It has taken two junior setters this season to replace former Lyons all-stater Mark Kostich, now a freshman at Harvard.
Elijah Medlock, who’s 6 foot, 4 inches, and Matt Miller, who’s 6 foot, are running the Lions’ attack.
The combination of Medlock and Miller has helped lead Lyons to another top sectional seed entering the playoffs, which were set to begin Tuesday, May 26.
Glenbard West finished ahead of Lyons (18-14) in the West Suburban Silver, but Lyons still earned the No. 1 seed over Hinsdale Central at the Riverside-Brookfield Sectional.
The Lions were scheduled to play Spry in the Fenwick Regional semifinal, with the winner advancing to face either Fenwick or Argo the regional final at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 27.
Medlock and Miller are situational setters. Sometimes Medlock sets full-time and Miller is the defensive specialist. In other matches, both players contribute in a two-setter system.
“We have developed as a team and currently have used two setters, but occasionally run a 5-1,” Lyons coach Joann Pyritz said.
In situations where Miller is setting, Medlock has remained on the court as a right-side hitter to boost Lyons’ offense.
“I think we’re both doing well with it ,” Medlock said. “We’ve been playing together for three to four years.”
Medlock and Miller have been club teammates on Third Coast Elite, but this season Medlock is on 18U Black and Miller is on 18U Blue. Medlock’s Black team will compete in July in the club division at the USA Junior Nationals in Columbus, Ohio.
Medlock is accustomed to juggling a variety of roles. He also is a member of Lyons’ drumline and was scheduled to play bass with the marching band at Western Springs’ Memorial Day Parade, which was washed out by morning showers.
“My coaches work with the marching band director if I am late for practices some days,” Medlock said.
[email protected] More Top Picks Best Wine Stopper
Twitter @geomwilcox