DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
Unlike many recent years, the local boys’ tennis sectional enjoyed beautiful, warm, dry weather for the postseason and after Wednesday’s semifinal matches, it will be a rematch between the Bluffton Tigers and the Adams Central Jets Thursday for the sectional trophy.
A win by the Jets would give Adams Central their first title since the consecutive wins of 2017 and 2018, while Bluffton are the defending champions.
The Tigers played South Adams in the opening round Tuesday, winning 4-1 over the Starfires.
Kade Sprunger, now 19-2 on the year, stayed alive in the individual tournament for the Stars with a straight-set victory at No. 1 singles.
In Wednesday’s semifinals, the Bellmont Braves made things awfully interesting against Adams Central, but the Jets ultimately got the points they needed in straight sets to secure the victory, handing the Braves nothing but a consolation prize with the final two points.
Senior Larry Knous did everything he could to close the gap against AC’s #1, Logan Heiman, but Heiman clinched the match with a 7-5 victory in set #2.
James Miller got revenge at No. 2 singles, despite losing the opening set 6-0.
The Jets got great performances with their doubles teams, winning both matches in straight sets.
Tuesday Quarterfinal – Bluffton 4 South Adams 1
No. 1-Kade Sprunger (SA) d. Jacob Ribich (Blf), 6-4, 6-0
No. 2-Reid Abbett (Blf) d. Cole Hyman, 6-3, 6-3
No. 3-Vince Lambert (Blf) d. Griffin Hill, 6-1, 6-1
No. 1-Lance Moser/Coy Lantz (Blf) d. Ben Dubach/Eli Habegger, 6-0, 6-2
No. 2-Parker Christal/Dane Fiechter (Blf) d. James Lehman/William Faust, 6-1, 6-1
Wednesday Semifinal – Adams Central 3 Bellmont 2
No. 1-Logan Heiman (AC) d. Larry Knous, 6-1, 7-5
No. 2-James Miller (B) d. Zack Frank, 0-6, 6-2, 6-4
No. 3-Caleb Coats (B) d. Braxton Gerber, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4
No. 1-Brody Isch/Mason Fruechte (AC) d. Kaden Ramsey/Raiden Knittle, 6-4, 6-3
No. 2-Chris Espinosa/Daymon Frock (AC) d. Kasey Teeter/Grayden Kable, 6-2, 6-0
About the Author
