Finals still a thrill for WW South, Kelly

Old hat? Never, said Wheaton Warrenville South setter Joe Kelly.

‘‘They say that once you go there the first time you get used to it,’’ said Kelly, who along with the rest of the Tigers is seeking his third consecutive championship at the IHSA boys volleyball state tournament beginning Friday at Hoffman Estates.

‘‘But there is absolutely nothing like running out of that tunnel on to the court,’’ he said. ‘‘Seeing how everybody is waiting for you. It’s the biggest rush. I get to do it again.’’

Neuqua Valley (31-3) vs. WW South (35-4), 1 p.m.: Derek Menendez, a 6-3 middle, and 6-4 outside hitter Rob Bauer provide the power for the Wildcats, who crushed Oswego and O’Fallon at Bolingbrook. WW South needed some late heroics by sophomore Eric Luhrsen and an 18-kill effort from Neill Nystrom to advance.

‘‘We’ve been down this road before,’’ WW South coach Bill Schreier said. ‘‘But it’s not like the road gets any easier.’’

St. Patrick (28-5) vs. Morton (29-5), 2 p.m.: Morton utilizes its quickness and a fast-paced attack to compensate for its greatest shortcoming, namely its lack of size. Jonathan Hernandez, a 5-11 senior outside hitter who played libero last year, middle Mike Capone, sophomore Alfonso Pereda and setter Jose Valencia lead the Mustangs. St. Patrick is powered by Sun-Times All-Area selection John Coen, a 6-4 outside hitter who holds nearly all of his school’s offensive records.

Glenbard North (24-8) vs. Buffalo Grove (30-5), 5 p.m.: Buffalo Grove has state final experience, but newcomer Glenbard North was schooled in the tough DuPage Valley Conference against the likes of WW South and Glenbard East. Tyler Gustafson, a 6-6 outside hitter, was an All-DVC selection. Buffalo Grove, second in 2008 and the last team to defeat WW South in the state tournament, is led by Mid-Suburban East player of the year Chris Falknor, 6-6 junior Nick Baronti and setter Dan Wichmann.

Maine South (33-6) vs. Marist (34-5), 6 p.m.: Marist has size in Sun-Times Player of the Year Joe Smalzer and 6-5 junior David Nelson, muscle in Evan Bruton and Nick McNally, and a sophomore setter in Garrett Dempsey. The RedHawks return to the big dance for the first time since winning it all in 2002. Maine South, which defeated Naperville North to win the state title in 2006, is led by juniors Matt and Eric Butch, Evan Bowler and a good blocking defense.