vs Wheaton North #8

Wheaton North High School enters its April 07, 2026, matchup against Lake Park with a 6-0 overall record. The Falcons are currently ranked No. 7 in the state by Illprepvb and No. 13 by MaxPreps. Led by coach John Noe IV, the team returns seven starters from a 2025 squad that finished 26-11 and reached the sectional finals.

Team Overview

The Falcons are characterized by significant height and veteran experience, featuring a roster with multiple players committed to collegiate programs. The team has maintained an undefeated start to the 2026 season, supported by an offense hitting at a high efficiency and a defensive front that leads with size. Based on available stats, Wheaton North has demonstrated balance across all phases, particularly in service pressure and middle blocking. The program is currently seeking to build on its 2025 DuKane Conference success and aims for a deep postseason run behind a senior-heavy lineup.

Key Players to Watch

• #12 Aidan Syswerda (Sr., OH): Standing at 6-6 height, Syswerda is a Lewis University commit and was ranked No. 19 in the Illprepvb Top 101. Through the early season, he leads the team with 4.0 kills per set and an efficient .530 hitting percentage. He is also a primary contributor in the service game, averaging 0.8 aces per set (10 total).
• #16 Alex Scribner (Sr., MB): A 6-8 height middle blocker committed to Quincy University, Scribner provides the Falcons' primary interior defense. He leads the team with 15 total blocks and maintains a .528 hitting percentage with 21 kills.
• #8 Peter Dey (Sr., OH): At 6-5 height, Dey serves as a secondary scoring threat and a high-impact server. He matches Syswerda with 0.8 aces per set (11 total) and contributes 2.2 kills per set.
• #1 Theo Lee (Jr., L): The 5-4 height libero anchors the back row with a team-high 2.5 digs per set (33 total) and has handled 53 receptions.
• #2 Joey Bruzdzinski (Jr., S): At 6-1 height, Bruzdzinski has taken the majority of setting duties with 78 assists while adding 8 aces.
• #13 Will Biagini (Jr., MB): At 6-5 height, Biagini provides additional size at the net, recording 12 total blocks and a .429 hitting percentage.

Tactical Strengths

• Elite Offensive Efficiency: The Falcons' primary attackers are producing at high rates. Both Syswerda (.530) and Alex Scribner (.528) are hitting above .500, indicating high-quality connection with setters Bruzdzinski and Owen Hubner.
• Service Pressure: Wheaton North utilizes aggressive serving to disrupt opponent systems. The team has two players, Peter Dey and Aidan Syswerda, averaging 0.8 aces per set. Joey Bruzdzinski adds another 0.6 aces per set, creating a consistent threat from the service line.
• Front Row Height and Blocking: The Falcons feature a starting rotation with substantial height, including Scribner (6-8), Syswerda (6-6), and Biagini (6-5). This has translated into 15 blocks for Scribner and 12 for Biagini, providing a formidable defensive wall at the net.
• Reception Stability: The team relies on Syswerda (62 receptions) and Theo Lee (53 receptions) to stabilize the passing game. This allows the setters to utilize their middle hitters effectively, as evidenced by the high hitting percentages of Scribner and Biagini.

Tactical Vulnerabilities

• Concentrated Defensive Volume: While Theo Lee leads the team in digs (33), there is a significant drop-off to the next most productive defender (Syswerda with 19). If opponents can move the ball away from Lee, the Falcons may face challenges in transition defense.
• Middle Matchup Challenge: While Alex Scribner is a highly effective blocker, he will face a direct matchup against Lake Park’s Nolan Cocat. Cocat stands at 6-10 height and was noted as one of the state's most prolific blockers with 128 blocks in the previous season. Scribner’s ability to score against that height will be a critical factor.
• Heavy Reliance on Syswerda: Aidan Syswerda leads the team in kills per set (4.0), aces per set (0.8), and receptions (62). Because he carries a high load in three different phases of the game, Lake Park may attempt to fatigue him by targeting him in serve receive to limit his explosive offensive output.
• Two-Setter Coordination: The Falcons split setting duties between Bruzdzinski (78 assists) and Hubner (38 assists). While this provides depth, it requires precise timing and consistency from the hitters to adjust to different setting styles throughout a match.