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player ready...Deerfield’s boys volleyball team had let a lead slip away against Warren in the second game a match Friday night.
With the Warriors trailing the Blue Devils 21-20, coach Eugene Chung called a timeout. He had a specific request for his huddled team — pass the ball to senior Brendan Walsh.
“I said, ‘We know what out strengths are. Right now, Brendan has the hot hand. So give the ball to Brendan,’ ” Chung said.
The Warriors executed their coach’s wishes. Walsh, a 6-foot-4 outside hitter, finished the next four Deerfield points. He ended the match — a 25-18, 26-24 Deerfield victory — with 11 kills and four service aces. Both were team highs.
Performances like the one Walsh put on against the Blue Devils have been a frequent occurrence this season.
“I’m not one to look for the spotlight, but my game has come a long way in terms of composure,” Walsh said. “I’m comfortable with the last-second shot and the end-of-the-game pressure.”
Chung added: “It’s a matter of him having confidence in his ability. I knew he was capable. I don’t think he did.”
As a member of Deerfield’s 2013 state tournament team and last season’s sectional finalist squad, Walsh’s role was that of an observer more than participant. The graduation of star hitters John Harlan and Zach Hara opened up spots in the Warriors rotation for 2015.
Before the season, the Warriors adopted the motto “Earn It.” The creed became a catalyst for Walsh’s work ethic.
“I felt like I was riding the coattails of John [Harlan] and Zach [Hara] the last two years,” Walsh said. “I want to have a hand now in the success and experience the joys of the wins firsthand. There’s a lot of skin in the game for me.”
Over Deerfield’s spring break, Walsh stayed home. For two hours each day, Walsh worked on serving and passing. The results were immediate — in an April 12 win over Niles North, Walsh had two service aces, 2.5 blocks and 12 kills. Two nights later, in a two-game win over Highland Park, Walsh finished with five digs and 11 kills.
In a 25-20, 25-14 win over Maine West on Monday night, junior setter Ryan Slack continued his standout season with 15 assists and eight digs. But there was Walsh with another balanced stat line — eight kills, two blocks and one service ace.
“[Walsh] is trusting his training, knowing he has to step it up,” Chung said. “He’s improved his service tremendously over the break and helped us in every match.”
The win over Maine West raised the Warriors’ record to 3-0 in the Central Suburban League North. So far, 2015 has been anything but a rebuilding year. Much of the reason for that is because in close matches, the Warriors have a go-to player. It’s a role Walsh waited for, prepared for, and now earns and executes with regularity.
“You have to bring a level of grit and stubbornness regardless of what is going on,” Walsh said. “You need to give your best effort for your team.”
Kerr is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter: @prepspioneer