Adam DuvallJournal Star
Star players on the volleyball court are easy to spot.
But very rarely do those standouts begin as the best. Sometimes taking advantage of an opportunity and gaining confidence is what helps these players take it to the next level.
Here are 11 Peoria-area breakout players this high school season, listed in alphabetical order.
Kennedy Barber, Limestone
Barber posted a double-double (10 kills, 11 digs) in a straight-set victory against Illinois Valley Central. “Kennedey has one of the fastest arm swings in the area,” Limestone coach Shelly Stoner said, “and … consistency is key for us and her.” The 5-foot-7 junior outside hitter was named all-tournament team after posting 19 kills in the Lincoln Tournament title match loss to Normal West. She looks to continue her steady play against Metamora on Tuesday.
Maris Barclay, East Peoria
Barclay, who has 232 assists, 70 digs and 22 aces as of last Wednesday, helped EP collect a three-set victory over Dunlap last Tuesday. “Maris is the unsung hero of our team,” EP coach Katelyn Romeo said. “Our team's success would not be possible without her hustle and placement of the ball.” The senior setter and three-year varsity player notched her 500th career assist earlier this season as the Raiders play Morton and Pekin this week.
Elena Cataldo, Washington
As a foreign exchange student, the 5-foot-6 senior libero has been adjusting to American volleyball from the Italian game. She has been a student of the game, studies film and carries a high volleyball IQ, according to Washington coach Kary Dowling. “She continues to grow in her role as she understands how she can help in out-of-system plays,” Dowling said. Cataldo has 102 digs for the Panthers, who has Mid-Illini Conference matches this week against Dunlap and Canton.
More:Here are 10 players to know in Peoria-area high school volleyball for 2022
Claire Girard, Peoria Notre Dame
The 5-foot-7 senior outside hitter has built off last season’s all-Big 12 honorable mention selection. She’s second on the team in kills (70), digs (84) and aces (11). “(She’s) consistently steady in all facets of the game,” PND coach Jacqueline Kelly said, “especially with tenacious defense.” Girard is complemented on the outside by sophomore Kaitlin Cassidy, who leads the team with 88 kills. PND will take on Champaign Central and Urbana in Big 12 play this week.
Tenijah Hinkle, Manual
Hinkle is a three-year varsity player and co-captain for Manual. The 5-foot-9 junior outside hitter has proven to be a leader on and off the court. “She is consistent and responsible,” Manual coach Jade Davis said, “and I truly feel she will be an amazing player as this year continues.” Two tough Big 12 Conference matches against Danville and Bloomington are on the horizon for Hinkle and the Rams.
Lilly Klaus, Tremont
The 5-foot-8 sophomore has emerged as the Turks’ starting setter, following last season where she was a primary practice player. Klaus runs the 5-1 offense with 225 assists and helped Tremont win the Central Illinois Invite as part of an eight-match win streak. “Lilly has the hustle, drive, and determination that any coach would dream of,” Tremont coach Heather Kusk said. Klaus and Tremont travels to Chillicothe for a Class 2A regional rematch with IVC on Monday.
Tyla Mattson, Morton
The 5-foot-9 junior has gone from hitter to setter, now back to hitting with the season-ending injury to sophomore outside hitter Carly Whitaker. “With Carly’s injury, Tyla now carries a heavy load and is jumping back into hitting more,” Morton coach Jordan Williams said. Mattson, who is the team’s assist leader with 173, joins classmates outside hitter Graci Junis and middle hitter Anna Roberts at the net as the Potters take on East Peoria and Dunlap this week.
Maddie Mooney, Metamora
As a senior Libero, Mooney anchors the back row for the Redbirds, who are on a 10-game win streak. She has 97 digs and 18 aces on the season highlighted by 11 digs in the Jacksonville Invite title match victory over Rochester. “She is a great communicator,” Metamora coach Tara Ballard said, “and a little firecracker. She is intense, competitive and a great leader.” Mooney and Metamora are set to meet Limestone in a Mid-Illini match between the league’s top teams.
Callie Schumacher, Eureka
Schumacher is making a nearly seamless transition as a junior outside hitter. The first-year varsity player posted 10 kills and 16 digs in a three-set victory over Lexington earlier this month. “Her athletic ability allows her to jump,” Eureka coach Lena Dohner said, “and attack the ball from anywhere on the court.” Eureka and Schumacher come off the Mt. Pulaski Tournament this past weekend with matches this week with Flanagan-Cornell and Fisher.
More:The super six: The Peoria area's top high school volleyball teams for 2022
Lizzy Short, IVC
Short, a 6-foot-3 middle hitter, has been a key behind the service line with a 96 serving percentage and five aces. With her height and presence at the net, she’s the team leader in blocks and hitting .309. “(She has) such a positive attitude in practice and games,” IVC coach Troy Webb said. “Very proud of how she carries herself.” Short and the Grey Ghosts start a tough span on Monday with Tremont followed by Bloomington Central Catholic and Fairbury Prairie Central.
Allie Wiesenhofer, Fieldcrest
Wiesenhofer, a 5-foot-7 junior, has carried Fieldcrest early this season, leading the team in kills and digs. She went for 11 kills and 31 digs in a thrilling three-set victory over Heart of Illinois opponent Le Roy. The junior added 40 kills and 56 as Fieldcrest won the Hall Early Bird Tournament. “Solid all-around player that is key in our success,” Fieldcrest coach Cathy Sanders said. The Knights head into a difficult week with Roanoke-Benson, Fisher and Downs Tri-Valley.
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
