Tony Baranek – Page 23

Mother McAuley's Sydney Buchanan (13) goes up for a kill against Marist during the Class 4A Mother McAuley championship match in Chicago on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023.

Syd the kid? Maybe not. Mother McAuley’s Sydney Buchanan comes of age in win over Marist. ‘The game of her life.’

November 1, 2023 at 9:41 p.m.

It was more than fitting that junior outside hitter Sydney Buchanan had the final kill Wednesday night for Mother McAuley. It was mandatory. Oh, there were other stepper-uppers, but Buchanan...

Mother McAuley's Abbey Williams (15) hits from the back row against Sandburg during the Class 4A Mother McAuley Sectional semifinals in Chicago on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023.

While waiting her turn, Abbey Williams finds way to make impact for Mother McAuley. ‘She’s such a selfless player.’

October 30, 2023 at 8:44 p.m.

Junior outside hitter Abbey Williams has some pretty exciting times waiting for her next season as a six-rotation player for Mother McAuley. For now, she's happy being — as Mighty...

Sandburg's Kate Walsh taps the ball over the net against Homewood-Flossmoor during the Class 4A Sandburg Regional championship match in Orland Park on Thursday, October 26, 2023.

Sandburg’s Kate Walsh cries after playing final match in home gym: ‘It’s hard knowing this is the last time.’

October 27, 2023 at 12:32 a.m.

Kate Walsh was some kind of wonderful for Sandburg. The 5-foot-10 senior all-purpose hitter was tipping and rolling and pounding the ball down from both sides of the net the...

Lemont's Keira O'Donnell returns a serve against Evergreen Park during a South Suburban Conference crossover match in Lemont on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.

Lemont volleyball — the No. 1 sectional seed — declared ineligible for postseason by IHSA due to rules violation

October 25, 2023 at 11:12 a.m.

From being a No. 1 seed to shocked sadness. Lemont's girls volleyball season has come to a stunning end due to an Illinois High School Association rules violation regarding matches...

Oak Lawn's Maeve Hassett (11) sets the ball against Andrew during the Class 4A Eisenhower Regional semifinals in Blue Island on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.

After not playing as a freshman, Maeve Hassett wants more as Oak Lawn’s assist machine. ‘It just feels amazing.’

October 25, 2023 at 2:12 p.m.

Apparently, Oak Lawn senior Maeve Hassett is not a stat tracker. Or for that matter, a milestone chaser. She had no idea before Tuesday night's match that she was at...

Marist's Hannah Hosty (8) puts up a set against Marian Catholic as teammate Bella Bullington (2) looks on during an East Suburban Catholic Conference match on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.

You don’t have to ask Marist’s Hannah Hosty twice. Truman State recruit hops right to it. ‘I get really excited.’

October 23, 2023 at 9:40 p.m.

When Marist runs an effective offensive play out of the middle, there are usually a lot of hops — during and after. Hannah Hosty doesn't hold back her emotions. "It's...

Sandburg's Molly Fox (14) and Maya Rihani (10) go up to block an attack by Lincoln Way East's Hayven Smith (16) during a SouthWest Suburban Blue match in Orland Park on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

Tony Baranek’s Daily Southtown girls volleyball rankings and player of the week

October 23, 2023 at 8:10 p.m.

Final shuffle sees Sandburg and St. Laurence inch up and Oak Lawn move into the rankings, while Sandburg's Maya Rihani is the player of the week. Top 10 With records...

Sandburg's Maya Rihani (10) celebrates with her teammates after winning a point against Lincoln-Way East during a SouthWest Suburban Blue match in Orland Park on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

Maya Rihani, a transfer from Andrew, leads charge as Sandburg takes conference title. ‘That just doesn’t happen.’

October 19, 2023 at 8:51 p.m.

Sandburg's Maya Rihani was one of the most hugged players on the court. They were pretty well deserved too, considering the amount of service points, aces, good sets and occasional...

Lockport's Lainey Green (7) waits to serve against Providence during a nonconference match in New Lenox on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.

Back from an ankle injury, Lainey Green piles up the assists at setter for Lockport. ‘She’s running the show.’

October 18, 2023 at 8:30 p.m.

When senior setter Lainey Green sets her mind to do something, she doesn't give up for Lockport. Even when it comes to waving to an official. The Northern Kentucky recruit...

Joliet Catholic's Olivia Chovanec (8) passes the ball against Taylorville during the Class 3A third-place match at Illinois State's Redbird Arena in Normal on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022.

Tony Baranek’s Daily Southtown girls volleyball rankings and player of the week

March 12, 2024 at 11:53 a.m.

Mother McAuley and Marist hold steady at the top as Joliet Catholic reenters the rankings. Joliet Catholic's Olivia Chovanec is the player of the week. Top 10 With records through...

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