vs South Elgin #107

South Elgin High School enters the May 18, 2026, matchup against Lake Park with an overall record of 14-15. The Storm currently hold a 5-1 record in conference play, placing them second in their division. According to state data, South Elgin is ranked 108th in Illinois, while their opponent, Lake Park, was recently ranked 18th in the May 4 update.

Team Overview

South Elgin has maintained a competitive standing in conference play despite a sub-.500 overall record. The team relies on a high-efficiency offensive attack led by junior hitters and a multi-setter system that distributes the ball across several options. Statistically, the Storm show a balanced contribution in floor defense, with three players recording over 110 digs on the season. However, based on available rankings, they enter this match as the lower-ranked side against a Lake Park team that has appeared in the state top 20 throughout May.

Key Players to Watch

• #4 Emilio Martinez (Junior, OH/RS): Martinez is the primary scoring threat for the Storm. He leads the team with 217 kills and maintains a 0.333 hitting percentage, the highest on the roster among high-volume attackers. His efficiency is supported by his 3.5 kills per set average.
• #7 Damian Hernandez (Junior, OH/S): A versatile contributor, Hernandez leads the team in service aces with 36 (0.6 per set) and is tied for the team lead in digs with 116. Offensively, he has recorded 148 kills, making him the secondary scoring option.
• #1 Tyler Aluquin (Senior, S/RS/DS): Aluquin serves as the primary facilitator with a team-high 341 assists. He also contributes significantly to the defense with 116 digs and provides service pressure with 35 aces.
• #20 Brandon Scott (Senior, MB/RS): Scott provides the most significant presence at the net for South Elgin. He leads the team with 50 total blocks and maintains a 0.321 hitting percentage on 1.5 kills per set.
• #6 Nick Aguinaga (Junior, L/DS): Aguinaga is the focal point of the Storm’s serve receive, leading the team with 392 receptions. He also contributes 115 digs, trailing the team leaders by only one.

Tactical Strengths

• Efficient Pin Attacking: With Emilio Martinez hitting 0.333 on 217 kills, South Elgin possesses a reliable scoring option that minimizes errors. This efficiency is a core component of their 5-1 conference record.
• Service Pressure: The duo of Damian Hernandez and Tyler Aluquin has combined for 71 aces this season. Hernandez’s average of 0.6 aces per set suggests a high level of difficulty for opposing reception units.
• Net Defense: Brandon Scott’s 50 total blocks provide a consistent deterrent in the middle. His 0.321 hitting percentage also indicates he is an effective scoring option when the pass allows for middle involvement.

Tactical Vulnerabilities

• Reception Volume Under Pressure: Nick Aguinaga (#6) and Damian Hernandez (#7) handle the bulk of the passing duties with 392 and 364 receptions respectively. If Lake Park can disrupt these two primary passers, South Elgin’s offensive rhythm may struggle.
• Matchup Against High-Volume Attackers: South Elgin will face Lake Park’s "Offensive Engine," Ethan Schnabel (#7), who has recorded 283 kills on 627 attacks this season. Schnabel’s high volume of attempts will test the discipline of South Elgin’s floor defense.
• Defending the Block: South Elgin must contend with Lake Park’s Nolan Cocat (#18), a senior middle who has recorded 77 total blocks and 163 kills. Cocat is ranked 15th in the Illprepvb Top 100, representing a significant physical and statistical challenge at the net that South Elgin has rarely faced based on their current state ranking.
• Managing the Defensive Anchor: The Storm will need to find ways to score against Lake Park’s "Defensive Anchor," Anthony (AJ) Bellavia (#4), who leads his team with 276 digs. Bellavia’s ability to extend rallies may force South Elgin’s hitters into high-risk situations to terminate points.
• Consistency Against Top-Tier Opponents: While South Elgin has been successful in conference play, their 108th state ranking and 14-15 overall record suggest difficulty when facing teams ranked in the top 20, such as Lake Park. There is limited data to suggest the Storm have secured a victory against a top-25 opponent this season.