Boys tennis: Jacobs' Chong savors fourth trip to state

Jacobs senior Kerwin Chong has become an expert on how to handle the pressure of performing at the Class 2A state boys tennis meet.

For the fourth consecutive year, Chong will be headed to the courts of the Northwest Suburbs for the state finals next week.

Chong, who lost to Barrington's Ammar Wazir in the semifinals 6-4, 6-4, defeated Crystal Lake Central's John Wallace 6-3, 6-0 to finish third at Saturday's Class 2A Cary-Grove sectional.

The top four singles finishers and the top four doubles teams advance to the state finals.

"I was a little disappointed I lost in the semifinals and didn't get a chance to play in the finals," said Chong. "I wasn't patient in the semifinal match and it hurt me. I played much better and was more aggressive in the third place match. I think it helps for the state meet that I am familiar with the surroundings. I hope to have some fun and enjoy my last state finals."

Chong will be joined at the state meet by the Jacobs doubles team of Kevin and Kyle Burton, who placed second after losing to the Barrington doubles team of Dylan Er-Kyle Schutt in the title match 6-2, 6-3.

The Burtons advanced to the finals outlasting Barrington's duo of Suven Sinha-Aryan Sharma in the semifinals 2-6, 7-6, 7-3.

Barrington won the team title with 34 points followed by Jacobs (22), Huntley (14) and Cary-Grove (13).

Barrington sophomore Bradley Yu will make his second trip to the state meet defeating Wazir in the finals 6-3, 6-3.

Yu delivered a 7-5, 6-1 win over Wallace in the semis. The Bronco sophomore claimed two wins at last year's state meet.

"It was kind of hard playing my teammate in the finals," said Yu. "I thought I played well for the most part all day. I am looking forward to playing in my second state meet. I will use my experience last year to help me do better this year."

Er-Schutt, who joined Yu in the first place winners circle for the Broncos, advanced to the championship match outlasting Cary-Grove's duo of senior Mike Ptaszek and sophomore Daniel Sowa 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.

Ptaszek-Sowa recovered from the tough 3-set loss in the semifinals and defeated Sinha-Sharma 6-4, 6-1 to earn third place.

It is the first trip to the state meet for Ptaszek, who played No. 1 singles all season, and Sowa.

Said Ptaszek: "I thought my best chance to get to the state meet was playing doubles with Daniel. It is a very surreal feeling to end my high school career playing at the state meet. The four years of hard work was worth it. Daniel and I work well together."

Said Sowa. "Michael is a great player to play with. We clicked and it is nice to qualify for state on our home turf."