Huskies Finish in Top Ten

Sports

By Anu Nandi

Husky Herald Reporter

  The Northern Boys’ Tennis Team almost got their wish. In Midland, the boys tied for ninth place at the Division 1 State Championship.

   The Huskies finished the single elimination tournament with nine points, tying with four other top area teams. One star player from Northern stood out.

  Chris Adams (‘17) was the last remaining Husky to stand and compete in day two of the tournament. Adams, the number 3 seed, outlasted Steve Forman of Troy (the number two seed)  2-6, 6-3. 7-6 (4) and found himself competing in the finals for a 2 singles state title.

  Adams, who received the three seed even after losing only one match this season, had lost only one match all season. This upset was to Koushik Kondapi of Novi, in a three setter at the beginning of the season,

  Adams sadly fell to Kondapi, the undefeated one seed, once again, with a score of 6-4, 2-6, 6-3. “He had a tough loss, but there is always hope for Chris. I wanted to be able to see him win this year (that was another goal), but next year,” said teammate Varun Nandamudi (‘15).

   “When Chris plays, he gives it his all. He was so much fun to cheer on, and I think every other fan from Northern would agree,” said Abhishek Tekumulla (‘17).

  Although Adams’ defeat was somber, day one was one to remember. Johnny Betrus (‘18), the number three singles player from Port Huron Northern, pulled off a major upset.

   Betrus, who was not even seeded going into the state finals, lasted until the quarterfinals. He defeated the number three seed from Grand Blanc (who was projected to make it to day two)  in straight sets ( 6-3, 6-2).

   “That match was definitely the best to watch,” said Clay Wilson (‘15). “, Johnny went out there and pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament in my opinion.”

  Also winning matches for Northern was number one singles player, Franklin Brozovich (‘16). Brozovich defeated Holland West Ottawa (6-1, 7-5), before falling to eventual state champion, Tim Wang of Novi.

   “Franklin is a great captain, and he is a great example of how we all need to act at States. There are a lot of nerves, but we have to work through them like he did,” said Nandamudi.

   The Huskies will graduate four seniors from their lineup this year. However, be prepared for next year, as all of Northern’s singles lineup, which includes Nishaan Makim (‘18) will return.

  “Next year, I hope we can work on our doubles once again. I think we will have a strong singles lineup, but once again, the doubles teams are the ones that could place us even higher next year at states,” said Tekumalla.