MIKE RAMCZYK
As another volleyball season tips off for Kenosha County girls and boys, let’s take a look at some of the top players in the area.
With a rich history of volleyball in the Southern Lakes and Southeast conferences, there is plenty of talent to go around.
Here’s a look at seven volleyball players to watch this fall:
Payton Scifres, sophom*ore, setter, Westosha Central girls
A first team all-county and all-conference selection as a freshman, Scifres also was named honorable mention by the Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association.
She is also an AVCA Phenom.
Her dominant 2023 included 734 assists and 105 kills.
A bona fide stud, Scifres will flirt with this year’s all-county player of the year award.
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Graham Forester, senior, setter, Westosha Central boys
A preseason pick from an area boys coach for all-county boys volleyball, Forester was the top player on the Southern Lakes Conference all-conference second team in 2023.
Forester leads a talented squad that includes middle blocker Liam Lubkeman, a first team all-SLC pick last year.
Colton LeQuesne and Austin Rynberg will also be major players in the Falcons’ season, which is shaping up to be successful.
Maddie Chianello, senior, libero, Tremper girls
Tremper head coach Ashley Bermudez can’t help but brag when it comes to Chianello, a second team all-SEC pick last year.
The four-year varsity player and three-year libero has been the team’s MVP since 2022 and a team captain.
“Her ability to play this game so effortlessly floors me,” Bermudez said. “She has improved so much throughout the years and pushes her teammates to do their best. She puts her teammates before herself and never stops pushing herself. She truly wants to be the best.
Off the court, Maddie is an extraordinary student and even better friend. She is the first to help someone in need. You do not find young ladies like her anymore. She will be greatly missed when the season ends, but I know she is going to do amazing things this season. She is a force to be reckoned with.”
Annabelle Cerny, junior, St. Joseph girls
The only Metro Classic Conference first team selection in 2023 that’s back this year, Cerny is a star on the rise for the Lancers.
Last year, Cerny dominated and earned first team all-county honors as well.
She tallied 170 kills, 85 assists, 72 digs, 54 acres and 15 block kills.
Connor Sporer, junior, setter, Tremper boys
Tossed into the role of setter last season, Sporer took over for the senior setter that decided not to play volleyball.
He stepped up and earned SEC all-conference honorable mention. Also, Sporer was the Trojans’ defensive player of the year. He led the team in total blocks and was second in digs.
“He was thrown into the role of setter last year because our senior setter at the time didn’t end up playing volleyball,” Tremper head coach Jordan Hansen said. “Ever since then, he’s embraced the role and become a leader on our team.
“Now with two years of club experience, Connor is looking to take his game to a new level. We have a few club players entering our program (more than in years past), so we are seeing some good pieces to fit around Connor.”
Ashley Ray, sophom*ore, outside hitter, Indian Trail girlsHer sister Alyssa is playing volleyball at UW-La Crosse this year after earning honorable mention all-state with the Hawks last year.
Now, it’s Ashley’s turn to lead the team, along with outside hitter Jamie Isome.
Ashley was a second team all-SEC and first team all-county selection in 2023. The Hawks return most of their team from last year’s squad, which finished 23-12, and head coach Ashley Kuehl thinks it’s going to be a big year.
The Hawks are approaching the 200-win mark for the program, which could be reached this season.
“Looking forward to an amazing season,” Kuehl said. “Each of our returners has shown improvement at open gyms. I believe they can earn more wins in a tougher schedule than last year.”
Tyler Sioco, senior, outside hitter, Indian Trail boys
Sioco will be in contention to be named the boys all-county player of the year.
The Hawks are good, and Sioco is perhaps the team’s best player, thanks to team captain status and plenty of accolades.
Sioco is a four-year varsity starter and is planning to play college volleyball.
The second team all-SEC pick in 2023 leads a talented squad that includes key returners Evan Feudner, Brayden Phillips, Mason Fiene and Ben Johnson.
“We are very excited about this year,” Indian Trail head coach Brian Sharkey said. “We come in with a super strong serving and passing squad that is going to frustrate opponents all year. We hope to be competing for our conference title again and a shot at state in our sectional again this year.”
Photos: Wisconsin volleyball preps for regular season with exhibition match against Bradley
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