GRAND FORKS, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Day 2 of the Boys State Tennis Individuals Tournament was dominated by Grand Forks Central. After the Knights won the team state championship being tied 2-2 and down at #3 singles 4-1 in the third set, the winning just continued. Logan Sandberg won the state title after saving two set points against Legacy’s Corby Svihovec, the North Dakota Boys Tennis Senior Athlete of the Year. Central’s #3 player knocked off Red River’s #1 to take 5th place as well. In the doubles, the Panzer brothers from GFC won the title after losing against Red River in the state team tournament and in the EDC doubles finals. Their #2 doubles team ran the consolation draw to take 5th place as well. Max Weisser, deservingly so, was named the state coach of the year from Grand Forks Central. Congrats to the Knights and their coaching staff to include Terry Paukert on a great state tournament.

Valley City’s lone participant on Day 2 was Blake Triebold in the singles draw making the semifinals after defeated the #7 from the West and the #6 from the East on Friday. The #1 from the West, Corby Svihovec from Legacy, came ready to play. He adapted to Blake’s game and just stayed one step ahead. Blake had a couple times, including a tweener, where momentum could have shifted his direction. Corby would calmly come back and play the next points and games with confidence and resolve. Corby weathered all storms and earned a spot in the championship.

After losing in the semifinals, Blake and Finnian O’Donnell from Shanley were dejected before their 3rd place match as both players’ goal was to win the state singles championship. It is hard to get back up and play when the only difference between winning and losing is a number on a plaque. Both players started sluggish, but then we had some very colorful and amazing points. With both players having nothing to lose, we saw some of the hardest hit shots, passing shots, drop shots, and even an underhand serve. It was fun to watch. I hope the players also had fun playing as it was both’s last match of their high school careers. Finnian took the match in straight sets.

Blake finishes the season with a 17-5 record at #1 singles with his only losses against the three players that finished above him at the state tournament. His 17 singles wins in one season may be a Hi-Liner record. Blake also finishes his career with 70 total victories and being named All-State twice by taking 5th in 2018 and 4th this year.

This season was supposed to be Valley City’s year to state qualify as a team. We didn’t reach that goal, hampered by injury and other absences. But, we were able to get a full season that ended as probably best season in 15 years. Blake was able to play for an EDC championship and had a shot at the state title on the last day of the season. We had two All-EDC players with Blake and Seth. Seth had a chance to state qualify in singles. Kai and Derek state qualified and played their best tennis of their lives at the right time. Trey and Casey continued to improve all season. Max and Ethan turned it on at the end of the year showing they will be forces to reckon with next year. Alex and Miles stepped in at regionals and also turned in their best performances ever. As a team, we had the best winning percentage individually and as a team in 15 years. Even though we didn’t state qualify, it was an awesome season and I am proud of our entire team.

Thanks to the fans and parents this season for adapting to changes and following all COVID guidance. It was never an issue with everyone working together. Also, thanks to our assistant coaches Erik and Susan Kringlie as they make it easy for me as a head coach and they are great with the players as coaches and as mentors. Thanks to the players. They believe in our program, our pillars, and each other. Without their belief, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish what we did this season. Great season Hi-Liners!