D-C, Williamson prepare for Larkin sectional test

With a 23-0 record, Dundee-Crown singles standout Mike Williamson will look to extend his perfect season streak at the Larkin sectional as postseason play gets under way today.

Williamson most recently won the Fox Valley Conference Tournament at No. 1 singles despite a tough draw and success this year at the sectional level would make him a four-time state qualifier.

"Mike has been something special to have," said D-C coach Harlan Miller. "Seeing him win and persevere, he has been a real treat to have on the team. He is a great individual with a lot of school spirit, and truly a great all-around kid."

Williamson is just half of what has become an excellent 1-2 punch for the Chargers with Andy Schuessler also finding success in singles play. At 11-3 overall, Scheussler will be looking for back-to-back state bids. Miller is hoping both will advance beyond Saturday's action.

"We're looking ahead optimistically for both Mike and Andy," said Miller. "They've been holding their own while getting better and stronger.

"Both certainly have a goal to get back to state -- absolutely. Both are playing very good tennis right now."

Dundee-Crown will be joined at Larkin by Barrington, Jacobs, Elgin Academy, Elgin, Larkin, St. Edward, Huntley and Streamwood.

Sectional host Larkin has found great success with three strong doubles teams in Scott Shriver and Tyler Compere (No. 1 doubles), Selwyn Hansana and Tyler York (No. 2) and Jesse Perez and C Siripanya (No. 3).Sophomore Nick Schlegel has also contributed to the Royals' regular-season success at No. 1 singles.

Also boasting doubles talent, and young talent at that, is Jacobs in No. 1 doubles Mike Romor and Greg Roeckner and No. 3 dubs, sophomores Brandon Buettner and Collin Forbes. At No. 4 doubles, the Golden Eagles' duo of left-handed brothers Nick and Brian Kazzar helped the Golden Eagles to a very close 4-3 match with one of the area's strongest opponents in Crystal Lake Central.

Jim Cholewa (sophomore) and Anthony Abbate (freshman) have shown vast improvement throughout the year for St. Edward, while Streamwood's No. 1 singles player Yuto Tsukida has been consistent and strong from the start.

Huntley focused on building toward the future early this year, and perhaps the future is now. Look for Cameron Marzejon, Art Artonas and veteran Kiel Golike to put up a fight.

And while Elgin has a very young team, coach Larry DeHaan would like to get his singles and doubles competitors as far along as possible.

"We have guys that can play ball," said DeHaan. "I think our sectional is pretty evenly matched across the board, and anything is possible."

Both the Maroons' No. 1 singles (Danny Keonavonga) and No. 1 doubles (Eric Meuangkhot/Kevin Baccam) could surprise some people, according to DeHaan.

At Crystal Lake Central: Having lost all of its doubles athletes to graduation three-time Fox Valley Conference champion Prairie Ridge had its work cut out for itself coming into the 2008 campaign.

It would take more than two-time state qualifier and singles player Craig Greenwald to win a fourth consecutive conference title.

Despite the voids, the Wolves worked hard, and were most recently rewarded with a share of the FVC title, their fourth straight, as they tied Crystal Lake Central with 145 points.

Now they enter the Crystal Lake Central sectional joined by Cary-Grove, Crystal Lake South, Marengo, McHenry, Woodstock, Marian Central, Belvidere, Belvidere North and co-Fox Valley champions Crystal Lake Central looking to build off season-long momentum.

"I have seen a lot of improvements and a lot of progress," said PR coach Jessica Fetzner. "Everybody here worked so hard all year, and to be validated with a share of the conference title was amazing."

Greenwald will look for a return trip to state in singles play after bouncing back extremely well from and early season injury, while doubles teams Mitch MacArthur/Quinn Revak (No. 1 dubs), Robbie Curtis/Brandon Curtis (no relation/ No. 2 dubs), Don Sweeney/Seth Corush (No. 3) and Matt McDonald/Tyler Benson (No. 4) could all contend.

The Wolves' No. 3 and No. 4 doubles teams did win first place honors at the FVC meet.

Also earning championship honors at the recent Fox Valley Conference meet were Chris Federighi (No. 2 singles) and John McLaughlin (No. 3 singles) of Cary-Grove.

Following outstanding seasons, both have to potential to win at Central.

With a fourth place overall finish in the conference meet, Crystal Lake South capped off a regular season which far exceeded early expectations.

"We found out at the conference meet that we can compete," said South coach Don Nead. "Our players exceeded expectations, and we might just be peaking at the right time."

At Lake Park: Bartlett and South Elgin will be the lone area representatives at the Lake Park sectional, where they will compete against Glenbard North, Geneva, Lake Park, St. Charles North and East, West Chicago and Wheaton Academy.

Bartlett's Yash Patel and Kevin Veatch recently finished in third place at the Upstate Eight Conference meet. Both will look for state berths in singles play.

"Yash has had a great season," said Hawks coach Brian Page. "He has beaten some very nice players. I am fully expecting both of them to do very well at this tournament."

Page has also been pleased with both his No. 1 and No. 2 doubles teams of Andrew McKinley/Josh Eggerbrecht and Brian Howes/Kyle Infante.

For South Elgin, Colin Ferry, Steve Battaglia and Ian Sosna will each bring their best to the court. Regardless of where they play, the trio has been very successful in singles action for the Storm all year.