McIlvaine propels Red Devils past Waubonsie

Hinsdale Central’s Graham McIlvaine had never set before this season. Wednesday against visiting Waubonsie Valley, the 6-foot-5 junior looked like he had been setting his whole career.

McIlvaine had 10 assists, six kills and two aces to lead No. 5 Hinsdale Central  to a 25-22, 28-26 victory over the Warriors.

“This is a very big change for me,” said McIlvaine, who came off the bench at outside hitter last year. “But I’m glad to take on other responsibilities. I’ve got some good hitters. I can set to anyone and they can put it down.”

Woody Heidler added five kills and Jordan Williams had four kills and two blocks  for the Red Devils (3-0).

Hinsdale Central coach Len Serwat likes his lineup with the 6-5 McIlvaine providing size up front and leadership on the floor.

“He’s just learning how to run an offense and put the ball on a spot,” Serwat said. “He’s got great hands, unbelievably soft hands. He gives us a lot of options.”

Hinsdale Central flirted with big leads in Game 1, enjoying advantages of 15-10 and 18-13. The Red Devils still led 24-20 on a Justin Diaz ace before Waubonsie Valley (7-7) made things interesting at the end on a kill by Robert Wieland and a Red Devil error.

In Game 2, Waubonsie Valley (7-7) overcame a 20-16 deficit to grab a 25-24 lead on consecutive blocks by 6-foot-8 senior Connor Dougherty. But a kill by Heidler and a block from Williams snuffed out the comeback.

Dougherty led Waubonsie Valley with seven kills, two blocks and two aces. Traeger Penicook added five kills and Erik Johnson had eight assists.