Boys tennis / State tournament scouting
Boys tennis state tournament
When: Thursday-Saturday
Host: Hersey High School (first two days at all Mid-Suburban League schools)
Saturday: Championship rounds at Hersey (9 a.m.)
Defending team champion: Hinsdale Central
Top eight singles seeds (in order): Martin Joyce (Hinsdale Central, 15-0), Alex Ross (Lyons Township, 15-1), Eddie Grabill (Hinsdale Central, 25-4), Gianni Ross (Lyons Township, 14-1), Ben VanDixhorn (Libertyville, 24-2), Stefano Tsorotiotis (Libertyville, 9-1), Jacob Edelchik (Highland Park, 15-4, Brice Polender (Lake Forest, 12-4). Top eight doubles seeds (in order): Glenbrook North (Miguel Perez-David Zahkodian, 26-0), Hinsdale Central (Lope Adelakun-Michael Czlonka, 19-5), Deerfield (Chris Casati-Niko Wasilewicz, 24-4), Lake Forest (Greg Frauenheim-Jordon O'Kelly, 17-5), Belleville East (Chase Stumne-Jacob Hamilton, 26-2), Highland Park (David Aizenberg-Max Gordon, 18-6), Stevenson (Matt Harvey-Adam Maryniuk, 23-8), Peoria Richwoods (Kiran Patel-O'Connor-Zach Settlemeyer, 29-2).
Singles sceneIn a star-studded field, the best of the best come from three schools. Hinsdale Central, Lyons Township and Libertyville dominate the top eight spots, which, if all goes according to seed, would be an all Hinsdale Central-Lyons Township semifinals. Of course, the dynamic duo of VanDixhorn and Tsorotiotis from Libertyville have plans of their own.
"The singles field here this year is even better than last year," says VanDixhorn. "Everyone is back from the round of 16 except Jasper (Koenen, St. Charles East) and Peter Tarwid (Lake Forest). Plus the Ross brothers are in the tournament, so it's a fantastic group, and I feel my 5-8 seed is the right one. But I am excited to be a part of this group, and ready to make a run at the top players."
Joyce won it all in 2013, while Grabill followed by winning last year. Alex Ross won the Pitchford 32, and his younger brother, the one VanDixhorn says may be the best of them all, is ranked No. 14 in the nation at under 18.
Should VanDixhorn get through his first day unscathed, as expected, VanDixhorn would likely meet up with Gianni Ross in the quarterfinals. "I am excited about my draw, but will take one match at a time and really try to enjoy the experience," VanDixhorn said. "Obviously, the standout match would be against Gianni, which will be super fun, and one that I cannot wait to have happen."
Doubling upGlenbrook North's Perez/Zahkodian is a clear favorite heading into the weekend. They've met and beaten the best, including 3-4 seed Deerfield last weekend in the sectional finals, along with Hinsdale Central and Lake Forest during their run to a Pitchford championship three weeks ago.
Adam Maryniuk was given an early graduation gift when he and his doubles partner, Matt Harvey, found out they were given a 5-8 seed by the committee late Tuesday afternoon, sending the Patriots duo into play on Thursday at Fremd to face Benton's Trevor Johnson/Brian Chard.
"We like the draw the way it looks, and both Matt and I are excited and ready to play, regardless of who we're up against," said the Illinois-bound Maryniuk, now a veteran of two state tournaments (including last year with Harvey, when they went 3-2). "All of the practices, matches, and tournaments that we've had leading up to this weekend will give us a chance to do something really special. and our plan is to leave everything out on the courts each time out."
Added Harvey, a junior: "I think the draw gives us a good chance to go far, but playing GBN will obviously be our toughest test, and for both Adam and I another chance to compete better against one of the best here in the tournament."
A solid first day would put the Patriots on the brink of playing the top-rated Spartans in Friday's round of 16 at Buffalo Grove.
The Patriots' tandem comes into the tourney with a sectional title under its belt, and wins over 5-8 seed Highland Park and 9-16 Glenbrook South to their credit, with a three-set defeat at the hands of No. 2 Hinsdale Central at the Pitchford in the scorebook.
Local flavor (singles)Ben VanDixhorn (Libertyville, 24-2): There are few equals to this sweet-swinging lefthander, who combines speed, power, great reflexes and the ability to come forward or stay back and hit with the best of them. The Northwestern-bound three-time state qualifier is technically and tactically among the best, and is a joy to watch as he conducts himself in a professional manner, earning high praise from the coaching community in doing so. He went 4-2 in his first trip here in 2013, then fell one win short of the medal round a year ago, winning 34 matches nonetheless. He's at full strength and ready to go after a short stay on the sidelines after tweaking his back. "I am really looking forward to playing in my last tournament. I am feeling good, and this is the time of the year you work and It's what you work and train for," said VanDixhorn. Seeded on the bottom half of the 64-man field, he opens play with Nathan Benoit of Bradley-Bourbonnais.
Stefano Tsorotiotis (Libertyville, 9-1): When all is well, this 6-3 big-hitting sophomore is capable of being right there when the tournament comes to a close. The 2014 fourth-place medalist manages to polarize opinion with his style, but there can be no denying his monster serve and powerful forehand can be devastating weapons. His 31 wins in his freshman season brought him close to advancing into the finals before losing to eventual champion Eddie Grabill of Hinsdale Central. Despite time away from the varsity this spring, Tsorotiotis still managed to receive a 5-8 seed after a terrific off-season on the USTA circuit. "I spent so much time during the off-season putting more muscle on my 6-3 frame, and I really feel after last year and all of the work that I put in gives me a great chance to have a long run here this weekend," says Tsorotiotis, who hopes to have a Friday morning matchup against 3-4 seed Alex Ross of Lyons Township.
Mack Galvin (Rolling Meadows, 30-4): Long before his 3½-hour thriller with Highland Park star Nick Zazove in a state qualifier last weekend, this three-time MSL champion had already earned plenty of praise from opponents, as well as area coaches, regardless of the outcome. "It was what I had been looking forward to ever since finding out we would be going to the Deerfield sectional, and as soon as the sites were announced, my focus immediately turned to getting myself physically and mentally ready for that weekend," Galvin said at the MSL tournament. Throughout his three-setter with Zazove to decide the postseason fate of both, text messages were exchanged with coaches from the MSL wanting to know the status of this match for the three-time MSL champ. Known for his fair play, focused effort and drive to succeed, Galvin has improved his lot within the seeding committee each year. The Mustangs standout opens on Thursday against Nate Carper from Sandburg.
Colin Harvey (Stevenson, 16-9): What a classy career it's been for the Stevenson senior. The Michigan State-bound three-time state qualifier and two-time state medalist is the face of the Patriots' program, setting an example in the areas of sportsmanship and work ethic that few others can match. "You don't replace a guy like Colin, not only for all of the wins and championships he's earned and given us, but more for how he leads by example and carries himself on and off the court, helping to keep Stevenson tennis in a good light," says coach, Tom Stanhope. One year after a brilliant run to a state doubles title along with Andrew Komarov, the Pats' captain took on the role of the No. 1 for Stanhope, and although his success at singles hasn't matched that at doubles with Komarov, his 9-16 seed is most deserved in this high-profile field. Harvey recorded 19 wins along with Komarov in their three visits here, and finished third overall in 2013 before their eye-popping sweep of the competition earned them top doubles honors a year ago. Harvey begins on Thursday with Jay Niebrugge (St. Anthony) and has a clear path into the quarterfinals, where he would meet reigning state champion Eddie Grabill.
Ishaan Jaglan (Barrington, 24-6): An impressive outing against eventual champ Alex Ross was part of Jaglan's journey to the consolation crown at the Pitchford 32. He followed with a marvelous performance on the way to sectional title, helping secure a 17-32 seed for this four-year veteran. Jaglan nearly advanced into the seventh round of the consolation bracket of last year's state tournament with teammate Scott Apmann, finishing 4-2 during their two-day stay. Three wins on his first day are within reach because of his seed, with the biggest roadblock to success being a third-round match with Meadows' Mack Galvin. "This is what we're all looking forward to after working so hard to get to state, and it's a fantastic feeling to be going this year at singles. I am confident that I can have a great tournament for myself, and my team," said Jaglan.
Markos Christoforou (Elk Grove, 12-7): The Grens sophomore has had quite a nice two weeks for coach Bob Lepkowski, earning fourth-place honors at the MSL tourney, then coming back last weekend to finish second at the Schaumburg sectional to become his school's first singles player since William Lopez (2006) to qualify for state. "Markos was our No. 1 last year by default because we had such little depth, but he handled it like a pro. And this year he's come and just stepped into the role so nicely for us, and we're all happy and proud of this achievement," says Lepkowski. The Grens' top player faces Chandler Simpert of Morton on Thursday.
Daniel Lee (Hoffman Estates, 12-5): Rarely does a No. 2 seed advance when surrounded by so many No. 1 players as the sectional tournament evolves, but this Hawks freshman showed he belonged when he opened with a pair of straight-set victories on day No. 1 to secure his place in the tournament. He followed up with two more quality outings on the second day of play to finish third overall. "We always felt he had the talent to compete at the top spot for us, but Daniel could never beat our No. 1," said Hoffman Estates coach Greg Rouse. "But given the chance in sectionals, he proved his worth and talent with some terrific tennis" Two-time state qualifier, Blake Oslan (North Shore Country Day) will be Lee's first opponent.
Nick Skradski (Warren): Skradski has already reached two goals he set for himself: becoming Greg Cohen's No. 1 last year as a sophomore, then advancing into the tournament his past weekend at the Antioch sectional with his fourth-place finish. "I am hoping that with those two goals accomplished, Nick will now be able to reset his goals for next season to include great improvement," says Cohen. Skradski's tourney opener will be against Belvidere North sophomore, Anderson Park, 22-1.
Mohammed Walji (Barrington, 24-5): Walji burst onto scene last year with an MSL title at No. 3 singles, which led to another at No. 2 this spring. And then came the highlight, the sophomore's first-ever state tournament appearance after surviving a grueling three-set state qualifying contest with Kyle Venet (Cary-Grove). Walji, a sophomore, meets sectional champion Ty Krill (18-5) of Wheaton Academy on Thursday.
Braden Ward (Antioch, 28-4): The Antioch junior is here for the third consecutive time, much to the delight of his coach, Jamie D'Andrea. "Braden is a great kid, who works incredibly hard for someone who could just as easily just 'coast' with that level of talent he possesses, and it's been an absolute pleasure to work with him, both on the courts, and in the classroom," said D'Andrea. Two of Ward's losses have come to 5-8 seed Polender. In tourneys, he's earned a pair of championships along with a second-place medal at Warren in early May. Ward's first foe is Alex Chang of Peoria Richwoods, which could lead to a chance at 3-4 seed Alex Ross (Lyons Township).
Brian Weisberg (Stevensonn, 19-12): The Patriots' sophomore handled the No. 2 assignment quite well during his first year behind then No. 1 (Benjamin Bush), then came back to have another outstanding second year with the team this spring, which included a second-place medal at the NSC tourney and a first-ever trip to the tournament. "Brian got bigger and stronger during the off-season, and his all-around game improved right along with those physical changes as well," said Pats assistant Jeff Bernales. Weisberg draws 9-16 seed Noah Rosenblat (Deerfield, 20-8) in his tourney opener.
Local flavor (doubles)Carmel (Michael Butler-Kevin Hunt, 30-3): The Corsairs' record is no fluke. Butler and Hunt have been nearly flawless this season. Their conference title combined with loads of regular-season success helped solidify a 9-16 seed, giving them a great chance to make the tourney's second day. The big-hitting duo can dominate with their service game, and the experience Hunt possesses from playing singles (he was a 2014 state qualifier) plus the size and quickness of Butler at the net could carry them a long way this weekend. "They are both great kids, and they have done it all for us this year, and all throughout their career at Carmel," said Carmel coach Chris Kannenberg. Hunt went 4-2 here last year and finished 25-5 on the season. The Corsairs will be at the Buffalo Grove venue on their first day, opening against Andrew and two wins away from 5-8 seed Belleville East.
Stevenson (Benjamin Bush-Joshua Cheng, 20-5): The Patriots' No. 2 team appears to have caught fire just at the right time after jump-starting their postseason with a championship ring at the NSC tournament and following up with a sparkling two days at their own sectional, where they stormed back to defeat ESCC champion Carmel in the semifinals before falling just short in the title match against teammates Harvey/Maryniuk. "They kind of got a late start playing together, but you can see now that they're getting it, and in the last couple of weeks, they have shown they can play at a high level, which we're hoping will carry over for both them and our team in the state tournament," said Stanhope. Bush, a junior has won 6 matches in his previous two trips to the state tournament, both in singles, while his partner Cheng is here for the first time. The Pats open with Benet's Stephen Kovach/Joshua Cheng.
Barrington (Scott Apmann-Matt Mulligan, 20-4): The Butler University-bound Apmann travels to the state tournament for the second straight year, albeit with a different teammate this time around, after pairing with Ishaan Jaglan last spring a week after the duo captured an MSL title at No. 1 doubles. "That one was special because it was the first time for both of us to get to state, but this year, I am happy for Matt and his first state tournament, and it's a great way for both of us to go out in our final year here at Barrington," said Apmann. Mulligan was a near miss to the tourney last year, making this year's opportunity a little bit sweeter.
The MSL double champs open again Geneseo at Conant.
Barrington (Zach Hennenfent-Vijay Tripuraneni, 19-3): The Broncos' team strength throughout their conference and sectional championship season was at doubles, which was never more clear than when its No. 2 team rose up at the sectional tournament to defeat its No. 1 teammates in the finals. "It's been quite a season for both of us, and we feel fortunate to be playing together, and having the success we've had, especially after we each were eliminated last year at sectionals," said Hennefent, who was the Broncos' MSL champ at No. 2 singles a year ago before teamming with Tripuraneni to capture another conference title to go along with the top prize at sectionals. Hennenfent/Tripuranemi, both seniors, begins on their home courts against Rock Island Alleman.
Conant (Matt Meyers-Glenn Huang, 17-8): The Cougars' No. 1 tandem had a scare on the second day of the MSL tourney, when Meyers crashed into the back fence chasing a lob and suffered what at the time appeared to be a season ending injury to his hand. Plenty of ice, rest and some good fortune allowed the senior to join Huang in the Cougars' sectional lineup, and the rest is history. "When it happened, I thought for sure we were done, but I slowly got back at it, and I am thrilled to be back to state for my second straight year, and real happy that Glenn can go for his first time," said Meyers. The Cougars' duo meets St. Ignatius on its home courts in their tourney opener.
Conant (Nico Rosas-Nikhil Modak, 3-1): The Cougars' top two singles players made the most of their first pairing together this spring by not only qualifying for state, but also coming away with a second-place trophy behind sectional champion Elgin. "It hasn't taken us very long to get used to each other, we feel like there's good chemistry between us, and with each time out we've better than the time before," said Modak, who was second overall at the MSL tourney at No. 2, while his freshman partner was fourth at No. 1. Ross and Modak face the veteran club from Warren, listed just below.
Grayslake Central (Richard Hutchins-Tejas Paruthooli): Grayslake Central has not had a state qualifier since its terrific singles player Mitch Granger advanced in 2011. The Rams will play Lincoln-Way East's Jon Stroede/Nikhil Piska on Thursday at Prospect High School
Libertyville (Michael Gasick-Julian Janczak, 15-7): The biggest surprise coming out of the rugged Stevenson sectional was advancement of the Cats' No. 2 team, as they took took full advantage of a favorable draw to get past Palatine 7-6 (5), 6-1 to earn the right to move on, following up on a third-place finish at the NSC tournament. The Wildcats open with sectional runner-up Alton at Palatine.
Warren (Samuel Gudeman-Scott Seiler, 20-10): Even among all the brilliant players who have excelled at Warren, Gudeman is the first ever to quality to state in four consecutive seasons at doubles. "Samuel is a class act," coach Greg Cohen says of a finalist for Warren's Male Athletic of the Year ward and IHSTCA Pitchford Sporsmanship Award, which will be announced on the final day of the tournament. The Purdue-bound Gudeman also recorded his 100th career victory last weekend when he and Seiler won their third-place match at the Antioch sectional. Last year, Seiler advanced to state with doubles partner Neil Shah.
State of affairsBoth Glenbrook North and Highland Park had hoped to make a run at defending champion Hinsdale Central, but the likelihood of that happening took a tumble with the inclusion of both in the tough Deerfield sectional. The upshot is that the team race looks solidly in favor of a Red Devils repeat victory. Hinsdale Central and Lyons Township have such power in singles, anything they get in doubles would be icing on the cake. That's where Central will have an edge over LT and Stevenson. The Patriots could put plenty of points on the scoreboard with its balanced state lineup, but probably not enough to overtake the favorites. "If we get maximum effort from the guys, which would include key points in the backdraw if and when we get in there, and then play deep into the tournament, we could be a legit third-place team at the end," said Stanhope.
- Mike Garofola