The only event of it's kind

And this format has shown itself to be successful in that the doubles draw is looking much more fruitful then any other tournament all year.  Often times these players are apprehensive to find a doubles partner but this web site and at the tournament desk, a "Need a doubles partner" sign up sheet creates a easy way for kids to pair up. Marty Hennessy, the Tournament Director has taken the necessary steps in creating a challenging doubles draw. Marty is the Director of Tennis at Turnberry's Stirling Club.

The Stirling Club is one of the most exclusive private clubs in the world. It caters to an international clientele as Las Vegas is not only well known nationally but throughout the whole world. Persons from as far as Asia, Russia, Mongolia, Spain, Cyprus, Europe and the Mediterranean come to Las Vegas for what they perceive only Las Vegas can offer. Many call Turnberry their home away from home. A place to live while they come to Las Vegas, while others live at Turnberry year round. One such player was there this evening, Alex Taser, who also lives in Palo Alto California. His parents moved into Turnberry just 8 months ago and have since been active participants in Las Vegas tennis. His mother Michelle Taser plays 3.5 and just played Joni Wolfe at the Bally's adult tournament. Her husband is an open player who played for San Jose state. Marty's Hennessy's tournament is Alex's first in Las Vegas. In fact, many of the players involved in this event either started the game of tennis with Marty, or too entered the realm of tournament tennis via one of Marty's tournaments. For years Marty ran Tennis at the Desert Inn and when they closed he waited and waited for just the right property to be open up. Turnberry place was his perfect match.

The Turnberry place , a high rise of luxury homes, is accented by the  Stirling Club which is the private club within Turnberry. It has a pool, the only clay tennis courts in town, pool side bar and grill, fine dining restaurant, spa, fitness room, smoke and wine room and a night club/disco. Membership is by invitation only and costs quite a bit more then most local tennis clubs, but for those who would prefer a five star environment this is one of,  if not the best place in town to find that type of touch.  From the Valet service, marble floors, perfectly landscaped gardens, concierge, gourmet restaurant, to of course the clay courts , and more, you get quite a bit more then you might find at your local tennis club. For more details , photos and to schedule a possible visit to the club, Click here to see the Stirling Club Web page.  

I knew the man who built this place had to know what he was doing when I heard there would be clay courts at Turnberry. When you do something why not do it the best possible way? And that is obviously the case at Turnberry, where no cost was spared to make a luxurious place to dine, live and play the game. Whether that game is cards, tennis , Billiards, fitness or backgammon, or just sitting out on the lounge chairs and taking in the day, you may find yourself enjoying the perfection of LIFE. It is perfect.

 The tower homes at Turnberry boast luxury Amenities. Each residence has Italian Marble  Whirlpool Baths, granite topped, European kitchen cabinetry, sub-zero and gagganeu appliances and private elevator entry ways. All residence have wrap around  glass balconies with unparalleled city views and the surrounding mountain tops. Have you ever seen the city lights from above. Just the other night I took a trip up to the top of the Valley, and just kneeling there I saw the majesty of this city. It was open, so open, unbelievable. Believable actually. It was the first time I had seen such majesty.

Residences there go from $500,00.00 to $5,25 million.

Click here to see the Turnberry Homes information and Video

Marty Hennessy has been a staple in Las Vegas tennis for over 30 years. He came to Las Vegas in his early twenties, married and soon with two boys. He was only twenty three when he discovered a life lesson that would stay with him till this day....He can do anything. There is nothing anyone can not do. At twenty three he found himself the Director of tennis at the new, fast paced place to be, the Desert Inn. Not knowing how to run a tennis club he let his intuition take over and soon he realized he could not only hold his own, young and inexperienced, but could do it as good if not better then anyone else in town.

Soon the Desert Inn was the place to be, whether it was Frank Sinatra and his crew, the rising "Starlets" of that day, or the local junior and adult tennis players which used the "Desert Inn" as tennis central.  Players like David Pate, Philippe Agassi, Dickonson, and others, were just growing up, and the sport was hitting it's peak. Marty said this tournament is the largest he has ever had and it reminds him of those days. The days when players played one another constantly. The barriers of entry and play were torn down by having the kids congregate and eventually say the magic words.."Do you want to play?" Now a days coaches like David Pate, Owen Hambrook, Craig Witcher, Tim Blenkiron, Gordon Hammond, Johnny Lane, Jeff Foley, Michael James, Kevin Bradley, Dan Knight, Ki Kroll, Rick Storozick and Saad Ashraf are putting together there own mini congregations of players and it is making a difference. The Red Rock tournament weeks ago was huge compared to earlier years, and Marty's tournament is breaking records, and this is just the first one. 

The Nevada Tennis Association has come through on it's mission to promote the game by creating a clinic at Mission hills with Rick Storozick and Saad Ashraf which now boasts 25 kids. And I have witnessed over the months how these players have progressed. And all this due to one program at one 4 court park. It just goes to show you that one person can make an impact. When you are led to do something and you do it, it opens up a whole realm of possibility's and opportunity's. "Just do it" is very profound when it comes to living life. There is no room for "Do it later" , delays or doubts. Once you are led to do something, whether it is taking out the trash, creating something new, or approaching then net, there is no benefit to doubt,... just the amazing power that comes from right action. 

Hence this web site was born. A single place where everyone in the valley can come and get insight into the game and all the local tennis news, pictures, video highlights and event information. There are directions to each court, information on almost every tennis clinic, mixer, tournament, camps and round robins on the "Play tennis" page, along with tournament reviews like this one in the "Tournament results" page.  These are just a few of the features that may be of use to you. The e-mail newsletter also informs you of the tournament deadlines, local tennis news and updates to the site. To sign up to receive the e-mail newsletter  click here.

If you have a cable or DSL modem you can watch some of the tournament video highlights. If you have a regular modem you can down load it. There are also pictures from each event in the "Pictures" section. 

Kids like to play,  it is just a matter of placing them on the court with someone to hit with. This tournament is yet another avenue for the players to strive. And for those who do not make it through the first round there is a consolation draw on Saturday. Marty explained this evening that for years his most profound impact was simply matching players up to play. Whether it was tourists from out of town or juniors looking for match play, he simple set up the game and let the participants enjoy it.  And it is this match play where the players are challenged the most to intuitively discover the game. By losing to a good player and playing in match situations you find a lot out about yourself and life. No quit, Patience, overcoming the prodding's of "Thoughts" and "Feelings" and how to lose with dignity. How to be a winner. 

It was Friday night that Chris Tanaka, a 12 and under that plays at Anthem, played very smart against local standout Taras Motsny. This match went down to the wire with Taras winning the first set 6-4, then losing the second 5-7. And in the tie breaker Taras was down 2-0, then 4-1, then he went on fire hitting the ball out and making some great points. But Chris held on , playing a consistent ball, every now and then laying in some power. These two had some excellent rally's. Point being once you know how to lose, then you can play without a anxiety of a loss. If you see that winning has to do with an inner composure then the points no longer are at issue but "How you play the game." Which to me was always a corny phrase. Yet it is true. In the end Taras was able to use that punishing forehand to get some key points down that  deuce lane, and he won it 12-10.  Chris works with Adrian Himmelheber at Anthem and at one time also worked with Marty. Taras works with the Stacy Darling Open doubles champion Misha at Monte Carlo. His father is also his coach and a consistent presence at each tournament. 

With the Nevada Tennis Associations recent success in securing a new twenty three court tennis center, tournaments like this one will no longer have to be played at more then one location. 

Marty Hennessy has been running junior tournaments and clinics for years. Each child that signs up, it is rare that he had not worked with them at one point or another. Gabriella Gibson, Dominique Aubry, Aziza Aba Butain and thousands of others.

Since taking on his position as the Director of tennis at Turnberry, Marty still has the capability to give private lessons, AND CLINICS. He racalled  the "Monster clinics" that were once his trademark at the Desert Inn. 

It is possible for players to play on clay with individual lessons also. To call Marty for a private lesson, one of his clinics or doubles round robins on clay,  or for a tour of the new facility call him at 792-5964. He has been working with the Stirling Club  staff to introduce this new Club to those who may be interested in membership. Non members pay a $15.00 fee to play clinics and $15.00 for the doubles round robin.

Watching their  son Thursday evening was Joe Magid and Mr. Miller. Bryan Miller was playing Ian Magid and although Brian won the match handedly, it was not without a fight. Ian, who moved here from California months ago, hustled down every ball. Often winning, well placed balls by Brian, were at the last second retrieved. But in the end Brian's power and touch kept Ian panting from side to side and Brian showed why he is now ranked 4th in the intermountain 14 and under. Brian also took fourth at the Pumpkin just weeks ago, and Rishi Daulat took third.

Brian and Rishi have both qualified to play in the Super Nationals this year. Also qualifying was Stan Breland, for the boys 12 and under. Because Stan plays in the boys 14 and under he had to qualify by placing in the top 8 last week at the National Open in California. He lost his first match putting him in a precarious position, but then went to win 7 matches in a row, beating the number 2, 4, 5, and 8 seed to finish in the 5th place position. Many of these wins were 6-1, 6-0 as well. Apparently his play, apart from that first game , was dominating. He eventually won the back draw.

Another TEAM Agassi player to qualify for Super Nationals is Asia Muhammad. She went to Michigan last week to qualify and made it to the finals taking second place. Her father Ronald was on hand as usual. Ki Kroll, their coach was also there. It seems Marty Hennessy has a long standing relationship with the Agassi foundation. So much so that he was able to secure a almost un heard of automatic entry into their National Mutterspaw Championships.

John Baltas explained that Julia his daughter will also go to super nationals being the number two endorsed player in the Intermountain.

Team Agassi has most of it's team members in the draw, as I saw Brendon Aguilar play tonight beating Devon Morrissey in two sets. And Selina Brown played Gabriella Gibson on court one.

Dominique Aubry played at the Fullerton 14 and under girl's National Open this past weekend and qualified for the Super National by taking 8th place. Friday night it was her and Candynce Boney going at it. And this was some good tennis as both girls can hit the ball. Dominique's father was on hand, as it was he that got his daughter playing years ago. He played "A" tennis back before the present rating system. This was equivalent to 4.5-5.0. Now he plays at Desert Palm 3.5.

	The Stirling Club   Clay courts Fine dining Fitness Center Spa 1st class amenities Club House & more A most private environment designed for greatness... You are invited to call 732-9700 for membership information Click here to see The Stirling Club Home page

There to watch her two children play was Mrs. Tegtmeier. Her son plays in the boy's 12 and under and the daughter is in the 10 and under. These two players had a large group of family and friends there to watch and support their play.

There to watch other junior is the newest 18 and under junior to move into town Robert Brito. Robert e-mailed me months ago telling me he would be moving to town from Guam. He found VegasTennis.com on the internet. Now he is living here as his brothers are attending UNLV. He has showed interest in play league and tournament tennis. He recently won the Lorenzi Novice tournament. Interested in the game he stood by and just watched match after match both Thursday and Friday. 

Friday night tennis…

Gabriella Gibson and Shawna Morgan went at it Friday night with Shawna winning in two sets. Both had some great put away overheads and well played points. But the difference was with Shauna's no quit hustle. Gabriella would hit a great shot but Shauna would retrieve and retrieve.

Another player that found about this tournament on the internet was Sheryl Pendergrast's son Frankie. He is playing in the boy's 12 and under and she described how the game has pulled the family together, as she , her husband and Frankie's grandmother all play. In fact it was his grandmother taking him to her lessons that got him involved. He works with James Springer.

It takes a kid or adult and pulls them out of their day dreams, TV and video games giving them a chance to hit the ball and run. That is why many like to play sports , it brings them out of the thinking and into the living. 

 Saad Ashraf was on hand to watch his students play. He runs the before mentioned Mission Hills tennis program with Rick Storozick.  He played college tennis at Georgia State, then was assistant coach there for two years and head coach for 4 until he decided to move to Las Vegas where he is a real estate broker by day and coach in the mornings and afternoons.

Nicole Wellington, who played this year for the State Champion Bishop Gorman team played Asia Muhammad in the first round.  Candynce Boney played a great match against Briana Moyle. Briana  and her were really swiping at the ball with some excellent rally's. There was no hesitation out there. But in the end it was Candynce who took the match and advanced.

Matt Perkins played this evening as well. Matt played for Cheyenne high school this season and is using tournaments like this to maintain his play throughout the winter. Marty Hennessy explained that he originally planned his tournaments for the winter months to fill a void where there were no local tournaments for players to play. The chill in the air may keep fans away from the sidelines, but on court the players are just fine. Once you start moving around the chill is gone. And during the day, with the sun light, this weather is perfect.

Saturday Sunday Tennis...........

Isaiah Wilson was on hand to watch some of the team Agassi players go at it. In fact Isaiah was one of the key people to start the inner city tennis programs that eventually led to the formation of programs like the TEAM AGASSI. He often supports the team by going to the Washington avenue facility to play with young Stan Breland. He and young Stan played in the open division earlier this year at the Monte Carlo adult tournament. It was here that at I saw the Stan Breland that was poised and showed signs of the type of progress his father emphasized in his game. It was not his strokes but ability to play under any circumstance with poise. Stan senior said he uses tennis merely as a "Vehicle to prepare him for his adulthood." Because in life there are bad calls, and unreasonable people, along with bad shots and mis hits, and if you can stay calm under these circumstances on the court then to do so in the rest of life is second nature.

Isaiah explained how he has always used tennis as a way to come out of the mental and see life , be alive. He pointed to the lit courts of UNLV as only he and I were left and after sharing about his life and the joy of overcoming it’s challenges he said , "Take a look at those courts, it is great to be awake and see them." I knew exactly what he meant. To see, the blue sky, what is going on around you, to play. It is a choice between  this seeing or being lost within ones own head.

Often times people play sports to experience being awake and living. Such was the case with Isaiah and I today as we played some doubles with George Morrissey and his son Devon. Afterwards Isaiah and I played some singles and at 52 he hustles and played with zero quit. It was a perfect set. 

On the tennis court, and in tournaments like this,  one not only develops their character but reveals it as well.

Does a player lose themselves and quit or stay aware playing the game? Equally, do the parents, and the game they play on the sidelines, also battling the pushes and pulls of match play… do they react and lose themselves in turn offering to enable it in their children or do they stand as an example of what is right.

This tournament offered the same challenges and opportunities that all these events offer. To doubt, worry and react or to stay true and play the match all the way through. And if you do just that you have won, regardless who has the trophy in hand. The trophy is in you.

But for Aziza Aba Butain, she had three trophy’s around her as well as she was the only junior to win all three types of trophies. It was Marty who helped Aziza begin her tennis play at a young age, as is the case with a lot of the juniors involved today.

PLAY ON CLAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In fact Marty is still working with juniors taking beginners and intermediate players and providing for them opportunity’s to play and experience the game. Whether it is in tournaments or in his newly introduced weekly clinics on clay. Clay? Yes clay. The Turnberry Stirling Club was initially off limits to the public, as it is a exclusive private club. Yet Marty has now been able to offer selective clinics and doubles play opportunity’s to juniors and Adults. So you, the VegasTennis.com reader can call him and arrange to play in one of his clinics, or Sunday morning doubles round robins, and in an atmosphere that is unparalleled anywhere. The cost is $15.00 for the clinics or $15.00 for doubles round robin. The Turnberry Club is five star and the service includes fresh squeezed orange juice , cranberry juice, bagels and more court side. For those that come to the week day clinics there is a complimentary drink and Hors D'oeurves available to you in the club house afterwards to be shared with the members of the Stirling club.

The clinic and mixer schedule can be obtained by calling...…792-5964

Junior tennis.... An example of the stellar disposition I illustrated above is Alec Runyon, who has not only grown physically but has continued to develop as a gentleman on the court and off. And today it paid off as he played Michael Uriarte in an incredible three set 18 and under final. Alec won 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Michael unrelenting hustle and no quit athleticism was excellent but Alec's touch game was too much today.

You see how these player grow in front of your eyes, physically and mentally. Young Alec Runyon has grown leaps and bounds since just this past springs Summerlin Tournament. I remember first meeting him, and he had just lost in the final to Ryan Gormley, yet you could see no trace of it in his face. He is one of the players who holds no false pride about his game even though he is often in finals and gives the best of players a run for their money. Some players, adult and juniors,  fall into the insecure way of false pride while players like Alec are not like that.

Another junior with the same type of attitude is Jason Harper who played Alec in a very close first round match. It was as close as it possibly could get and both these players are mature mentally and in their game. In the end it was Runyon that won out. Then Alec faced the formidable Lenny Whiting. Lenny walked onto the tennis scene not too long ago and has come a long way since his father built a tennis court in their back yard a few years ago. At that time no one in the family played , but soon it became a neighborhood haven for impromptu tennis and the match play has paid off. Today in the boy’s 16 and under he beat Alec Runyon in a very close tough match 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Sitting together were Mrs. Runyon and Mrs. Whiting. They have risen above, or never entered into the catty snide disposition that some fans take with one another. And this attitude sends the right message to their own children and those who witness this lack of distance.

Lenny has been working with Stephane Matheu-Cambas at UNLV. Stephane just won the Bally's men's open doubles tournament I help put together. He and Tim Blenkiron took home the $200.00 prize. Stephane played professional tennis for over ten years and now plays in the summers when he is not coaching UNLV's men's tennis team as their assistant. Also in that men's open draw at Bally's was Christian and Catrina Thompson. The girls needed some better competition and David Pate was willing to let me enter them into the draw. And they showed in the first and second round they can play at that level regardless of their age or gender. They won their first round match and took the second round to three sets.

To see this tournament page, photos and the draw click here.

Marty players…

Another player that started with Marty is Martin Casper. His dad also plays and may even put together a league team at Queeensridege.

High School players add to event…Tomorrows winners

Lindsey and Courtney Richardson, PLAY IN THE GIRLS 18 AND UNDER. They are twins and play high school tennis at GREEN VALLEY 18 AND UNDER. they won their first match making it to the semifinals before coming up against the formidable Dominique Aubry and Amelia Martinez. The Richardson girls are a perfect example of the types of girls who added to this event. Players in high school tennis , who came out in response to Marty’s invitation. 

Some players who play tennis in high school limit their exposure by not being in local tournaments. The game is not that complicated. It is just a matter of not quitting.

It is not over when you lose… it is only over when you quit.

I see time and time again juniors and adults who in just two years can play at a high level.

Katie Yoder and Lindsey Boyers, play for Meadows, and are playing in the 16 doubles. They are another high school tennis team that came out to play. Perhaps Marty's invitation to play will show them and in turn others that tournaments are a great way to play the game.

The Aguilar girls are another example , also twins , they showed up to play some tennis, doubles, and that is all it takes, an invitation. Tournament tennis is more then accessible to all levels including beginners , intermediates and advanced players. In fact today’s beginners could very well become tomorrows winners.

One just has to let go of the false impression that only advanced players can compete in a tournament. Michael Uriarte just made it to the ClubSport final where he lost an extremely close three set match against Jonathan Fayghi. Yet it was just a few years ago he started the sport. You can begin the game any time and compete at a high level.

I myself played my first tournament two years ago and had not played until then except a few times as a kid and a few times as an adult. And my fist event was at Lorenzi. I asked what the top level was and they said "Open" so I signed up for open. I got killed 6-0, 6-0, almost getting game, but I had a hard time hitting the ball with all the spin and juice the ball had on it. Two years later I played the same player and almost won, losing 6-3, 6-4. It never even occurred to me to get down, or discouraged. I just paid to play tennis. Not for a trophy, or for the recognition of others, but to hit the ball, have it hit back to me and for me to hit it again.

I liked the challenge. It is just a matter of time. Don’t believe the hype. The hype that it is too late to start.. it is never too late. Nothing can not be done. If you are led to do something.. how to will be revealed to you as you play.

The Aguilar's both play tennis for Centennial's high school team with Gabriella Gibson. Gabriella was given the teams MVP award. Many local high school players are playing in this tournament as Marty made a point of contacting each high school giving them flyers and inviting the kids to play. Had I been asked to play as a kid I would have played all the time. But it didn't happen. That is why I created this web site, so players can find others to play with, and it just grew from there. 

If you are a junior or adult, go to the "Find a match " section of this site to contact other players to play or to add your name as someone willing to play. Or go to the tennis professional like Marty and he can set up matches for you… on clay at Turnberry or at another location. And there is always Baskin Park, the pick up tennis haven in Las Vegas, that breeds the ld guard, juniors and players new to town looking for games.

It is Baskin park where girls 14 and under champion Farwa Husain plays. She and her father are down there often either hitting balls, but more often then not, playing matches. She has tons of match play experience, and not only against the other juniors there but she mostly plays with her dad by her side against many of the older wiser tennis players that know how to dismantle pace with finesse. There are fixtures down there like Danny, a musician and racquet stringer who once played open tennis, who has been playing Baskin for over 12 years.

In the girls 14 and under final it was a rematch of a grudge match between her and Julia Baltas from this past spring. That match was won by Julia but this time Farwa defended her Red Rock fall classic title winning in three sets.3-6, 6-0, 6-0. Julia has qualified as has Farwa to play in this years Super Nationals.

Nancy Crowe was here Friday night watching her son Daniel play in his 3rd tournament. She explained how much her son enjoyed playing with Sean Monk, a local open player who played college tennis for Tulsa. Kids like this just enjoy playing. She lives in Eagle Hills at Summerlin, where the Parkers, Mia Moore and other tennis family's reside. There is a two court park where the kids go down and play. Brandon Parker is in this circuit playing doubles with Brian Miller. Cameron Parker, his older brother, just recently was voted High School All-American, and made was last years state champion. Brandon recently won the Great Pumpkin for the boy's 12 and under.

Nancy Crowe explained how playing the game has been awesome for her son. It has cleared his head and sports like this do that for juniors and adults.

Rishi and Aashish Daulat both played in this event as they do all the events. But Rishi had to pull out due to a flu.

Their father got them into the game as he played college tennis at Dallas Baptist College , but now he is a full time tennis parent, playing that match which includes long rally's of patience and endurance. It takes poise and dignity to play the game of a parent. The challenges youth face on the court and their parents face courts side are the same exact challenge. It was the before mentioned coach and player Isaiah Thomas who explained he knows what the players deal with on the court cause he deals with the same challenges and as he overcomes them he has insight on how they too can do the same.

Tennis parents…

Nancy Crowe who explained the sensitivity she has as a parent, as her children are a walking score card for her daily performance. It takes on a whole new meaning when each word and action is imitated and looked up to by the children around you. It is like a walking mirror.

A parent who plays tennis is David Cox, a 4.5 player who went undefeated in league play and beat the undefeated tournament player Kurt Muntz. David plays with Kevin Jannison at Spanish Oaks and his son Shane was out Thursday night to compete.

Tournament Record…the largest junior tournament known ….this has been Marty’s largest event yet, and possibly ever in Las Vegas. The total numbers are in..167 entry’s in the singles and doubles.

Winning the boys 16 singles was Brian Miller who defeated Lenny whiting in two sets. Stephane Matheu Cambas came to watch his student Lenny Whiting.

Jonathan Ribaste won the boys 14 singles, living up to his tournament poster position. In fact all the players I chose to be on the poster placed in this event, with Aziza getting the most trophy's of any player, Michael Uriarte getting two Silver bowls, Jonathan Ribaste getting the champions trophy and Gabriella Gibson getting the doubles champion trophy with her partner Jacquelynn Tang.

Jacquelynn with her huge ground strokes and Gabriella’s net play reflexes helped them to exact revenge on Lauren Anspach who recently beat them weeks ago at Red Rock. The girls looked more like 4.0 doubles players with extremely hard hit balls. Lauren’s father is a 4.0 player and I have no doubt that he and I would be challenged a great deal playing his daughter and her partner Meagan Medick, both of which played excellent tennis. But tonight was Gabriella and Jacquelyn's. Just as the Red Rock tournament was Lauren’s. And even in loss Lauren had her trade mark smile, as she seems to be enjoying hitting the ball, not for a mental purpose but just to play. And she played some excellent doubles points this evening going down the lane numerous times, but Jacquelynn nailed many a forehand and Gabriella attacked the coming balls at the net too well. Meagan Medick's mom Lee Medick was on hand. She plays 4.0 tennis and maybe 4.5 next year as she has made it to a number of finals with her partner Jim Pruess.

Melissa Gibson and Mrs. Tang also were in the stands ignoring the Sunday night cool weather to cheer on the play of their daughters. Jacquelyn plays at Desert Palm with Howard Tubin, Gabriella play’s with David Pate at Bally’s, and the two have teamed together recently.

Brian Kenyon won the boys 12 and under against the no quit Patrick Kawka. Patrick and he went at it with some excellent rally’s and in the end it was Brian 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.

Brian is a product of Rick Storozick and Saad Ashram's Mission hills tennis program.

It was a new comer that won the boys 10 singles, Oliver Becerra just moved here 8 weeks ago and won the match against the Lorenzi summer winner Brandon Kurtz.

The girl’s 18 singles was another good match as State Doubles Champion Allison Davis played Aziza Aba Butain. Aziza won, and did so after just taking second place in the girl’s 16 and under against Dominique Aubry. This was the best match of the tournament. These two girls whacked the ball. Often I see Aziza doing just that, but with Dominique also a power player, the wonder twin powers activated the ball to a higher level. Not to mention the incredible play making, and point winning shots, slices, overheads, serves, many rally’s and volley’s. The match was excellent and perfectly came down to a third set tie breaker with Dominique winning 8-6. But I knew Aziza was destined to win, I even told Marty, not because she is better then Dominique, I just had a sence this was her tournament. As it was Dominique's. The final score was 6-2, 0-6, 7-6 (8-6). Aziza did not win this one but won her other final to win the girls 18 singles.  Aziza and Sheryl Bon also won the girls 16 doubles. Taking second place was Dominique Aubry and Amelia Martinez.

In recognition of what Aziza contributed Marty gave the only full size tournament poster to Aziza for her excellent play. Some times tournaments are just meant for certain players at certain times. Hence Hennessy’s 1^st Junior circuit for Aziza Aba Butain.

The girls 12 singles was won by Alexys Schuster, who was in her first 12 and under finals. She played Danica Ingwaldson, who took second. Danica’s brother also got involved in the tournament by being the head umpire, and unlike some that can be intimidated, he is an amateur boxer and knows how to stay firm in his decision. No wavering or capitulating. In his sport doubt and second guessing hurt immediately. In the stands were Alexys parents talking while the match was in play.

In the girls 10 singles Amelia Martinez did very well winning not only the champions trophy, but a ribbon for the girls 12 consolation finals, and a silver bowl as she filled in and played in the girls 14/16 doubles with Dominique Aubry. Winning the girl’s 14/16 doubles was Sheryl Bon and Aziza Aba Butain.

Sheryl also played in the girls 18 and under singles and if anyone doubted her entry they were shown to be wrong as she won the first round against an extremely good player in Carrie Schofield. Carrie is the state doubles champion as her and Allison Davis were the only Las Vegas team to win state this year in high school tennis.

Carrie has a brother Austin who also won a consolation final in the boys 14 and their mother Suzie is running for the Nevada Tennis Association board of Directors.

The way that works is there are two seats available and 4 people running. Each USTA member in Las Vegas gets mailed a flyer/ballot. I got mine last week and you choose two persons and mail it in. They count the votes then the board along with the Executive Director Sandy Foley choose how to run the Nevada Tennis Association and it's slew of programs, one of which is sponsoring this web site to bring you up to date news , reviews, photos, video highlights, and articles like this one. If you use this site you may let the NTA know their sponsorship is not in vain.

Taking second place in the girls 10and under was Toby Miclat.

Consolation draw

The boys 18 and under consolation draw was won by Bobby Jelone who  exacted revenge fro his Summerlin Finals loss the Jason Harper earlier this year. Bobby has also played in a number of adult open tournaments as well, as he is not afraid to go up against the best players in town. But today it was Jason Harper, with the support of his father who is at every single match of his sons. His father realizes that his son may be off to school next year and this is the end of a period in life, and not taking a thing for granted, he sees the big picture and takes it all in while it is here. Right here. Right now.

Girls 10 consolation final was between Danae Ingwaldson and Valerie Shively. Danae who is one of three girls that play in the family, won and Valerie took second place. The girls 12 consolation was won by the before mentioned Amelia Martinez, who is also in a tennis family with many siblings that play the game, along with much soccer. Jessica Hsu took second place.

Jacquelynn Tang, the Desert Palm singles winner , also won the girls consolation final 8-6 against Ernestine Miclat. Ernestine was also a volunteer chair umpire for players who called a line judge.

Briana Moyle played her doubles partner Stoljanka Pantic in the girls singles 16 and under consolation. She won 8-0.

Winning the boys 12 consolation was Rutger Gunthry who plays out of Desert Palm. Kamau Jackson took second place in a close 8-6 loss the Rutger. It was Rutger’s father who so eloquently pointed out that these kids and adults are choosing their character with each point, set and match. And dealing with perceived unreasonable situations on the court prepares the innocent on how to deal with the sometimes unreasonable nature of those you come in contact later in life. There are person’s who make bad calls, misperceive you and act out in life and if a player can deal with these situations without getting unseated themselves then what will that bring them but stability regardless of their outside surroundings.

Jesse Capps took second place in the boy’s 14 consolation final in a very close match ending 8-6 against Austin Schofield. In the boys 16 and under consolation final it was Steven Lambert against Colin Bradford. Colin won 8-4. The consolation draw finals were 8 game pro sets.

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