2015 Tournament Divisions Announced

The DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships presented by Icy Hot is pleased to announced the divisions for our 2015 tournament. 

The Girls A Division which will take place on March 20-21, 2015 in Chattanooga, TN features 16 teams from six different states. Both Tennessee and Georgia will send five teams to represent their state in the prestigious event. The tournament field features three-time tournament champion and host school Baylor. The Red Raiders are joined by fellow 2014 tournament semi-finalists Pine Crest and Walton. A young American Heritage team features four players rated as 5-Star Recruits or higher. Two-time tournament finalist Girls Preparatory School will participate in the event for the fourth time in tournament history and Assumption High School will make a tournament record sixth appearance in the event. The field includes a total of six defending state champions (Baylor, Blessed Trinity, Niceville, Ocean Springs, Starr's Mill and Walton). 

GIRLS A DIVISION

American Heritage (Delray Beach, FL)
Assumption High School (Louisville, KY)
Baylor School (Chattanooga, TN)
Blessed Trinity High School (Roswell, GA)
Cambridge High School (Milton, GA)
Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro, TN)
Duncan High School (Duncan, OK)

Girls Preparatory School (Chattanooga, TN)
Hutchison School (Memphis, TN)
Niceville High School (Niceville, FL)
Oceans Springs High School (Ocean Springs, MS)
Pine Crest School (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Roswell High School (Roswell, GA)
Starr's Mill High School (Fayetteville, GA)
Union City High School (Union City, TN)
Walton High School (Marietta, GA)

The Boys A Division which will take place on March 27-28, 2015 in Chattanooga, TN features 16 teams from ten different states. Illinois, Florida and Tennessee will each send be represented by three teams in the prestigious event. The tournament field features back-to-back tournament champion Hinsdale Central and Ohio State signee Martin Joyce. Former tournament champions Saint Xavier (KY) and New Trier join the Red Devils. Winter Park, a 2014 tournament semifinalist also joins the field. Tournament host Baylor School will participate in their fifth straight event and are currently fourth in tournament history with nine all-time wins. The field includes a total of nine defending state champions (Cardinal Gibbons, Heritage Hall, Hinsdale Central, MICDS, Memphis University School, Saint Xavier (KY), Spartanburg Webb School of Knoxville and Wiregrass Ranch).

BOYS A DIVISION

Baylor School (Chattanooga, TN)

Cardinal Gibbons High School (Raleigh, NC)

Edwardsville High School (Edwardsville, IL)

Heritage Hall High School (Oklahoma City, OK)

Hinsdale Central High School (Hinsdale, IL)

Mary Institute & Country Day School (St Louis, MO)

McCallie School (Chattanooga, TN)

Memphis University School (Memphis, TN)

New Trier High School (Winnetka, IL)

Pensacola Catholic High School (Pensacola, FL)

Saint Xavier High School (Cincinnati, OH)
Saint Xavier High School (Louisville, KY)
Spartanburg High School (Spartanburg, SC)
Webb School of Knoxville (Knoxville, TN)
Winter Park High School (Winter Park, FL)
Wiregrass Ranch High School (Wesley Chapel, FL)

The Boys B Division which will take place on March 27-28, 2015 in Chattanooga, TN currently features 17 teams from seven different states. Georgia will send five teams and host state Tennessee will send four teams in the prestigious event. The tournament field features 2014 tournament finalist Edmond Memorial. Former tournament champion University School of Nashville will join the field. The field includes a pair of defending state champion Bishop McGuinness and four state finalists (Jenks, Edmond Memorial, R.J. Reynolds and Woodward Academy).

BOYS B DIVISION

Bishop McGuinness High School (Kernersville, NC)

Blessed Trinity High School (Roswell, GA)
Cambridge High School (Milton, GA)

Carrollton High School (Carrollton, GA)

Edmond Memorial High School (Edmond, OK)
Ensworth School (Nashville, TN)
Jenks High School (Jenks, OK)
Menlo Atherton High School (Atherton, CA)

Riverside Military Academy (Gainesville, GA)
Red Mountain High School (Mesa, AZ)

RJ Reynolds High School (Winston-Salem, NC)

Santa Margarita High School (Santa Margarita, CA)

Siegel High School (Murfreesboro, TN)
Starr's Mill High School (Fayetteville, GA)
University School of Nashville (Nashville, TN)
Vandebilt Catholic High School (Houma, LA)
Woodward Academy (College Park, GA)

For the most up to date information regarding participating teams click here. 

Participating teams and divisions are subject to change.

Tennessee Aquarium to Host 2015 Tournament Players Party

The Tennessee Aquarium located on the banks of the Tennessee River in beautiful downtown Chattanooga will play host to the 2015 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships Tournament Players Party. Come see for yourself why the Tennessee Aquarium has been rated the best Aquarium in America for overall guest satisfaction.

The 2015 Tournament Players Party will be hosted in the Aquarium's River Journey building. River Journey fascinates visitors with river otters, turtles, alligators, giant catfish and thousands of freshwater wonders. The Players Party will take place from 7-10 pm the Thursday evening prior to tournament play. Event admission for players, coaches and family members is $15 per person, and includes access to River Journey and a snack!

The Aquarium's River Journey building allows visitors to follow a drop of water on a 1,500 mile trek from Appalachian Highlands to the Gulf of Mexico, a journey made by water that falls in the Chattanooga area. Beginning as rain high in the Appalachian Mountains explore the flora and fauna of the unique cove environment, including live songbirds, fish and amphibians that might live in the mountains near Chattanooga. This area also includes the aquariums newest exhibit River Otter Falls, where furry, feisty and fun to watch North American River Otters romp around their spacious new multi-tiered home.

Descending on a ramp through the center of the aquarium, the “river” gets deeper at the bottom of re-creations of Nickajack Lake and Reelfoot Lake, two vastly different bodies of water on the Tennessee River. Your journey through the lakes will feature sunfish, bass, catfish, amphibians, turtles, birds and an array of other fish species. As you enter Discovery Hall, the Tennessee River joins the Ohio River in a swamp environment featuring prehistoric alligators and lake sturgeon that once ruled the land. Paddlefish and salamander abound, swimming to bluegrass music. Finally, our drop of water enters The Mississippi Delta in an exhibit called Delta Country. Through a river of cypress trees and swamps turtles and alligators live with bass and sunfish while herons eagerly patrol the shoreline.

For more information on the Tennessee Aquarium please visit their website at http://www.tnaqua.org/.

NEW FOR 2015 -- Tournament Receives USTA Sanction

The 2015 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships presented by IcyHot will have a special feel, for the first time since 2012 the event will be a USTA sanctioned tournament. USTA Junior Tournaments help kids take their game as far as they want—high school, college or pros—or just have fun competing, all while advancing as players.

"The USTA sanction is important because it gives players an opportunity to earn valuable USTA ranking points and exposure via Tennis Recruiting Network," Tournament Director Brandon Feusner said. "It really helps put the tournament on the radar of collegiate coaches."

As part of the registration process players will now have to register to participate via TennisLink before February 27, 2015. This new process will streamline the registration process making to easier than ever before for all players to ensure there spot in the event. The individual registration for the 2015 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships presented by IcyHot will be $5 ($2 Entry Fee, $3 Tennis Link Fee). This fee includes a complimentary t-shirt for each player. 

Only players on teams that are officially registered to participate in the event will be allowed to register. Please contact your coach prior to completing your registration so you can register for the correct division. Players will NOT be allowed to compete in the event without a registration prior to the deadline.

Click below to register for your event:

2015 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships Girls A Division

2015 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships Girls B Division

2015 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships Boys A Division

2015 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships Boys B Division

Tournament Prepares for Move to Chattanooga and Adds Icy Hot as Sponsor

The DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships will have a new home and a new presenting sponsor next spring. The tournament which began in Louisville, KY in 2007 as the King of the Bluegrass Spring Fling has made some drastic changes over the past eight years. One of the most significant changes in tournament history will come in 2015 as the tournament as the tournament will move to Chattanooga, TN. 

The Scenic City will serve as the host of the prestigious event in 2015 and 2016. Baylor School and Champions Club will serve as the sites for the event providing 50 courts for tournament play. Chattanooga which has served as the home for numerous USTA sectional and national events "Will serve as a fantastic host city for our event," said Tournament Director Brandon Feusner. Feusner added “What Chattanooga brings to the table is a vibrant, mid-sized city with excellent Southern hospitality, high quality tennis facilities, tradition of hosting local, regional and national tournaments and a knowledgeable, hard-working tennis community.”

Tim Morgan, President of the Chattanooga Sports Committee states, “Chattanooga is excited to be working with the 2015 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships. Our family-friendly sports destination will work hard to maximize the experience for all athletes & spectators traveling in to compete in next year’s championships! We look forward to being your host.”

The Champions Club Tennis Complex features 26 outdoor hard courts and was named the USTA National Facility of the Year in 2001. The public facility also features a 6,000 square foot clubhouse with lockers, showers, viewing areas, and pro-shop. Champions Club also provides access to 12 lighted courts for evening match play. Champions Club was recently the host site for the Southern Conference Championships in April 2014. 

"We are excited to host this high profile tournament at Champions Club. The caliber of tennis is second to none, what a treat for the citizens of Chattanooga.“ said Orlando Lourenco, Director of Tennis at Champions Club.

The Alexander & Zan Guerry Tennis Center at Baylor School features 16 outdoor hard courts and 8 indoor hard courts. The complex was initially completed in 1987 but received an update including additional courts in 2012. The facility also includes a 1,500 square foot clubhouse including a lounge and restroom facilities. The facility is home to the Baylor School boys and girls tennis programs, winner of 23 Tennessee Tennis State Titles, and has hosted numerous USTA events.

Chattanooga tennis pro and McCallie School Head Coach Eric Voges said “I am very excited this prestigious tournament has found its way to Chattanooga. Teams from all over the eastern and mid-west part of the nation will be here to play. With the nice tennis facilities and an amazing, vibrant downtown, I believe the players will love coming here to play.”

Along with a new host city in 2015 the DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships welcomes Icy Hot as the presenting sponsor. Icy Hot, America’s #1 topical pain reliever, is a product of Chattanooga based Chattem, Inc a subsidiary of sanofi-aventis Group. The Icy Hot brand is a big supporter of tennis and also serves as the title sponsor of the Icy Hot USTA Southern Level 2 Championships.

“Tennis in Chattanooga has a strong heritage and athletics is a natural fit for the Icy Hot brand. We are very excited about the DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships coming to Chattanooga in 2015 and are happy to have Icy Hot sponsor this prestigious event.” said Zan Guerry, President of Chattem.

Former Tournament MVP Wins NCAA National Championship

In 2010, defending Ohio Division II Singles State Champion, Joey Fritz and his Cincinnati Country Day team came to compete in the DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships Boys B Division. Fritz went 4-0 in tournament play to lead the Indians to a grueling 3-2 win for tournament championship.Fritz's victory in the championship match took less than thirty minutes helping earn the nation's 19th ranked senior Most Valuable Player honors. 

Fritz went on to finish his senior season as an Ohio Division II Singles State Finalist. He was named a First-Team All-State selection by the Ohio Tennis Coaches Association. Fritz also become just the third player in tournament history to be named a NHSTAAF All-American. 

Following his outstanding high school career Fritz signed to play his collegiate tennis at Amherst. “It was really difficult. I struggled a lot with nerves," said Fritz following his freshman year for the Lord Jeffs "It’s different going from individual competition to team competition. I really enjoy the team environment more than the individual one.” His transition to the collegiate level was seamless though as he was a key contributor on the Amherst team that captured the 2011 NCAA Division III National Championship. Fritz's 6-1, 6-2 win over Emory's Nicolas Szureck helped the Lord Jeffs clinch the 5-2 victory for the programs first national title.

During his sophomore season Fritz continued his success winning the USTA/ITA New England Regional Championship singles tournament in the fall. Despite not competing in the NCAA singles or doubles tournaments in the spring Fritz garnered ITA Division III Singles All-American honors. During his sophomore season he was also named an ITA Scholar-Athlete.

Moving to the top of the lineup his junior season Fritz posted a 11-3 record including notching six wins in a row during a key stretch in April. He was named First-Team All-NESCAC and his on-court success helped Fritz garner ITA Division III Singles All-American honors for the second straight season. He was also selected for the CoSIDA Capital One At-Large Academic All-District first team.

Fritz took a 43-17 career record into his senior season. He rolled off an 18-5 regular season record as the top-ranked singles player in the ITA’s Northeast Region. Fritz's accomplishments included a season-best eight-match win streak and an 18-5 doubles record as half of the top-ranked doubles pairing in the region. His success earned his NESCAC Player of the Year honors.

He began his championship run playing the top singles spot for the Lord Jeffs who captured their second NCAA team championship with a 5-3 victory against the Claremont-M-S Stags. Fritz's run for the NCAA Division III Singles Championship began as the No. 2 overall seed. Fritz won the coveted prize with a 6-2, 6-1 victory against top seed Warren Wood of the host Claremont-M-Sc Stags. The singles championships was the first in Amherst history. During his tournament run it was announced that Fritz had been named Intercollegiate Tennis Association Senior Player of the Year. 

"Going into this week, the team championship means everything to us," Fritz said. "This individual championship is great, but it's icing on the cake. In the [singles final] match, that is probably the best I have served all week. I needed it because my legs were really tired."

Fritz's success at Amherst were not just on the court, he was once again named to the CoSIDA Capital One At-Large Academic All-District first team and received a bachelor's degree in Asian languages and civilizations. Fritz plans to work in Beijing, China, for Admissionado, an education consulting firm which advises Chinese students how to get into American universities.

Nine Former Players Named ITA All-Americans

Jared Hiltzik from Illinois Athletics

Jared Hiltzik -- University of Illinois

The Fighting Illini sophomore has accomplished a number of accolades in his first two seasons in Champaign, Illinois. The former tournament Most Valuable Players list now includes 2014 ITA Division I Singles All-American. Hilzik completed his sophomore season of play with a a 17-6 dual match record finishing the year at 31-11 overall in singles. He was selected as the eighth overall seed in the 2014 NCAA Division I Singles Championships. He is a two-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection and was selected as Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2013 after finishing dual match play with a 13-4 record at No. 1 singles.

Joey Fritz from Amherst Athletics

Joey Fritz -- Amherst College

The 2010 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships Boys B Division Most Valuable Player clinched his place in Amherst history this year claiming the NCAA Division III Singles Championship. Over the course of his illustrious four-year career, Fritz has racked up a 68-22 overall record. He led his Amherst squad to 30-win seasons in all four years and a NCAA Division III National Championship as a freshman and senior. Fritz was selected as the 2014 NESCAC Player of the Year and is a two-time First-Team All-NESCAC selection in singles and was selected as First-Team All-NESCAC for doubles as well in 2014. Fritz's collegiate accomplishments now also includes back-to-back ITA Division III Singles All-American selections and a doubles All-American selection this season.

Emerson Walsh -- Johns Hopkins

The Johns Hopkins freshman got off to a hot start in his collegiate career winning the winning the ITA Southeast Regional Championship in the fall. The Trinity alum finished his first collegiate season with a 20-9 doubles record with freshman teammate Michael Buxbaum. He earned the third overall seed the NCAA Division III Doubles Championships. Walsh was a First-Team All-Centennial Conference selection for doubles and finished the season as half of the nation's 6th ranked doubles team in the ITA Division III rankings. His accomplishments earned him the honor of ITA Division III Doubles All-American.

Palmer Campbell -- Middlebury

The Montgomery Bell Academy alum had an outstanding sophomore season for Middlebury. Playing the No. 2 doubles slot for the Panthers Campbell and teammate Brantner Jones tallied a successful 24-9 record. The duo won the USTA/ITA Small College National Tennis Doubles Championship last fall and ended the season ranked 21st nationally, the highest of any No. 2 team in the country. The team's overall record included a 4-1 record during Middlebury’s five NCAA Tournament matches. Campbell was selected as First-Team All-NESCAC for doubles and was named an ITA Division III Doubles All-American.

Ben Shklyar -- UW-Whitewater

Shklyar, who finished the season having played with three different doubles partners, claimed his first ITA Division III Doubles All-American selection. The UW-Whitewater junior finished his season with a 23-10 overall doubles record including a 10-6 record at No. 1 doubles for the Warhawks. In the fall, Shklyar paired with teammate Byron Balkin to win the ITA Midwest Regional Doubles title. 

Joulia Likhanskaia -- Bowdoin

The Bowdoin freshman set a number of records her freshman season including tying the school record for wins by a freshman with a 19-3 record during the spring. The Winter Park alum finished the year ranked 19th nationally in the ITA Division III rankings. Likhanskaia was named First-Team All-NESCAC for singles and selected as NESCAC Rookie of the Year. She enjoyed win streaks of six and nine matches in singles play during the spring season. Likhanskaia and teammate Emma Lewis also finished the year ranked 18th nationally in doubles. Her accomplishments earned her the honor of ITA Division III Singles All-American.

Bronte Goodhue -- Sewanee

Girls Preparatory School alum Bronte Goodhue is the only former girls participant to be selected as an ITA Division III All-American in both singles and doubles. The Sewanee junior captured All-American accolades for the second straight year. Goodhue finished the season ranked 15th in the nation in singles and 10th in the country in doubles in the ITA Division III rankings. Undefeated in both singles and doubles during the Tigers championship winning run through the conference tournament, Goodhue was named Southern Athletic Association Player of the Year and received First-Team All-Conference honors.

Madeline Benn -- Skidmore

Skidmore freshman Madeline Benn was dominant in her freshman year of play for the Thoroughbreds. The Gulliver Prep alum was a five-time Liberty League Rookie of the Week selection and received First-Team All-Liberty League honors in both singles and doubles. Benn and Liberty League Player of the Year Ford Lee advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Doubles Championships. Benn's honors make her just the ninth women in school history to receive All-American honors. The duo of Benn/Ford finished the season ranked 14th in the nation in the ITA Division III rankings. The final ranking cemented Benn's selection as Liberty League Rookie of the Year and ITA Division III Doubles All-American.

Jessica Bourque -- Stevens

The 2011 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships Girls B Division Most Valuable Player has garnered plenty of honors in her first three seasons at Stevens. Her freshman year she was named Empire 8 Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year. Her sophomore season she was honored as First-Team All-Empire 8 for both singles and doubles with 20 singles wins and 15 doubles wins. Bourque led the Ducks this past fall with 14 singles wins en-route to being named Empire 8 Player of the Year and First-Team All-Empire 8 for the second and third time respectively. Additionally, Bourque represented Stevens for the third-straight year at the ITA Northeast Regional Championships, playing for the first time in doubles with senior Lisa Tessitore. The junior currently stands top-five in school history for career wins. Borque and Tessitore were selected as ITA Division III Doubles All-Americans.

Chattanooga Marriott Named Official Hotel

The Chattanooga Marriott Downtown has been named the Official Tournament Hotel for the 2015 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships presented by Icy Hot. The 340+ room property is situated in the heart of Downtown Chattanooga. The amenities at this 3.5-star property include coffee/tea makers and hair dryers, wireless high-speed Internet access (surcharge applies),and 32-inch LCD televisions equipped with premium satellite channels. All accommodations provide ergonomic chairs and phones with voice mail. Bathrooms offer shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries. Additional amenities include an iron and ironing board and clock radios. In addition, amenities available on request include refrigerators, a turndown service, and hypo-allergenic bedding and daily housekeeping service. All rooms have beautiful city or mountain views. 

The hotel has partnered with the event to provide teams with a discounted rate of $109.00 plus taxes per night. The hotel is also offering a discounted breakfast buffet included in the room rate for $129.00 plus taxes per night. The property received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 2014. With convenient access to the complimentary electric shuttle route you have quick and easy access to all the downtown Chattanooga attractions and restaurants. The hotel also offers quick access to both tournament sites with a commute of 8 minutes to Baylor School and 15 minutes to Champions Club.

As the official hotel the Chattanooga Marriott will house all participating teams for the 2015 tournament. For more information on the Official Hotel and to make your reservations click here.

MICDS Repeats as Missouri Class A State Champion

The MICDS Rams, who lost three of their first four matches of the season, finishing 8th at the DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships finished the season on quite a different note. The Rams clinched their second straight Missouri Class A State Championships. MICDS who went undefeated following the DecoTurf Championships outscored their state tournament opponents 25-0. "I think that opening tournament humbled us," MICDS coach Patrick Huewe said. "When that was over, we plotted out our year with different goals."

MICDS' depth was a key as Rex Serituk, Rohit Chouhan and Constantine Veronikis lost just 13 games in their six matches in the semifinals and finals at No. 4-6 singles. The trio anchored the bottom of the lineup that clinched the state title in just 5 matches following wins by Joe McAllister and the Rams lone senior Geoff Raclin. The Ram's No. 1 singles player, Tyler Raclin, had his match cancelled once the team title was clinched. The Ram's outscored their championship opponent Pembroke Hill 60-13.

"We had strong players at the top of the lineup as Tyler (Raclin) and Joe (McAllister) split time at No. 1," Huewe said. "But we were fortunate to have a team which was so deep. We had six guys who would have been in the top three on almost any other team in the state."

The Rams also fared well in the individual championships with sophomore Tyler Raclin falling 7-5, 6-0 in the singles state championship and the doubles duo of Rex Serituk and Geoff Raclin falling 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 in the doubles state championship.

Rockhurst Unbeaten for Second Straight Missouri Class AA State Championship

Rockhurst, the 6th place finisher at the 2014 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships, recently claimed their second straight Missouri Class AA State Championship. The Eagles lost a total of just 10 games in the five match run for the state title. The championship was the state record 17th state team title for Rockhurst. 

“A lot of other people put high expectations on this team. We knew that everyone would be gunning for us. But they kept their focus all season and we played great tennis here. We played some of our best tennis on the biggest day of the year,” Rockhurst coach Zach Frisch said. The Hawklets got wins from Jack Evans, Joe O'Connor, Patrick Michaelis and Jacob Moore before St. Louis signee John Nogalski Jr clinched the state title with a 6-2, 6-1 victory. Nogalski said “It was great to be the final and clinching match. I did not stall but it was so cool that everyone came over to me court and celebrated.” Creighton signee Alex Koca, Rockhurst's No. 1 singles player, had his match suspended once the team match was clinched.

“I knew that the expectations were high since we had everyone returning from the championship team this year. They came after us but we responded well. We were on the courts two and a half hours every day in preparation for this season. We worked hard and this was the reward. It was great to close out our high school career with another championship.” senior Alex Koca said.

Rockhurst wasn't content with just a team title though as the Hawklets went on to claim both the singles and doubles state title as well. Senior Alex Koca, who had to withdraw from the 2013 singles championships to have his appendix removed, battled his way to a 6-4, 6-3 victory over previously unbeaten Micah Klousia of Glendale. Rockhurst had a pair of teams battle for the doubles state championship as juniors Joe O’Connor and Jack Evans saved a pair of championship points in a third-set tie-breaker and defeated teammates and defending champions John Nogalski and Jacob Moore 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-6).

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/high-school/other-missouri-prep-sports/article443686/Rockhurst%E2%80%99s-Alex-Koca-wins-Class-2-tennis-championship.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/high-school/other-missouri-prep-sports/article434844/Rockhurst-tennis-team-dominates-Class-2-seizes-state-title.html#storylink=cpy

Hinsdale Central Claims Third Straight Illinois State Championship

Two-time DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championship Boys A Division Champion, Hinsdale Central, was dominant at the Illinois State Championships to claim their third straight state title over the weekend. The Red Devils also completed the three peat from 2007-2009. Hinsdale Central has clinched the state title after just the second day of state tournament play with all four entries advancing to the state semi-finals including the top seeded doubles team of Lope Adelakun and Chase Hamilton and defending singles state champion and top seed Martin Joyce.

Top Seeded Joyce advanced to his second straight state final with a 6-1, 6-3 semi-final win. He was joined by teammate Eddie Grabill in the state championship following Grabill's 7-5, 6-2 win in the semi-finals. The all-Hinsdale Central singles state final marked the first time since 2011, and only the second time since 1990, that teammates have met in the state finals. "It is hard to play against one of your friends," Grabill said. "You don't want to see him lose, but at the same time, I want to win this match. Hinsdale Central Coach John Naisbitt described the final as "gut-wrenching, like watching your two sons box." Grabill took advantage of his opportunity claiming the singles state championship with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory. The victory made Grabill just the second player in Illinois history to claim both a singles and doubles state championship.

In doubles the top seeded duo of Adelakun & Hamilton needed three sets to advance to the finals over Corey Schwartz & Alex Galoustian of New Trier with a 3-6, 7-6(3) 6-1 victory. Teammates Michael Czlonka & James Bruning lost two straight matches in tournament play falling 6-2, 6-2 in the semi-finals and 6-4, 6-2 in the third place match to New Trier's Schwartz & Galoustian. Stevenson's duo of Colin Harvey & Andrew Komarov were too much for the top seeds from Hinsdale Central claiming the state title with a 6-3, 6-1 victory.

The final team scores gave Hinsdale Central the state title by a margin of 15 points outscoring second place Lake Forest 56-41. Fellow DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships participants New Trier and Edwardsville finished 3rd and 8th place respectively. The defending champion Red Devils, who return four of six members of their state championship team, will return to defend their title at the 2015 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships. Hinsdale hopes to become the first boys team in history to win three straight tournament titles.

Webb School of Knoxville Wins Tennessee Division II Class A State Championship

The 2014 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships 11th place finisher, Webb School of Knoxville, won their fourth state team championship in five years last week. The Spartans 4-0 win over University School of Jackson capped off a 12-0 undefeated run in sub-state and state tournament play. 

Webb School of Knoxville used a dominant performance in the title match to claim the state championship. Lorenzo Rollhauser's 6-3, 6-3 victory at No. 1 Singles was the closest individual match of the championship. The remaining Spartans won their championship matches in straight set including wins by Thomas Loaiza (No. 2 Singles), Rajeev Jarhav (No. 4 Singles), and Nathan Feaster (No. 5 Singles). 

The Spartans then swept the Tennessee Division II Class A Singles State Championship with Lorenzo Rollhauser defeating teammate Thomas Loaiza 6-0, 6-4 in the championship. The doubles teams of Preston Yoon & Rajeev Jadhau and Gabi Dagotto & Nathan Feaster each advanced to the semi-finals of the Doubles State Championship.

Baylor Wins Tennessee Division II Class AA State Championship

Baylor School added another title to their list of accomplishments of their senior class this week. The Red Raiders, who had an unprecedented run at the DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships over the past four years finishing 14-1 and claiming three championships, won their fourth straight Tennessee Division II-AA State Championship this week. Tears of joy flowed for the Baylor girls as they swept rival Girls Preparatory School 4-0. 

The Red Raiders got off to a great start winning the doubles point with victory from the senior duos of Samantha Caswell & McCall Morgan and Harper Caswell-Maggie Crumbliss. "We were definitely out to get GPS in doubles today," senior Maggie Crumbliss said. "We played well and left it all out on the court; it was our last team match and we tried as hard as we could. I remember saying I wanted to win four when we were freshmen, and it's a good feeling to accomplish that." The No. 3 doubles team of Grace Petty and Drew Hawkins had their match called at 7-2 once the doubles point was clinched. Baylor got singles wins by sisters Samantha and Harper Caswell at No. 1 and No. 2 singles to take a 3-0 lead. It was freshman Drew Hawkins that clinched the title for the Red Raiders with her 6-0 6-1 victory. 

"It was a very emotional day. Today culminated five years of nonstop hard work and focus, and it's come to an end," Baylor coach Dustin Kane said. "It's hard not to be emotional about that, but the girls played unbelievable -- it was one of the best matches we've ever played. To go out and perform at the highest level they could perform at, which they did, is a great way to go out, and they deserve every bit of it."

The state runner-up Girls Preparatory School was also a participant of the 2014 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships finishing in 6th place. GPS coach Sue Bartlett loses three seniors but is real excited about an eighth-grade class coming in. Bartlett said "Baylor was really sharp today, it was hard for us to find a chink in their armor. I thought they played really well and didn't let us get in, which puts a lot of pressure on singles, but we played well at several positions. They just played well and deserve to win."

Huntington Dominates West Virginia Class AAA State Championship

For the Huntington High School girls the state tournament meant a chance to make history. The Highlanders, who finished in 8th place the 2015 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships, had their ups and downs throughout the season with senior leader Cassie Mercer nursing a wrist injury. Over the weekend Huntington finally had all the pieces in place and completed their historic run marking the first time in Class AAA girls tennis history that a team has gone undefeated throughout the entire tournament and securing their fourth straight state championship.

Virginia signee Cassie Mercer, who was not able to play in the DecoTurf Championships due to her injury, claimed her fourth straight Single State Championship with a 6-0, 6-0 victory at teamed with senior Kate Huck to claimed the No. 1 doubles State Championship. Huck, who also won the No. 2 Singles championship said ""It's amazing, especially for me, because my freshman year, we won every spot except for my second doubles, that was the only spot we lost that year, so I'm really happy because we were that close my freshman year but we got it this year." Freshman Ava Ratcliff showed promise for the future of the program with a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 3 Singles and Rachele Subik claimed the No. 4 singles title. The duo of Ratcliff & Subik paired to win the No. 2 singles title. With history on the line the No. 3 doubles tandem of Leah Simon and Nicole Oliashirazi closed out the historic year with the team's seventh title.

Ratcliff who will return as the top player for the Highlanders next year said "We lose half our team and I know there are big shoes to fill, I want to win my slot all four years."

George Washington Wins West Virginia Class AAA State Championship

George Washington, 2014 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships Boys B Division Champion, claimed their second straight West Virginia Class AAA State Championships over the weekend. “It was challenging, very challenging,” said George Washington coach Chris Luckett. The title was the 16th all-time for the Patriots.

George Washington, who was up just one point after the first day of play, battled their way to the top despite having to withdraw from the No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles draws after senior Zack Koenig suffered severe dehydration during his singles semifinal. The Patriots dominated the remaining draw claiming state titles at No. 3 singles, by Nick Koenig, and a pair of doubles state titles by Nick Koenig & Thomas McIntosh and Ryan Mullins and Brent Horswell. The Patriots also got state runner-up honors by Furman signee Ryan Massinople at No. 1 singles and Chip Sweeney at No. 4 singles. 

Patriots Coach Chris Luckett said, “They know how to win big points. These kids have been playing since they were 4 years old, probably. When they’re playing that much tennis and they’re all best friends, that makes it easier in communicating and working in a doubles match.”

Fellow DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championship participant, Huntington, finished as State Runner-up.

Sixteen Former Players Named High School Tennis All Americans

Each spring the top 40 boys and top 40 girls in the country are honored as National High School Tennis All Americans by the National High School Tennis All-American Foundation. In 2014 a tournament record sixteen former participants received this honor. Eight players who participated in the 2014 tournament were among this year's honorees including Co-Most Valuable Players Martin Joyce and Michael Lorenzini. Former girls all tournament team selections Olivia Thaler and Cassie Mercer were selected for the second straight season. Five of the boys' selections, including Martin Joyce, Robert Kelly, Baker Newman, Chase Perez-Blanco and Walker Sims, were selected for the second straight year.

To be eligible to receive consideration as an All-American tennis player a student/athlete must maintain an above average academic and citizenship record, compete on a high school tennis team, and garner an individual national ranking. Among the elite group of student/athletes honored in the past as tennis All-Americans are many current and former professional tennis players, including Pete Sampras, Todd Martin, Kimberly Po, Aaron Krickstein, Jeff Tarango, Taylor Dent and Sam Querrey. All decisions for All-American honors are researched and authorized by a panel of eight (8) National District Chairmen who are highly respected high school coaches. For more information of the NHSTAAF click here.

GIRLS

Samantha Caswell • Baylor School • Chattanooga, TN

Anna Feaster • Webb School of Knoxville • Knoxville, TN

Allegra Hanlon • Ransom Everglades • Miami, FL

Cassie Mercer • Huntington • Huntington, WV

Olivia Thaler • Gulliver Prep • Pinecrest, FL

BOYS

Martin Joyce • Hinsdale Central • Hinsdale, IL

Robert Kelly • Cardinal Gibbons • Raleigh, NC

Brandon Lancaster • Saint Xavier • Louisville, KY

Michael Lorenzini • Hinsdale Central • Hinsdale, IL

Ryan Massinople • George Washington • Charleston, WV

Baker Newman • Gulliver Prep • Pinecrest, FL

Chase Perez-Blanco • Gulliver Prep • Pinecrest, FL

Oliver Sec • Beacon • New York, NY

Walker Sims • Memphis University School • Memphis, TN

Hunter Tubert • Huntington • Huntington, WV

Ziqi Wang • Vestavia Hills • Vestavia Hills, AL

Spartanburg Wins South Carolina Class 4A State Championship

Spartanburg, who finished seventh at the 2015 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championship, claimed their first state title in school history over the weekend. Despite a lineup that included a sophomore, four freshmen, an eighth grader and a seventh grader the Vikings outscored their opponents 29-1 in route to the South Carolina Class 4A State Championship. The state title capped a perfect 21-0 season against in-state competition.

Spartanburg's championship victory was a landslide with the Vikings rolling 6-0. The Vikings got a key win by Spencer Brown at No. 1 singles. Following his victory Brown said “Coming down here I felt really good about playing them even though they were the defending state champions from last year, we felt really good coming out here. The team was just pumped.” Freshman Chambers Easterling clinched the title with his 6-4, 6-2 win at No. 2 singles. The Vikings also got wins by Noah Nawabi, Omar Williams and Bryce Keim. Arpit Maini and Phillip Jordan earned an 8-3 victory in No. 2 doubles for Spartanburg.

The Vikings who appear to have started a dynasty with every member of their state championship squad returning next year. Coach Todd Seagle said "“It’s just the luck of the draw I guess, I’ve got at least two more seventh graders next year that could possibly put a dent in the lineup as well. We’ve got a lot of talent, a lot of youth. It could be several years in a row is what we’re hoping.”

Spartanburg added to the hardware with freshman Spencer Brown advancing to the championship match of South Carolina Class AAAA/AAA Singles State Championship before falling 6-0, 6-1. 

Saint Xavier Sweeps Kentucky State Championships

The Saint Xavier Tigers success in high school tennis in Kentucky is unmatched, but the Tigers completed a rare feat when they captured their sixth consecutive and 23rd overall state team championship this year. For just the fifth time in state history Saint Xavier won the team championship, singles championship and doubles championship in the same year. 

"That's something we've been shooting for the last couple of years, and unfortunately we didn't get it last year," Lancaster said. "It was pretty nice to get it this year."

The Tigers, who finished as runner-up at the 2014 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships, outscored their opponents 12-0 in team state tournament play. Saint X opened their State Championship match against McCracken County with a 1-0 behind freshman Drew Singerman's win at No. 2 singles. Tiger seniors Coleman Cox and Nick Quinones gave the team a 2-0 lead with their 6-3, 6-0 victory and junior Nick Waldeck's 6-2, 6-1 win clinched the state title for Saint Xavier. 

"I've closed out a lot of matches but not one for the state championship, so it was a little bit extra meaning," Waldeck said. "I enjoyed that. It's been a long day, so it's good to put an end to it."

The Tigers overall sweep came one day later as the Tigers top player, junior Brandon Lancaster, won the Kentucky Singles State Championship avenging a loss from the 2013 state finals. Lancaster said "I just started going for more of my shots and decided that if I'm going to lose it's going to be on my terms, shots went in." The Kentucky Doubles State Championship featured a matchup of Saint Xavier Doubles teams with seniors Coleman Cox and Nick Quinones taking on Matt Graft and Nick Waldeck. The battle was especially tough for coach Kerry Lancaster who watched the doubles final from the grandstand, not wanting to choose sides on the court during the match. The duo of Graft and Waldeck eventually prevailed with an emotional 6-4, 4-6, 10-8 win. 

Cardinal Gibbons Wins North Carolina Class 3A State Championship

Cardinal Gibbons capped off their season over the weekend with a 25-4 record and a fourth consecutive North Carolina Class 3A State Championship. The Crusaders, who finished the 2014 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships in 13th place, also captured individual singles and doubles state championships. Cardinal Gibbons, who outscored their opponents 39-0 in state tournament play, also completed the sweep of state titles in 2013.

Cardinal Gibbons was led by University of North Carolina signee, Robert Kelly, who was named Most Valuable Player of the Championship match after his 6-2, 6-4 victory at No.1 singles. Kelly was one of six Crusaders that swept their singles matches in straight sets to clinch the title with a 6-0 win. The doubles matches were not played because the outcome of the match was already decided. Cardinal Gibbons also got wins from Matt Galush, Jim Mantyh, Brody Chapman, Kyler Zadell and Kyle Fitzgerald.

Earlier in the week Cardinal Gibbons Robert Kelly captured his second straight North Carolina Class 3A Singles State Championships with a 6-3, 6-2 victory. Kelly who had to finish the match with a teammates racket after breaking strings on both of his rackets said “It’s always fun to represent your school like this, there’s pressure to repeat, so it feels good to come out here and close it out the way I did.” The Crusaders also took home hardware in doubles as Matt Galush and Noah Constantine defended their Doubles State Championship in an all-Cardinal Gibbons finale against Jim Mantyh and Kyle Fitzgerald.

Walton Wins Georgia Class 6A State Championship

The Walton High School Girls Tennis Team claimed their 10th State Championship in the past 11 years over the weekend. The Raiders outscored their opponents 16-1 in route to their second straight state title. 

Walton, who finished in third place at the 2014 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships, did not drop a single match until the championship of the Class 6A State Tournament against Alpharetta. Junior Bella Kuse lost a heartbreaking 3-6, 6-4, 1-6 match at No. 1 Singles but the Raiders rolled from their sweeping the remaining matches. Walton's wins came at No. 3 singles by Johanna Keeline and at No. 2 doubles by Emily Gaskins and Grace Gaskins. Walton's Suzanne Zenoni clinched the match with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 victory at at No. 2 singles.

“I like to play under pressure,” Zenoni said. “When she got tired it picked me up and made me want to compete even more.”

“They really grew as a team, they came together and supported each other and played solid tennis.”” said Walton coach Christy Page.

Walton, who returns five of the seven players off the squad that claimed the state title, has committed to return to the 2015 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships. 

Barron Collier & Wiregrass Ranch Split Florida Class 3A State Championship

DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships participants Barron Collier & Wiregrass Ranch finished in a two-way tie to be named Co-Champions of Florida's Class 3A State Championships.

The championships gave Barron Collier, 3rd place at the 2014 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships, their fifth straight State Championship and ninth overall. The Cougars claimed the No. 3 & No. 5 Singles divisions with wins over co-champion Wiregrass Ranch by Paul Johnson and Michael Raymond. The doubles duo of Alan Sweet & Paul Johnson clinched the No. 1 Doubles division and teammates Michael Raymond and Doug Small claimed the No. 2 Doubles division. Cougars' Sweet & Johnson went on to claim the Florida Class 3A Doubles State Championship. 

Wiregrass Ranch finished 14th place at the DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships without their top two singles players Agustin Morena and Pedro Fernandez del Valle. The Bulls got key wins from the pair as they won the No. 1 and No. 2 Singles divisions and Alejandro Feliciano claimed the title at No. 4 singles. The duo of Alejandro Feliciano and Foresight Okungbowa had a chance to give Wiregrass Ranch the title outright but fell 7-6 (6-2), 3-6, 10-5 to Barron Collier at No. 2 Doubles. Wiregrass Ranch's Morena also went on to win the Florida Class 3A Singles State Championship. The team championship marked the first in school history for Wiregrass Ranch.

Barron Collier loses four seniors off their squad including SIU-Edwardsville commit Michael Raymond, Doug Small, Paul Johnson and Alejandro Vargas. Wiregrass Ranch Dave Wilson was excited about the future of his program saying ""We're getting better and better, and the good thing is there are no seniors."

Ransom Everglades Wins Florida Class A State Championship

The 2014 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships Girls A Division Champion Ransom Everglades added another accomplishment as they cruised to the Florida Class A State Championship. The championship was the Raiders second in the last three seasons. Ransom Everglades didn't achieve perfection at the state tournament, but they weren't far from it. The Raiders captured four of five singles divisions with wins by Allegra Hanlon, Claudia Mackenzie, Daniela Lopez and Heather Boehm. The pair of Hanlon & Lopez also went on to claim the No. 1 Doubles division.

“We came out extremely focused,” coach Peter Lehmann said. “We knew what the number was to clinch this thing, and the girls didn’t waste any time. They got it done in a hurry.”

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/18/4066361/ransom-girls-capture-second-state.html#storylink=cpy

Ransom Everglades finished with a total of 19 points, just two points from a perfect 21 point sweep of the state tournament. The next closest opponent was American Heritage in a distant second place with 10 points. 

The Raiders will now send their three seniors Allegra Hanlon (Cornell), Claudia Mackenzie (Navy) and Lindsey Mendelson (Columbia) and off to play NCAA Division I tennis. Coach Lehman said "I can tell you that this is the best girls’ team I’ve ever coached."

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/18/4066361/ransom-girls-capture-second-state.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/18/4066361/ransom-girls-capture-second-state.html#storylink=cpy

Photos Now Available -- Boys DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships

Photos from the 2014 Boys DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships presented by Subway are now available from Louisville Sharp Photography. 

The photos include a variety of shots from throughout both days of tournament play with a variety of shots from the A & B Divisions. The galleries are split into Day 1 and Day 2. Prints are available for purchase online with prices starting at just $3.00. For more information please contact Max Sharp at louisvillesharpphotography@gmail.com. 

Click here to view the Day 1 Gallery

Click here to view the Day 2 Gallery

HINSDALE CENTRAL DOMINATES TO WIN SECOND STRAIGHT TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP

With one of the strongest fields in DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships history the Hinsdale Central Red Devils clinched their second straight Boys A Division Championship in dominant fashion. The two-time tournament champion outscored their opponents 33-3 in 2014 proving to be even more dominant than their 31-5 record in route to their first tournament title last year. 

After a rain delay pushed the start of the tournament back 3 hours of Friday the tournament produced one of the most competitive opening rounds of play in recent memory. The first round had only two shutouts with eventual Champion Hinsdale Central shutting out Jenks and Spartanburg blanked Edwardsville. The 2011 & 2013 tournament champion New Trier had to win four of their six singles matches to narrowly advance past RJ Reynolds in the most competitive first round match up. Barron Collier, MICDS Rockhurst and Winter Park also to the quarterfinals with opening round wins. 

The quarterfinals produced a pair of phenomenal matches as Saint Xavier defeated New Trier 5-4, in a battle of two of the tournaments past three team champions, and Winter Park slipped past Spartanburg 5-4 to advance to the semi-finals. Hindale Central and Barron Collier rolled past their opponents to set up a rematch of the 2013 tournament championship.

In the semi-finals Saint Xavier and Winter Park were knotted at 3-3 after splitting the six singles matches. Saint Xavier took control of the match quickly winning all three doubles points to advance to the championship for the first time since their title in 2010. Hinsdale Central clinched their spot in the finals with a dominant 8-1 victory of back-to-back tournament finalist Barron Collier. 

Despite rainy condititions that pushed all final round matches indoors most matches produced some very competitive results. Cardinal Gibbons finished the tournament 2-2 after a 7-2 victory over Wiregrass Ranch for 13th Place. Webb School of Knoxville clinched an 11th place finish, their best finished in tournament history, after Edwardsville defaulted their final match. RJ Reynolds finished the tournament in 9th Place as the Consolation Winner after defeating Baylor by a narrow margin of 5-4. Spartanburg claimed 7th Place over MICDS with a 6-1 victory. New Trier needed only 5 singles matches to finish to clinch a 5th Place finish over Rockhurst. In a battle of Florida schools Barron Collier won all three doubles points and claimed 3rd Place with a 7-2 victory over Winter Park.

The tournament championship started off in favor of defending champion Hinsdale Central with Michael Lorenzini & Martin Joyce and Eddie Grabill & Chase Hamilton claiming wins at the top two doubles positions. Saint Xavier got their lone point of the match from Matt Graft & Nick Waldeck at No. 3 Doubles. Hinsdale Central went on to win all six singles positions and claim their second straight championship. The Red Devils top two players Martin Joyce and Michael Lorenzini were named Co-Most Valuable Players after their undefeated record in tournament play.