Stevenson reloads in pursuit of state trophy
So, how do you replace former boys tennis state champion and three-time state medalist Blake Bazarnik, along with talented two-time state qualifier Richard Brej?
Well, it helps when you can welcome back two-time state doubles runners-up Ross Putterman and David Packowitz. The sensational pair, which won over 60 matches in their first two seasons with the Patriots, spent a year away from the club play last season to improve their game and USTA rankings and boost their chances for a spot in the collegiate game. But they’ve also returned to high school play for their senior year to add even more firepower to the defending North Suburban and sectional champs under second-year head coach Tom Stanhope.
“Obviously we’re thrilled that Ross and David are coming back,” said Stanhope. “There’s no way we can fill Blake’s shoes from a leadership or talent standpoint, but the addition of those two guys, in addition to Brian Kim (also back this spring) to go along with Jeremy Bush and Ryan Buxbaum makes us a formidable team to contend with.”
Stanhope says Kim, who was off working do improve his USTA standing as his mates did, gives the Patriots the luxury of several potential lineup scenarios — but without a doubt, his No 1 dubs team is a stone lock, much to the delight of Putterman.
“I know I can speak for David (who was on vacation at the time) when I say that both of us are so excited to be back and a part of our high school team,” said the Washington University-bound Putterman, who is set to move right into the starting lineup at the nationally ranked NCAA Division III school next fall. “David is going to Marquette to play next year, and I am all set as well, so all the both of us have to do is concentrate on playing tennis and helping our team succeed this year.”
Putterman says it was tough watching his mates compete last May at the state tournament, but he feels the time both he and his long-time partner spent on the USTA circuit helped them with their ranking, and thus will generate interest from many more collegiate programs, as well as fine tuning their game to bring it to another level.
“Both of us are more well-rounded as doubles players, with our power game so much better than it was two years ago, and the mph on our serves a tick or more higher than before. We’re so much quicker with our hands and feet, and now capable of overpowering our opponents.”
Great news for their opponents for sure.
Warren — Year after year, Blue Devils coach Greg Cohen puts together one of the finest programs in the state in all facets of the game, including terrific sportsmanship from the players on his varsity club. Last year was no different, and even without a marquee player for the first time since the days of Sean and Josh Moran, beginning in 1999, the Blue Devils still managed to outdistance NSC rival Lake Forest to win the sectional title at host Lakes, and Cohen sent 3 of his 4 teams to the state tournament.
“This should be another fun year, because we have some players who really put in some extra time during the off-season, and because we have great senior leadership within our team, and some terrific kids who have had success on the tennis courts, as well as in life in general,” said Cohen.
Gone is Pitchford Sportsmanship receipient Paul Schlais, an all-state doubles player last season along with Nikola Trukov, who is back to begin his senior year with 83 career victories. His younger brother Kristiyan, a state qualifier as a freshman, leads the singles team for his club, while another senior and returning state qualifier, Eric Seiler (73 wins) gives the Blue Devils additional depth at doubles along with David Schlais, who was also a varsity starter last spring.
Warren was 18-6 overall last season, and will once again have one of the toughest nonconference and tournament schedules in the NSC.
Carmel — Long-time Benet coach Michael Hand was quick to anoint the Corsairs the favorite to win it all this spring in the East Suburban Catholic long before he found out coach Nancy Fehn would not have her No. 1 guy back this season. As a freshman in 2010, Bryan Hunt showed tremendous potential as a future star in the league, as well as the state, after earning a fourth-place trophy at the ESCC championships to finish a wonderful rookie season under Fehn.
“We’re going to miss Bryan this year as he is going to devote all of his time to his studies this year, but we’ll have Geoff (Butler) move into his spot in the lineup as our No. 1 singles player, with sophomore Stephen Feely perhaps a starter for us at No. 2,” said Fehn, who last year watched Butler and his older brother Chris finish second at the ESCC before earning a trip to the state tournament two weeks later. Fehn is looking to RJ Paulson and Chris Wilkinson at No. 1 dubs, with Stefan Westberg and Jack Laughlin as her No. 2.
“We have good doubles teams, and the kids are great, but we’ll have to see how we do once we get out there and start playing, and whether Michael is just being very kind, or really correct in his assessment.”
The Corsairs will host the Redwings on April 28.