Boys tennis: Scouting conference tournaments, Northwest
Boys tennis: Scouting conference tournaments
MID-SUBURBAN LEAGUEWhere: Palatine (plus Fremd and Buffalo Grove)
When: Thursday through Saturday
Defending champion: Barrington
Outlook: Barrington is a consensus favorite to carry away the team title come Saturday afternoon. "We feel like we're ready for the challenge this weekend," said Broncos coach John Roncone, whose team is after a fifth straight MSL title. "We have a lot of respect for our division rival Conant, as well as Prospect and Hersey, both of whom are very capable, but we feel confident if we come ready to play, that we can win here again. But we have to play our best to be the best."
The 1-2 singles punch of Bradley Yu and Dylan Er headline a young lineup which is capable of getting the Broncos off to a flying start. And it sure looks like the depth of the MSL West champs is more than the rest of the league can match.
MSL West runners-up Conant (13-3, 7-2) won tournament crowns at Wheaton North, St. Charles North and Lake Park, but Cougars coach Dave Koleno will be shorthanded and will be forced to move some of his players around for this weekend.
"We'll have three of our players at the BPA (Business Professionals of American) Nationals in Orlando, but we have guys who are ready to come in and contribute," says Koleno.
The Cougars will lean on its their two at singles, Vera Iyer (12-4) and Andrew Milas (15-6). Both figure to be in the mix for a top-four finish.
Brad Rathe is a perfect 2-for-2 as Prospect's coach after his team won its second straight divisional title under his watch.
"I'm really proud of the guys, and with us winning the East it puts us in a great position to be able to compete this weekend," said Rathe. "Obviously Barrington enters as the favorites due to their depth and history, but I think there will be some terrific competition throughout the field."
Rathe likes his chances at doubles, beginning with Peter Velic/Mike Stanford (15-8, 7-1) at No. 1 along with the No. 2 team of Cam Gates/Noah Hellstrom, 17-7 overall and a perfect 8-0 in conference play.
Hersey's 4-3 loss to Prospect was the key outcome in deciding the East winner, but Huskies coach Andy Walton is confident his top two at singles - Kevin Mi and Aidan Burke - will inspire a memorable weekend.
"It should be an interesting tournament, with a lot of teams having solid players throughout their lineups," Walton said. "That should make for a competitive tournament."
The Huskies have not been at full strength for most of the season but are in form for this weekend. The players in Hersey's top team of Jason Deans and Jace Coffaro were MSL runners-up last season, and they recently turned in a quality effort at the Pitchford 32-team invite.
Host Palatine will be the site for every championship match on Saturday. The schedule calls for an 8:30 a.m. start, with finals to begin around noon, weather permitting.
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHWhere: Deerfield
When: Friday and Saturday
Defending champ: Highland Park
bIt would be easy to focus on state powers Glenbrook North and Highland Park when discussing this CSL North tournament championship, and for good reason. GBN boasts two of the best singles players in the state, seniors Mark Wu and Nick Marino. The Giants, meanwhile, will be serious contenders for a state title on the strength of potential 1-2 seeds Jacob Edelchik (singles) and his doubles teammates Jeremy Learner/Brandon Lew.
So while those two giants battle for the big trophy here, Maine West coach Derrick Swistak is still basking in the glow of his Warriors' recent first-place finish at the annual District 88 Tennis Classic.
"I've been real proud of all of the guys on this team, leading up to their terrific effort to win the team title at the District 88 tournament," said Swistak, who is the official tourney host for the CSL tourney though it will be contested at Deerfield's gorgeous new tennis venue due to renovation at the West courts. "We battled throughout the day, with everything coming down to No. 2 singles, but we won the match in a tie-breaker to win the tournament title."
Swistak tweaked his lineup at No. 2 doubles, and the move paid off when Willie Le and Jeff Celenza beat Niles West for the title. Their teammates Brett Patterson/Thomas Elengical recorded a straight-set win to capture top honors over tourney runner-up Fenton.
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICWhere: Benet Academy
When: Thursday (1 p.m.) and Saturday (8:30 a.m.)
Defending champion: Benet Academy
Outlook: At St. Viator, coach Amy Ritchie believes the depth of her club will keep her group in the race until the very end.
"We fell in a couple of close duals recently, so that will give us less points going into this tournament, which hurts a bit," said Ritchie. "However, depth, and the potential of my boys, should they play to their ability, can give us an excellent chance."
Ritchie has been singing the praises of her No. 2 doubles team (Nick Gattuso/Jack Aiello, 10-7) and her No. 3 (Andrew Kicinski/Matt McManaman, 11-3), who can give the Lions plenty of scoring toward the team total.
In the No. 1 double spot, Jack Neubauer/Jason Vivit (10-9) bring experience to their spot in the lineup and have faced quality opponents throughout the season.
"Those two seem to rise to the occasion when the competition is of a higher level," said Ritchie, "and their partnership is just magic at times."
The Lions' top two at singles, Kyle Borst (9-11) and Matt Firestone (10-7), are ready for what lies ahead.
"As a senior, Kyle brings a lot of experience after two years as our No. 1, and his skill and mental toughness are a real advantage at this time of the year," Ritchie said.
Ritchie feels Firestone might be the sleeper in this field after flying under the radar all season long.
- Mike Garofola