vs Lincoln-Way West

Lincoln-Way West High School enters its April 16, 2026, matchup against Lake Park with a 7-4 overall record. The Warriors are currently ranked 43rd in the state of Illinois and 583rd nationally based on available data. Following the graduation of eight seniors from the previous season, the program is currently utilizing a core of five returning varsity players supplemented by new contributors in the middle and at setter.

Team Overview

The Warriors have maintained a winning record through the first half of the season despite significant roster turnover. The team currently holds a 0-0 conference record and has shown balance between senior leadership and junior production. Statistically, the team relies on a high-efficiency middle attack and a defensive system anchored by one of the state’s recognized top-100 players. According to the Illprepvb rankings, the team is currently listed among the "Other teams to watch" in Illinois.

Key Players to Watch

• Colin Baikie (Jr., OH, #9): Standing at a height of 6'3", Baikie is ranked #64 in the Illprepvb Top 100 for the 2026 season. He leads the team in defensive production with 3.7 digs per set (26 total digs) and is the third-leading attacker with 2.0 kills per set (14 total kills). He also contributes significantly to serve receive with 41 receptions.
• Mason Thompson (Sr., OH, #4): At a height of 6'0", Thompson is the primary offensive volume leader for the Warriors. He leads the team with 3.1 kills per set and 22 total kills. He is also a primary target in the passing game, recording a team-high 53 receptions, while contributing 2.7 digs per set.
• Ryan Czernik (Sr., MH/RS, #7): Czernik provides significant front-row presence at a height of 6'4". He leads the team in total blocks with 25 and serving aces with 3 (0.4 per set). Offensively, he is highly efficient, recording a 0.467 hitting percentage with 2.7 kills per set.
• David Neylon (Jr., MH, #20): Standing at a height of 6'4", Neylon is the team’s most efficient attacker with a 0.524 hitting percentage. He has recorded 19 total blocks, ranking second on the team.
• Aidan Kettelson (Sr., S/RS, #10): At a height of 6'1", Kettelson is the primary distributor with 42 assists. He also contributes defensively with 2.0 digs per set and has recorded 12 total blocks.

Tactical Strengths

• Efficient Middle Attack: The Warriors find significant success when attacking through the middle of the court. The duo of David Neylon (0.524 hitting percentage) and Ryan Czernik (0.467 hitting percentage) provide high-efficiency scoring options that force opposing blockers to remain disciplined.
• Floor Defense and Ball Control: The team features strong back-row production, specifically from Colin Baikie and Mason Thompson. Baikie’s 3.7 digs per set provide the Warriors with consistent transition opportunities. Thompson’s ability to handle high-volume serve receive (53 receptions) allows the offense to remain in system.
• Front-Row Deflection: Led by Ryan Czernik’s 25 total blocks and David Neylon’s 19, the Warriors have a proven ability to disrupt opponent attacks at the net. This statistical trend suggests a well-coordinated block-to-defense transition.

Tactical Vulnerabilities

• Low Service Pressure: Based on available statistical leaders, the Warriors have recorded a limited number of serving aces. Ryan Czernik leads the team with only three aces, and the total among the top three leaders is six. This may allow opponents to stay in system more frequently.
• Setting Distribution Split: The team utilizes two primary setters, with Aidan Kettelson recording 42 assists and Mikey Nebel recording 33. This indicates the team may still be establishing a definitive offensive rhythm or is running a 6-2 system that requires high coordination between multiple hitters and distributors.
• Height Deficit in Key Matchups: While Czernik and Neylon stand at a height of 6'4", they face a significant height disadvantage against Lake Park’s Nolan Cocat, who stands at a height of 6'10". There is limited data to suggest how the Warriors will adjust their blocking schemes to account for this vertical difference at the net.