Glenbrook North, Bison on collision course

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Glenbrook North and Buffalo Grove, the top two seeds in the Highland Park Sectional, each will seek a return to the state tournament in Tuesday’s sectional title match, but only one will make it to state.

Both teams advanced in straight-game victories. No. 1 seed Glenbrook North (33-5) trailed only once in each game en route to a 27-25, 25-21 victory over rival Deerfield (32-6).

Bufffalo Grove (29-5) overcame Stevenson’s early energy for a 25-21, 25-22 victory in the other semifinal.

“[Deerfield] beat us the last time in three games,” Glenbrook North 6-3 outside hitter Stephen Carrington said. “So that put fuel in our fire.”

Three consecutive kills by Carrington put the Spartans ahead 24-21 in Game 1, and Emmett O’Keefe’s dink return broke a 25-25 tie.

In Game 2, Carrington’s kill and service ace overturned Deerfield’s only lead 11-10.

Carrington had 12 kills and three aces for Glenbrook North. Jack Preis (nine kills), Stefen VanDeGraf (33 assists) and Bryan Song (14 digs) also contributed.

Joel Lopata had four kills and eight blocks for Deerfield.

In the other semifinal, senior Chris Falkner helped settle down the Bison with six kills and eight digs. Junior Nick Baronti, a 6-6 right side hitter, added 13 kills and two blocks. while 6-5 senior Jason Dubs had three blocks and Joe Duda chipped in 12 digs. Dan Wichmann added 33 assists.

Brad Feiger (nine kills) and Jay Meisner (eight digs) paced Stevenson.