Hinsdale Central seeks playoff win

Hinsdale Central is looking for rematch against Downers Grove South in the boys volleyball playoffs.

To get there, the Red Devils need to win their first postseason match as 16th-seeded Hinsdale Central plays 18th-seeded IMSA at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Benet.

The winner plays second-seeded Downers South at Benet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 24 in a regional semifinal.

Downers South has already defeated Hinsdale South 25-20, 25-13 at the Schaumburg Invitational April 16.

“I think we’re capable,” Central senior Brad Snider said. “In a few games, we’ve played Maine South and Glenbard East, two of the better teams in the area. We lost but we probably played one of the best games we’ve ever played.”

The Red Devils (13-21, 1-5 West Suburban Silver) finished third at the Willowbrook Invitational Saturday.

“I can’t believe (it’s over). I’ve played volleyball since eighth grade. Coming into high school was a huge difference,” Snider said. “This is my first varsity season. It’s completely different than JV. It’s a lot more fun. It’s a lot better.”

Snider is one-half of an all-senior setting tandem with Kenny Silk this season.

Snider and Silk have rotated out as part of a two-setter offense, usually getting replaced by the middle-hitting combination of Peter Thompson and Jake Brosius.

“The only problem with the team is we get down when we start to lose,” Snider said. “When we lose a lot of points, we stop playing and that destroys us. If we keep everyone positive, we’ll win some games.”

Hinsdale Central hopes to receive a boost with the addition of 6-foot-5 freshman right-side hitter Ian Bunting, who joined the team midway through the season after playing on the freshman team. The Red Devils have eight seniors, but have received contributions from members of all four classes at the school. Two of the team’s top hitters are 6-7 junior L.J Booth and 6-2 sophomore David Whinery. Senior Andrew Regnery ranks as perhaps the Red Devils’ kills leader.

“Ian has become one of my go-to people. He’s a real asset to the team,” Snider said.

Snider started playing volleyball at Westview Hills Middle School in Westmont and competed one season for the Gravity volleyball club as a sophomore.

“I started playing in eighth grade because a friend was doing something else. It turns out I love volleyball,” Snider said. “It’s been so much fun. This is my favorite year to play volleyball. Even though we have not won a lot of games, everyone one the team has been great.”

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