vs Oak Park-River Forest

Oak Park-River Forest High School enters the April 24, 2026, matchup against Lake Park High School holding the number two ranking in Illinois according to the April 20 Illprepvb state rankings. The Huskies currently possess an 8-3-1 record and are positioned as a top contender in the state following a recent victory over Glenbard West. Lake Park enters this contest having recently dropped out of the state top 25 rankings, currently holding an 8-7 record.

Team Overview

Oak Park-River Forest is characterized by high-level experience and a roster featuring multiple players recognized among the top 100 in the state. The Huskies have demonstrated the ability to compete with elite programs, recently taking a three-set victory over a top-ranked Lyons Township team. The program relies on a sophisticated offensive system directed by one of the state’s highest-ranked setters and maintains a defensive structure anchored by a libero with national-level club experience. Based on available rankings and recent results, the Huskies are the statistical favorites in this matchup.

Key Players to Watch

#21 Matthew Proskey (Sr., S): Standing at a height of 6'2", Proskey is ranked as the #6 player in the state by Illprepvb. He is a primary contributor to the 630 Volleyball 18-1 club team, which finished the club season ranked #1 in Illinois. Proskey was an all-tournament selection at the Mizuno SPVB Presidents Day Challenge and provides the Huskies with elite-level distribution and court leadership.

#6 Jimmie Chrusfield III (Jr., OH): Chrusfield is a 6'1" height outside hitter ranked #19 in the Illprepvb Top 100. He brings significant offensive versatility to the OPRF lineup and has experience playing for the MOD B17 Blue club team, which finished the season ranked #1 in the 17s division.

#51 Gus Leman (Sr., L): Ranked #35 in the state, Leman (listed as August Leman in state rankings) provides the defensive foundation for the Huskies. At a height of 5'10", he contributed to the #1 ranked 630 Volleyball 18-1 club team. His ability to handle high-velocity serves will be critical against Lake Park’s primary attackers.

#7 Wesley Kochendorfer (Sr., MH): At a height of 6'4", Kochendorfer is a member of the top-ranked 630 Volleyball 18-1 club team. His statistical impact at the net is a vital component of the OPRF transition game, particularly in slowing down opponent middle attacks.

Tactical Strengths

Elite Playmaking and Distribution: With Matthew Proskey directing the offense, OPRF possesses a tactical advantage in setter efficiency. Proskey’s ranking as the #6 player in the state suggests a high level of accuracy and decision-making that allows OPRF to utilize all hitting options, including middle attacks from Kochendorfer and outside pressure from Chrusfield.

High-Level Experience: The OPRF roster features three players ranked in the top 35 of the Illprepvb Top 100. This concentration of elite talent, combined with their experience on the #1 ranked 18s club team in the state, provides a level of composure in high-pressure situations that Lake Park may struggle to match.

Defensive Reliability: The presence of Gus Leman in the back row ensures a high percentage of positive service receptions. This allows OPRF to remain in system more frequently than their opponents, facilitating Proskey’s ability to run a diverse offense.

Tactical Vulnerabilities

Front-Row Height Disadvantage: While OPRF is statistically superior in rankings, they face a significant height deficit at the net in this specific matchup. Lake Park features Nolan Cocat (#18), who has a height of 6'10", and Owen Mueller (#20), who has a height of 6'9". OPRF’s tallest primary middle, Kochendorfer, has a height of 6'4". This 6-inch height difference could present challenges for the OPRF block and may require the Huskies to rely more heavily on floor defense and precise shot-making.

Recent Inconsistency: The April 20 rankings noted that the Huskies were "ready to make hay" after a period of travel that included mixed results. Additionally, they were pushed to three sets by Lyons Township. If OPRF struggles with service errors or communication, Lake Park has the statistical tools to capitalize.

Matchup Analysis

The primary challenge for OPRF will be neutralizing Lake Park’s "Offensive Engine," Ethan Schnabel (#7). Schnabel leads Lake Park with 144 Kills on 315 Attacks, representing the highest volume and efficiency on their roster. OPRF will also need to bypass Lake Park’s "Defensive Anchors": Anthony (AJ) Bellavia (#4), who leads the team with 152 Digs, and Timmy Johnson (#11), who has recorded 44 Total Blocks.

A critical individual matchup will occur at the net between OPRF’s Wesley Kochendorfer and Lake Park’s Nolan Cocat. While Cocat has a significant height advantage (6'10" vs 6'4"), Kochendorfer’s experience with the state’s top-ranked club program provides him with the technical tools to compete. Additionally, the setter battle between OPRF’s Proskey (#6 state rank) and Lake Park’s Jake Ellenbecker (#45 state rank) will likely dictate the tempo of the match. Based on state rankings and club performance data, OPRF holds the advantage in playmaking and overall roster depth.