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A matter of maturation

Jasmina Meyer, Highlands Today

Sebring junior Mike Reed posted a 14-1 record, won the No. 2 singles title at the Heartland Conference tournament and capped his season by winning the Class 2A-District 9 No. 2 singles championship for the Blue Streaks.

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By MARK PINSON

Highlands Today

Published: June 18, 2009

SEBRING - Sebring's Mike Reed has always had an abundance of ability and talent.

But it wasn't until this season that the Blue Streak junior managed to harness his temper to become one of the top tennis players in the area.

Reed posted an impressive 14-1 record at the No. 2 singles position, won the Heartland Conference tournament and capped his remarkable season by winning the No. 2 singles title at the Class 2A-District 9 tournament

"Mike has a tremendous amount of ability and worked hard to improve every aspect of his game," said Sebring third-year coach Jack Holt. "He really matured this year and became a team leader.

"He used to let a mistake or a missed shot bother him and take him out of his game, but he is much tougher mentally and proved that by winning some very tough matches to win at the district tournament."

For his ability and accomplishments, Reed has been selected as the Highlands Today All-Heartland Boys Tennis Player of the Year.

"It makes me feel so good to be the player of the year," said Reed. "I worked hard on my game physically, but I put even more time into being stronger mentally.

"I used to let my temper get the best of me, but I'm a lot better at handling the adversity that comes in every match and I just tried to stay focused on my own game."

The team

Michael Sweat, junior, Lake Placid Sweat posted a 10-6 record at No. 4 singles for the Green Dragons. Sweat made it to the finals of the Heartland Conference tournament and the semifinals of the Class 2A-District 9 tournament.

"Michael was very competitive and always gave a solid effort," said Lake Placid veteran coach Dennis Berard. "He worked hard on his game to become a better player and I look forward to him playing for me again next year."

Mitchell Guerndt, freshman, Avon Park Guerndt came on strong in his first year of varsity tennis at the No. 2 position for the Red Devils.

"Mitchell took a beating early in the season because the No. 2 singles position is very competitive," said Avon Park coach Lucky Dixon. "He learned quickly and by the end of the season, he was holding his own against some tough players.

"He is very coachable and is only going to get better."

Jacob Underwood, freshman, Lake Placid Underwood played the No. 5 singles position for the Green Dragons.

"Jacob did a great job in his first year of varsity tennis," said Berard. "He improved quite a bit from the beginning of the season and is a very coachable young man."

Kyle Komisar, junior, Sebring Komisar went 11-1 during the season, won the Heartland Conference tournament and lost in the semifinals of the Class 2A-District 9 tournament at the No. 3 singles position for the Blue Streaks.

"Kyle plays hard and smart and reads his opponents very well," said Holt. "He had a solid season for us and is only going to get better."

Nikhil Raghuveera, junior, Sebring Raghuveera played at No. 4 singles and went 14-2 during the season, which included winning the Heartland Conference tournament. Raghuveera also made it to the finals at No. 4 singles at the Class 2A-District 9 tournament for the Blue Streaks.

"Nikhil was very consistent and has perfected two or three shots that made his opponents play his game," Holt said. "He is very coachable and I look forward to him being even stronger next year."

Michael Hill, junior, Avon Park Hill played at the No. 3 singles position and improved over the course of the season for the Red Devils.

"Michael picked up the pace of his shots from the beginning of the season," said Dixon. "He showed steady improvement and learned a lot about the strategy of the game by the end of the season."

Vihang Nikhate, junior, Sebring Nikhate played at No. 5 singles and posted an 11-2 record for the Blue Streaks. Nikhate won the Heartland Conference tournament in straight sets, but did not compete in the district tournament.

"Vihang had a solid season and always put the team first," said Holt. "He is very competitive and is working hard to be even better next year."

Coach of the year

For guiding a youthful but talented Sebring team to a 12-2 record, the Heartland Conference championship and a third-place finish in the very competitive Class 2A-District 9 tournament, Sebring's Jack Holt has been selected as the Highlands Today All-Heartland Boys Tennis Coach of the Year.

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandstoday.com.

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