vs Glenbard North #112

Team Overview

Glenbard North enters the April 28, 2026, matchup against Lake Park with an overall record of 8-13 and a conference record of 0-2. Currently ranked 116th in Illinois, the Panthers are looking to establish consistency following a period where they have struggled to secure wins against conference opponents. The roster features a blend of senior leadership at the setter and middle hitter positions, complemented by high-volume scoring from the sophomore class. Based on available data, the team relies on a concentrated offensive rotation and a defensive system anchored by a high-frequency libero.

Key Players to Watch

#5 Riley Lankford (So., OH, RS)

Riley Lankford is the primary offensive producer for the Panthers. Standing at a height of 6'0", Lankford leads the team in total kills with 91 and maintains a team-high average of 3.5 kills per set. Lankford is also a frequent target in the receiving game with 110 receptions and contributes defensively with 31 digs and 7 total blocks.

#6 Bentley Taumoefolau (Sr., MH)

The most efficient attacker on the roster, Taumoefolau holds a .351 hitting percentage. At a height of 6'3", he averages 2.4 kills per set (46 total kills) and has recorded 9 total blocks. He is also a contributor at the service line with 4 aces.

#15 Samon Senenat (So., MH)

Measuring at a height of 6'3", Senenat serves as the team’s primary rim protector. He leads the Panthers in total blocks with 21, which is more than double any other player on the roster, making him the central figure in the Glenbard North net defense.

#10 Matthew Almonte (Sr., L, DS)

Almonte is the statistical leader for the Panthers' back-row defense. At a height of 5'8", he leads the team in total digs (71), digs per set (2.7), and total receptions (141). He also leads the team in service pressure with 7 aces.

#9 Josh Faro (Sr., S)

The facilitator of the Panther offense, Faro has recorded 232 assists this season. At a height of 5'10", he also contributes significantly to the floor defense, ranking second on the team with 36 digs.

Tactical Strengths

Efficient Middle Production

The Panthers possess a highly efficient scoring option in Bentley Taumoefolau. His .351 hitting percentage suggests that when the pass is in system, the Panthers are successful at scoring through the middle of the court. This efficiency is supported by the playmaking of Josh Faro, who has concentrated the majority of the team's 263 total assists.

Specialized Net Defense

Glenbard North has a clear defensive specialist at the net in Samon Senenat. With 21 total blocks, Senenat provides a consistent obstacle for opposing hitters. This allows the Panthers to funnel attacks toward Matthew Almonte, who leads the team in defensive efficiency with 2.7 digs per set.

High-Volume Sophomore Attack

The team benefits from the offensive workload of Riley Lankford. Averaging 3.5 kills per set, Lankford provides a reliable outlet for Faro when the play breaks down or when out-of-system.

Tactical Vulnerabilities

Offensive Concentration

The Glenbard North offense is highly dependent on a small number of players. While Lankford (91 kills) and Rayyan Shaikh (55 kills) provide volume, there is a significant statistical drop-off to the rest of the roster. If an opponent can neutralize Lankford, the Panthers may struggle to find secondary scoring.

Service Pressure Limitations

Based on season totals, the Panthers do not generate a high volume of points directly from the service line. Matthew Almonte leads the team with only 7 aces through 21 matches. A lack of aggressive serving may allow Lake Park to remain in system and utilize their own offensive threats effectively.

Matchup Challenges against Height

Glenbard North will face a significant height disadvantage at the net. Lake Park features Nolan Cocat (#18), a 6'10" middle hitter committed to Purdue Fort Wayne, and Owen Mueller (#20), a 6'9" freshman. The Glenbard North hitters, led by the 6'0" Lankford and 6'3" Taumoefolau, will have to navigate a Lake Park defense that has recorded 221 total blocks this season.

Opponent Analysis: Lake Park

Offensive Engine

Ethan Schnabel (#7) serves as the primary offensive engine for Lake Park. He has recorded 195 kills on 417 attacks, representing the highest volume of attempts and successful putaways on the Lancer roster.

Defensive Anchor

The Lake Park defense is anchored by Anthony (AJ) Bellavia (#4), who leads the team with 201 digs. At the net, the defense is solidified by Nolan Cocat (#18), who has recorded 57 total blocks.

Statistical Trends

Lake Park recently defeated Bolingbrook on April 25, led by Ethan Schnabel’s 15 kills and Nolan Cocat’s 9 kills and 5 blocks. Glenbard North must account for the multi-faceted attack of Jake Ellenbecker (#6), who is ranked #45 in the state and contributes as both a hitter (80 kills) and a setter (347 assists).