The JHS’s boys’ tennis season has been full of ups and downs thus far. Coaches Brooks and Deal agree that the boys have shown significant improvement since the beginning of the season. Now, coming to the close of the season, the boys will be put to the test as they prepare for their two most competitive tournaments: Conference and Sectionals. Sectionals will determine which players will advance to the Illinois State Tournament held in Chicago the following week. Only the top four singles players and top four doubles teams from the area advance.
Currently, the boys’ record is 5-5. However, several of these meets were more competitive than the score may reveal. This record is a vast improvement from previous seasons for boys’ tennis. Many of the boys this year have repeatedly taken their matches to tiebreakers. JHS’s most recent victory was over Decatur MacArthur. This match was also Senior Night where Caleb Cole and David Sibert were honored for their hard work and dedication in tennis over the last four years.
To improve the chances of the boys doing well at conference and sectionals, Brooks and Deal have some strategies to implement at upcoming practices. An emphasis will be put on doubles play as this is where the team has the greatest chance to advance. The top two players of the team, senior David Sibert and junior Will Brockshmidt, have chosen to play as a doubles team for both conference and sectionals, as opposed to singles. Footwork and conditioning will also be essential skills to keep up with challenging opponents in the coming weeks.
Coaches Brooks and Deal have both thoroughly enjoyed working with the boys this season and look forward to coaching next year’s promising team.