Brother Rice setter Oliver McNichols is set on heading to Moraine Valley to study fire service.
Since Moraine does not offer a men’s volleyball program, it looks like his competitive career could be over.
But he said “there is still a little glimpse” of a chance he could play volleyball if he changes his mind.
The way he came on strong his senior season, there could be a college that makes him an offer that would be hard to refuse.
“His options are still open,” Brother Rice coach Brandon McGinnis said. “Overall, I think he should play in college because he has the talent to do it.
“He showed this year where he is at right now.”
McNichols has helped lead the Crusaders to a Sweet Sixteen appearance on May 30 with 22 assists in a 25-11, 25-18 win over Riverside-Brookfield in the Argo Sectional semifinals.
Colin Nye and Quinn Nolan each had eight kills for the Crusaders (28-11), who were scheduled to face Oak Forest June 2 in the sectional championship. Ben Adamski had five kills and Isaac Soto added six digs.
Earlier in the week, McNichols, Adamski, Nye and Nolan were named to the All-Catholic League Blue team.
R-B, the Upstate Eight champion, finished 20-18.
Meanwhile, McNichols racked up 858 assists heading into the sectional finals, which is among the state leaders. This is his first year of full-time setting and the numbers keep piling up. He has more than 1,400 assists for his career, according to McGinnis.
McNichols credits his teammates for his success.
“It’s because of our team chemistry,” he said. “I’ve been playing with these kids for three years, including club. I know them really well. We are friends outside of the court. Just playing with them and talking with them, they will tell me when I have to start setting them higher.
“Now that it’s later on in the season, we know that we can’t have any missed connections. I’m really clicking with all of my hitters.”
The 5-foot-10 McNichols can also make a little noise at the net when called on.
“He’s not the biggest guy on the court, but he has a presence,” McGinnis said of McNichols. “Those who think they can hit over him … he knows the angles and how to stop some of the best hitters in the state.”
Against R-B, the Crusaders dominated in the first game and were down 9-5 in the second before scoring 10 straight points.
“We came out knowing not to underestimate any teams in the playoffs — especially a team like that who is hot right now,” McGinnis said. “We came in with the right mentality and the right preparation.”
Marist advances
Marist continued its quest for a third straight state championship with a 25-10, 25-11 win over Thornridge in the Marist Sectional semifinals.
The RedHawks (31-7) were scheduled to take on St. Ignatius on June 2 in the sectional championship for a chance to make it to the state quarterfinals.