Boys tennis: Kozerski shines but Maine West falls to Glenbrook North
While a young Maine West team still is finding its way against traditional Central Suburban League powers, the play of Kamil Kozerski is helping bring the Warriors' boys tennis program into the limelight after being in the shadows of their first-class conference opponents for such a long time.
The sophomore needed under an hour to defeat Glenbrook North's Alex Mushinsky in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1 to run his record to a sparkling 18-1, impressing GBN coach Jeff Jordan, whose Spartans would defeat the Warriors 5-1 Monday in Des Plaines.
"Kamil has come a long way from a year ago when he was the No. 1 as a freshman. He's going to be one to keep your eye on during the next three weeks of the season," said Jordan.
"Yes, Kamil has improved so much since last year, he's committed himself totally to the sport, his family is there to offer support to help him cultivate his talent and maximize his potential, but just as important as all that, he's just a fine young man to coach and to have in our program," said Warriors coach John Hauenstein.
"This is my 19th season being a part of Maine West tennis, and I can honestly say, in just his second year he's already the best that has come through our program and he still has another two-plus years to go."
Kozerski looked in control from the very start, dictating points, moving his opponent around the court, while finishing off points with nasty ground strokes and well-placed balls for winners.
"I was just a skinny 5-6, 110-pound freshman last year who had to work really hard against bigger, stronger juniors and seniors," began Kozerski. "Now I'm 5-11, and 145 pounds, and my serve and volley game has improved. I watch a lot of film of Roger Federer, who is my favorite player, and I have a better all-around understanding of the game and how I want to play each point."
While Kozerski should land the top seed at the CSL North tournament this weekend his teammate, freshman George Ciuca, has likely earned a top-four seed with his 16-3 overall record.
"George is extremely skilled and very consistent and he's shown thus far he can compete with older players from well-established programs in the area," said Hauenstein.
The Spartans, who will finish second in the division behind Highland Park, swept all four flights at doubles, in addition to a defeat of Ciuca.
Maine West will conclude its league schedule against rival Maine East on Wednesday before opening play in the North tourney at host Highland Park on Friday.