Why he was selected:

Jahari Winkfield, a 6-foot-4 senior middle hitter, helped lead the Wolves to the championship of the West Aurora Invitational this past weekend.

For the tournament, Winkfield had 21 kills and six blocks. Oswego East beat Geneva and Naperville North in pool play, topped Glenbard North in three games 19-25, 25-10, 26-24 in the semifinals then beat West Aurora 25-23, 25-19 for the tournament championship. Winkfield followed that up with nine kills in a 22-25, 25-18, 25-17 win over Joliet West on Tuesday. Ledger Sports Editor Joshua Welge talked to Winkfield about the tournament championship and the start to the season and talked to Winkfield and Wolves' coach Brian Zerfas about his growth as a player. Here is an edited version of the transcript:

Welge: How big was it to win that West Aurora Invitational?

Winkfield: I'd say it was a big morale-booster. We were working hard this whole week, we were really getting after it. From a bad weekend to the West Aurora weekend, it was a huge improvement.

Welge: Your team is on a seven-match winning streak. What's the mindset of the team right now?

Winkfield: We're not satisfied. We're a young, hungry program. We are going to keep pushing and prove to people that we deserve to be here, that we deserve the ranking that we have. We can get even better. We're like a brotherhood here, all of us.

Welge: Have you always played middle?

Winkfield: Yes.

Welge: What do you like about playing that position?

Winkfield: I like the intensity that comes with the position. If something happens or someone hits a ball, it goes through me. I feel like it's my fault. I like that aspect that the team relies on me.

Welge: Who do you play club with?

Winkfield: I played Cyclones for two years, then I went to Sports Performance.

Welge: Do you plan to play in college?

Winkfield: Yes, I'm not committed yet but I plan to make a decision soon, in the next week or so.

Welge, to Oswego coach Brian Zerfas: What does Jahari mean to this team?

Zerfas: He's a preseason All-American. What can you say about a guy about a guy who touches well over 11 feet? He's extremely athletic and he has a lot of raw talent. Jahari, he gets that ball, he's putting it away. He's very raw athletically. I'm thrilled that my wife got him from playing basketball to playing volleyball for us.