Heritage Hall Tournament of Champions – Boys
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Looked at the girls side yesterday, let’s do the same with the boys portion of the Heritage Hall Tournament of Champions.
Thoughts and observations:
- There was a lot of tension between Tulsa Union’s Trevor Horstmann and Putnam North’s Chris Haworth in the No. 1 singles championship.
Both disagreed about the others’ line calls and some real tension in the air. I thought it made the atmosphere that much better, but maybe that’s just me.
One time Horstmann was a little out of hand when it appeared he was trying to hit Haworth with a shot in the tie-breaker in the second set.
Almost a second after, he realized he was in the wrong. Tournament director Dick Villaflor (Heritage Hall coach) and Tulsa Union coach Kevin Gannon were quick to restore order.
To me, it’s not a big deal. Tennis is such a mental game because you’re out there by yourself. Tempers will flare up.
Both were calm and sportsmanlike in the third set and after the match. A grueling physical and mental test for the sophomore from Putnam North as Haworth won.
Haworth started cramping midway through the second set but persevered. Thought Horstmann accounted for himself very well, especially since regular No. 1 singles player Logan Collins wasn’t at the tournament because of ACT testing.
Haworth was so small last year. He’s built like a machine this year, growing as much as he did. Extremely tough to think anyone will be able to take him out at the state tournament.
- ACT testing nearly gutted the boys draw but still a huge win for the Putnam North boys, holding off Tulsa Union for first. Edmond North placed third.
- First time truly got to see Norman North’s Sam Geurkink and Kevin Boyd. Pretty good combination right there. Easy to see why they’re undefeated. Don’t think Norman North has the depth to make a real run in 6A, but Geurkink and Boyd might throw a wrench into other teams’ championship plans.
- Despite all the ACT testing, the No. 1 singles was loaded with Haworth, Horstmann, Edmond Memorial’s Duncan Fugitt and Edmond North’s Casey Distaso. Fugitt placed third with Distaso fourth.
- Is it wrong to want a match between Fugitt and Haworth just to hear the two yell at themselves? I did it a lot back when I used to play. Some priceless commentary by both when they make “simple” errors. Simple to them, but pretty difficult for most normal people.
- Appreciate the effort McGuinness’ Ryan Randolph and Jake Brown. The two played in their basketball jerseys but accounted for themselves well in placing fifth at No. 2 doubles. Their second match went nearly three hours, but they pulled it out.
- Edmond North got a big No. 2 doubles win from Baylor Spring and Eric Olson. Admit to not knowing much about these boys coming in, so Huskies have some depth, too.
- Leave with the impression it’s Tulsa Union’s championship to lose. Redskins are solid, have the depth and will be at full strength. PCN has experience, so it should be a good fight, especially when you throw in Jenks and Edmond Memorial.
- Special thanks to Heritage Hall for all the accommodations. Can’t say I’ve eaten like that two days straight in a long time.
- Got my first sunburn of the spring, must mean we’re getting closer to the spring state championships.
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