Boys Tennis Preview (what to watch for)
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Once again, we put our fate in the hands of Mother Nature and hope to conclude the boys state tennis tournament this weekend. We’ll see.
It’s been an exciting season so far with several teams/players really stepping up. You can be the best all season, but this is the weekend you need to bring it.
Class 6A
Oh boy, what a three-team race this should be between Putnam North, Edmond Memorial and Union.
I’ve seen Putnam North and Edmond Memorial several times and know how strong they are. Only saw Union once, but coach Kevin Gannon is one of the best in the state.
Player to watch: Chris Haworth, Putnam North. Really, I’m not his PR agent, but it does feel like I’ve written a lot about the sophomore throughout this season.
He’s made a lot of strides since being that freshman that lost a three-set classic to Omar Aly (formerly of Jenks) last year in the quarterfinals.
He’s grown six inches and more than that, he’s dealt with nerves and adversity and has been coming out on top time after time.
What will be interesting is to see if any of the other teams (Edmond North, Norman North, Jenks) upset some of the favorites.
I would not be shocked to see Edmond North, spurred by the girls title, perform better than it has all season.
Some names to watch: EM: Duncan Fugitt (No. 1 S), Omar Karim (No. 2 S). EN: Nick Jordan (No. 2 S), Eric Olson and Baylor Spring (No. 2 D). Norman North: Kevin Boyd and Sam Geurkink (No. 1 D). PCN: Wil Rodwell (No. 2 S). Muskogee: Brandon Finerty (No. 1 S).
Predicted order of finish: 1. Union; 2. Putnam North; 3. Edmond Memorial.
Class 5A
Not as much drama here as Bishop Kelley won’t be playing second-fiddle to anybody in this class.
Cale Hammond, at No. 1 S, leads the most loaded team in the field and the question will be if the Comets can sweep the field.
Player to watch: John Byrne, No. 1 singles, Bishop McGuinness: Don’t the boys have to become better players going against the girls in practice? Seriously, though, the boys are a lot deeper than last year.
I expect to see Byrne playing in at least the semifinals and depending on his draw, if he can upset Hammond or Evan McElwain (Booker T.), might have a real story.
Also fun to watch the Irish doubles team of Ryan Randolph and Jake Brown. The basketball players are athletes first but have learned a lot about tennis in their few years together.
Big blow to Carl Albert, who will be without No. 1 singles star Austin Manger because of injury.
Predicted order of finish: 1. Bishop Kelley; 2. Booker T.; 3. McGuinness.
Class 4A
Another no-brainer here as Cascia Hall should coast to another team title. Chase Tomlins leads the solid Commando group.
Dick Villaflor lost almost his entire team from last year, but you know Heritage Hall will be among the top and competing in championships. That team is about a year away.
OCS, led by Austin Bell, will also be in the mix of things as the battle for second will be very interesting.
Also be keeping my eyes on Classen. Sparked by freshman Melissa Dang last week, the boys are pumped to equal her success.
Player to watch: Chris Chan, Classen. I remember being impressed with him as a freshman last year at No. 2 singles. He’s made the jump up to No. 1, and it’s a tough field. Don’t know how far he’ll go, but I know the team will be out there in full force to give him support.
For much more on Classen, read Friday’s Oklahoman.
Predicted order of finish: 1. Cascia Hall; 2. Heritage Hall; 3. OCS.
See ya out on the courts.
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