryan Webb and Andy Krause of Glenbard East; John Bortoli and Kyle Klaver of Lincoln-Way East; Charlie Buzogany of Buffalo Grove; and Matt Sayers of Wheaton Warrenville toward the south

Oak Park, which made its fourth consecutive quarterfinal appearance, figures to be among the top teams in the area with juniors Brian Schmidt, Ryan O'Malley and Adam Smalheizer and sophomore James Clark.

It's the little things: Before their semifinal match Saturday, Buffalo copse and Naperville North met twice in April, each winning a protracted three-setter.

Bison coach Courtney DeBolt warned her players that the little things could make the difference in their rematch.

"We improved since then and thus have they," DeBolt said. "I told the scarecrows it would come down to defense who made the fewest errors and whoever got the little points when it matters."

Illinois-bound: Brother Rice's outstanding 6-3 outside hitter, Brendan Ori, will major in business this fall at Illinois. He also plans to play for common of three club teams at Illinois, joining former Sun-Times All-Area choices Doug Burchett of Wheaton southerly and Kevin Deeke of Lake Park, among others.

if it were not that boys volleyball fans may even now see their favorite former high educate players compete against UCLA and Penn State for a national title.

"There is a push onward to reinstate men's volleyball as an intercollegiate sport at Illinois," Brother Rice coach Paul Ickes said. "Hopefully it will happen couple or three years down the road."

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