Broncos’ Volleyball Takes Home Lake County Invite Championship

Barrington’s front line was not only challenging opponent Highland Park, but also each other in their final’s match in the Lake County Invite.  The challenge proved successful as the Broncos captured the finals trophy winning two sets to one.

“[TJ Shanahan and Tommy Leonard] knew they were the key to the match and challenged themselves to be more active after the team’s first set loss,” Barrington’s coach Rob Ridenour said of his middle blockers.  “I thought their effort level was tremendous and they were rewarded for it.”

The Broncos, who dropped the first set to Highland Park 28-26, finished strong taking the remaining two sets 25-20 and 25-19 thanks to strong and steady play at the net. 

Leonard, a 6’8 junior, recorded 10 kills in the finals showdown matching teammate Shanahan (a 6’5 senior) but both trailed senior outside hitter Matt Logue who recorded 13 kills.  Logue also led the team with an impressive 50 kills for the tournament, edging out Jeff Hochstein’s 33, Shanahan’s 27 and Leonard’s 25.

But it wasn’t just offense that propelled Barrington in their contest versus Highland Park as junior Taylor Ganzer chipped in 40 assists.

“That trio of guys really turned around the championship for us,” said Ridenour of Shanahan, Leonard and Ganzer who helped lead the Broncos back from their first set deficit.

“[Ganzer] was just really ridiculous in that last match in terms of his decision making,” Ridenour went on to say of his setter who helped lead the Broncos back to victory.  “He is constantly learning to be a very intelligent setter and that’s great to see.”

During the weekend tournament, Ganzer recorded 118 assists and according to the Bronco coach was the key to the team’s overall success, especially during their win over Stevenson in the semi-finals.

“Overall (Ganzer) was the most consistent player all weekend,” Ridenour went on to say of his setter.  “He had just a great tournament.”

The Broncos are not done with tournament play as they will participate in the upcoming Downers Grove South Tournament this weekend starting April 22.  One of the state’s tougher tournament, which will showcase some of the area’s best teams (like Wheaton-Warrenville South and Lake Park), the Lake County Invite was a perfect lead into the event.

“This is one of the toughest tournaments in the state in terms of competition,” Ridenour said.  “This will be a really good challenge for us.”