Grizzlies ready to go on prowl

Outside hitter Courtney Cunningham, who will play college volleyball at Mississippi, leads Payton into state semifinal play today in Normal.
(Jason Geil/For the Sun-Times)

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NORMAL, Ill. — Payton has already made history. Now the Grizzlies want to make some memories.

With its victory over Marian Central at the Grayslake Supersectional last weekend, Payton became the first Chicago Public School team to advance to the state tournament since the Public League surrendered its automatic berth in the quarterfinals five years ago.

Others may have been surprised, but not Payton coach Joel Anderson and his players.

‘‘It was something I don’t think anybody saw coming but us,’’ Anderson said. ‘‘I knew that with everybody returning from last year and Crystal Lake Central not returning anybody that we could make a run at it.’’

Payton is not your stereotypical city school. More city kids are getting involved in club programs. Anderson is the director of Powerhouse Volleyball Club, where players like Mary Dent of Von Steuben have developed into Division I prospects.

The Grizzlies feature a Division I recruit in 6-foot outside hitter Courtney Cunningham (Mississippi) and a future Division I player in 6-2 sophomore Mari Faines. Outside hitter Ellyse Rodriguez, at 5-10, closed out Marian Central with a strong finish.

Burlington Central (34-6) is Payton’s opponent in a 4:30 p.m. Class 3A semifinal. The Rockets are led by 6-0 junior Stephanie Holthus, a Northwestern recruit; 5-10 senior setter/middle Molly Turk, and 5-9 junior Taylor Scully.

Payton isn’t the only area team making its first visit to Redbird Arena. Benet (38-1), which was ranked No. 1 in the area until losing to Joliet Catholic on Oct. 18, survived the Downers Grove South Sectional to earn its first state trip.

The Redwings’ opponent at 7:30 tonight is no stranger to Normal. Mother McAuley (37-2) is making its 23rd trip to state and is trying to erase the memory of last year’s 25-23, 25-22 loss to Naperville Central in the Class 4A championship match.

In 2A, St. Edward (23-17) returns after finishing fourth in 2004. The Green Wave hope the 1-2 punch of Kristen Haggenjos and Katie Yohn can offset the not-so-Midget-like trio of Freeburg’s 6-2 Kayleigh Cox, 6-0 Colleen Yarber and 5-11 Chelsi Hummert.

In 1A, West Prairie (32-8), a five-year-old consolidation of Sciota (Northwestern) and Colchester, is trying to win a first state title for 27-year veteran coach Terri Paul (667-286).