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By Ryan Wolfington

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As usual TEAM AGASSI was out in force tonight as Asia Muhammad played her team mate Candynce Boney in the second round of the girls 16 and under. These matches between the two are often well played out, long rally events. I have not seen a match between the two that was not eventful. And tonight was no exception. Watching was both parents. They seem to root for both children. It was a point that Candynce lost and began to sulk when Asia's father Donald cried out, "Come on Candynce", as if to say, snap out of it. It did not matter that her opponent is his daughter. And this is as it should be. Why not expect the greatest in every player. I myself enjoy a great match, point or disposition whether it is my opponent or not. It is good to see greatness.

Also on hand was Stan Breland as he played Michael Gestov, and he showed moments of greatness which Michael and his father were both willing to commend. Why not enjoy a great shot when you see one, even if it is made upon you? Michael went toe to toe with Stan on many rally's. Yet time and time again Stan would make an incredible shot to pull off the point. Michael's mother and father and brother Angel were there as well. Big Stan Breland, who is also Candynce Boney's father, was court side to make sure all went well. One parent commented on something I myself have seen, and that is the development of Stan's mental game, his ability to maintain composure. It was not long ago, this past spring at this same tournament, that challenging moments sent Stan off into reacting, yet as the summer went on, and he was placed in some challenging situations his willingness to be strong under fire  took hold. And to me that is the fundamental challenge, to play, and live with composure, doing what is right and feeling right as a result. 

A parent who explained to me how satisfied they are with their son's new coach was Willie Sublette's dad. He remarked that his coach is a once professional tennis player who at one point coached Michael Chang and ran a well known tennis Academy in California (World Junior Tennis Academy). His name is Iain Russell. Mr. Sublette's told me his son played baseball, but when he saw that the baseball coach was not something for his son to esteem, he decided to change the sport to tennis, and his son obliged. It has been 11 months on the court and Willie has taken his athletic ability that he has used to play soccer and baseball and other sports and applied it to tennis. And what his father liked most about Iain Russell, was not his history of Wimbledon play or teaching experience, but the way in which he interacts with his son. He summed it up with one word...Patience.  Sure he has the technique and experience but it his demeanor and the way he carries himself in general and with his son that stands out. How else would one rate a "Coach." I don't care how many years experience a coach has, if they do not have the patience in themselves how can they possibly instill an example and focus and mental toughness on the court? They can't. They may be able to say it, but no one needs a hypocrite, what applies is a person who has the patience in their own life and in turn are a walking, talking lesson. So when the match is 6-6 in the tie breaker that stability is innately there to carry you through. And this understanding also carry's a player through much more then a match, where the stakes are much higher, like that of raising a family and living day to day life.  So my hat is off to Iain if he is the man of patience that Willie's father explained him to be. Because when all is said and done, if you are not a focused, stable individual, it does not matter how well you hit a ball, life is going to be difficult. 

Both Shanta and her sister Ratny Pillai were out this evening, as Shanta is defending her Club Sport girl's 12 title and her sister went head to head with Soljank Pantic, who's mother was there to watch her play. 

Just added to the "Junior Find a Match" section of this web site is one of the best players in the Valley for boy's 14 and 16 and under, Ryan Gormley. Ryan won the boy's 

16 and under Summerlin tournament earlier this Spring. Now he is on the "Find a Match" list for juniors which lists players who want to play other players. You can contact people to play with on this list by e-mailing VegasTennis.com which forwards the e-mail automatically to them. You may also add your name to the list so others can contact you to play. Click here to see the list or add your name.

Tonight he played Taras Motsney, who Dad was there as well. And it was obvious he could hit the ball at times, while other times he would miss hit. But from beginning to end he was calm as can be and seemed to be enjoying himself. It was his first local tournament and he did it with style. Taras played well and took the match. Taras also played up an age group as did Willie. And as usual he is on his way through the draw. He is the second seed in this tournament behind Brian Kenyon, who's parents were on hand as usual.

Gabby Gibson is playing in the 14 and girls 16 and under. She played Team Agassi's Selina Brown, who she defeated and a great three set match against Bishop Gorman player Carrie Schofield. It was just a couple weeks ago that they played  in the Lorenzi Summer Smash II that Gabby got a set from Carrie and this time she was able to make the match close in each set losing 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. The match also gave Mrs. Gibson the opportunity to get to know Carrie's mother who also has a son who is playing in the tournament, Austin Schofield.

Ted Shively showed up with his sister to watch the matches awaiting his turn for the action tomorrow. And running the tournament from Summerlin was Bruno Rodriguez, who has two daughters in the draw. His wife is also on the Summerlin ladies 3.0 tennis team which is up in Utah as we speak at Sectionals. They won their first match just this morning. Also in Utah is Gordon Hammond who's men's 5.0 team at Summerlin are competing at sectionals after winning their division. He is not permitted to play as he is also a verifier. But he is there to verify other players. If his team makes it through sectionals to Nationals then he will be able to play in his well earned position on the team. His assistant tennis professional at Summerlin, Steve Landen , is also up there playing with Robert Sjoholm and others in the men's 5.0 team. Picking up the slack are a number of Nevada Tennis Association volunteers including John and the NTA Director Sandy Foley, who's son Brian is playing in the boy's 10 and 12 and under.

Chris Painter and his parents were there as he seemed to be having a well fought match against Derek Hoffman on center court for the boy's 16 and under. Mr. Hoffman was there and I do not know how the score turned out.

Brendon Aguilar was playing and his dad and mom were there to watch as usual. In talking to his father he explained his own adventures in the game, even at one point taking 4 games from Stan Breland. And anyone who has seen Stan play knows he is as good if not better then some of the best adult players in the Valley. But he is contented in seeing his son surpass his every once in a while game. As his son is also on TEAM AGASSI. 

Also on hand was a group from Utah, which came up just for the tournament. You may know her face as she was in the Easter Circuit Video Highlights in the video section of this sight. Her name is Jessica Carter.  She played local tennis player Sharyl Collins, who I know from seeing her come down to Baskin park and challenge men three times her age, and winning. She goes to Las Vegas's pick up tennis Mecca every once in a while with her father and holds her own against some very challenging players who often come out on Saturday mornings. In fact I played against her a couple weeks ago and her doubles team beat me and my partner. Her Dad was with her tonight to see her play the girl from Utah.

Stoljanka Pantic played  Ratna Pillai and her Mom showed up to watch. I left before the match was over. I spoke with Summerlin about getting the draw up, but there are some  corrections to the computer version of the draw that need to be made before they can put it up.

Click here to see Video Highlights page

One of the best matches of the evening was Sarah Toti against Tiffany Howell. Both played extremely consistent and the rally's were endless. Each at times took their opportunity to put away a winner, mixing consistency with more powerful strokes. And in the end Sarah won it 6-4, 7-5. Both players seem to be satisfied with their play and both of their parents were there to watch this excellent match.

Meanwhile last night Raquel Martinez and Julia Baltas had a three set duel. Apparently it was a very well played match on both sides. John Baltas, Julia's Dad had some good words to say about both players games and he explained how after Julia lost the second set she said , for a moment, "I don't care", and John made the obvious point of "Then why continue." Julia eventually let the "I don't care" go, and came back to win the third set 6-2. I was not at the match, but earlier that day I was at Baskin Park playing tennis myself when Dina Basil and Raquel Martinez came to the court. She asked me to play with Raquel and then we ended up playing almost a set of excellent doubles.

On a side note, it was brought to my attention that Alexys Schuster received the Sportsmanship award recently at one of the sectional tournaments. Her mother went on to explain how she has seen her daughter begin to see the natural benefits of playing with a solid disposition. Reward or no reward, when you play 100%, without quitting or falling apart in any way you can walk away satisfied. And what else does one need but satisfaction?

Click here to see Summerlin's Spring tournament Results, which by the way, was the first Junior Tournament I ever covered for VegasTennis.com. This site was originally for Adult tennis but I went to a junior event to see what it was all about. As it turned out there is a huge junior tennis scene in Las Vegas. Or at least huge to me as it was nothing but one or two flyers I had seen atvtennis clubs. Then I saw the actual tournaments and how many players, parents and family's come out to participate. 

Sunday Tennis.... The finals in both the boys and girls were at Summerlin Tennis Club and the consolation finals were spread out among many local courts. Unlike many adult tournaments, Gordon Hammond has made an additional effort to include consolation rounds  which requires nearly twice the courts. To accommodate this he has worked out arrangements with local Schools. He had a doubles draw offered but few signed up therefore eliminating it from the tournament. Why this is I do not know, but I have witnessed a false pride that some players have as to why they should not ask other players to play with them in singles outside of tournaments or for doubles in tournaments. 

Somehow they believe the "Thoughts" which create  an alternate reality where there is a make believe chain of command according to perceived status which is randomly awarded by age, past exploits and a number of other nonsensical attributes. And in this land of make believe they believe that certain players are not good enough or too good for them. This is not to say a person should play everyone who asks, or ask everyone to play, but to not play or not ask based on these false reasons is hubris. 

 Ken Shioi, Jason Harper's coach at TPC, made the salient point that there is potential value in playing matches that you may dominate and matches that may dominate you, forcing you to rise to the occasion. Not to mention, as John Baltas said Sunday, "Who knows what may come of it, they may become life long friends." And I say, you have no idea what kind of match will come of it. Today's win may shape a challenging match for you tomorrow, until eventually the player you once dominates is beating you and challenging you, and the roles arte reversed with the players whom are perceived to be better then you.

 Mr. Harper offered a quote that he deemed to be valuable and that is "The first rule of tennis is just to play." And the tennis Director and Australian Open doubles champion David Pate seems to agree, as he told me in depth how he noticed this falseness in why players avoid playing each other and contrasted it against himself as a youth when he was willing to play anyone. He just played and made the point that everyone's game benefited as a result.

What would happen if all the best players in Las Vegas played the local tournaments? Would there not be the draw here that players often travel to other states to find? In fact , many of the best players in the Valley do play in the local events and this is a credit to a self confidence that goes beyond make believe perceptions of others, and the supposed stigma of a  possible loss....

Boy's 18 Final was between Jason Harper and Bobby Jelone. The first set was extremely close as Jason came back after being down 3-0, to win it in a tie breaker. Then in the second set Jason won 6-2. Jason's father says he sees tremendous improvement in Bobby's game since the last time they had seen him. Bobby almost did not get the # 2 trophy, but Jason offered to take it out to Bobby in the parking lot as Bobby had not known there was a second place award.

To reach the finals Jason played and beat  Conor Kane 6-2, 6-3, then newcomer Joseph Magid 6-1, 6-3. Joseph Magid's dad is the new tennis professional at the Mandalay Bay and Luxor Casinos. 

Some of the top players at the tournament came from TEAM AGASSI. This program in North West Las Vegas just started 3 years ago and has thrived not only in local junior tennis but in the whole Intermountain region and in some cases on a national level. The program offers children the opportunity to be a part of a "Character building" program where they are mentored in tennis skills, academic studies and leadership quality's. As part of the Boys and Girls Club the Andre Agassi Foundation, along with it's sponsors,  have given children the opportunity to play tennis all over the United States. In some cases they have been given very unique opportunity's to play abroad as well, like their recent trip to England, where they played against a British junior team during Wimbledon. TEAM AGASSI members got to meet Serena Williams and of course spent some time with Andre Agassi at the world renowned event; After which they watched excellent tennis on center court. 

 To be on the team there just has to be a willingness to be an all around right person. Players are asked to participate and work at the Boy's and girls club, at school maintaining a certain grade point average and to the game of tennis.

One does not have to look far to see the many levels of success this program has had for the various family's and players who have participated. Not only have these players done very well on the tennis court, but the game has had a domino effect injecting meaning and purpose into all aspect of their lives. The parents benefit as well. Stan Breland senior explained perfectly how this program has afforded him a vehicle in which to instill "Character" in his son.

 
It was just months ago that Asia Muhammad gave the girl from Bollettieri Tennis Academy a scare in the consolation finals of the Mutterspaw National Championships. In the end she lost but after the match the girl from Florida said that Asia was her best competition out of every player she faced up against. Asia is now ranked number one in the girls 12 and under in the intermountain region and is now playing up to get better competition in the girl's 14 and under. 
Also on Team Agassi is Candynce Boney, who  is ranked 20th in the girl's 14 and under, and Stan Breland who is Ranked #1 in the boy's 12 and under. Nationally Stan is ranked 92. (Bryan Miller, not of Team Agassi has a national Ranking of 59.) Asia's National Ranking is 74. Jasmine Muhammad is ranked 10th in the Intermountain for girls 16 and under and Selina Brown is ranked 71 for the girls 12 and under.  But tennis is not the focus of this program, it is merely a vehicle to instill far more valuable assets then a strong forehand or backhand.

TEAM AGASSI parent Stan Breland Sr said  these tournaments and tennis in general has offered him the opportunity to spend time with his son, building his character by addressing the various pushes and pulls that come to player, athlete, person on the court and off. As I mentioned Friday, Stan jr played in the Summerlin Jr open this Spring and won in the final, but on the court he allowed himself at times to lose his composure. His father said he has been making the point to Stan that doing so has no benefits , only a down side.

It is apparent that there has been a drastic change in the way Stan handles the pressure of game time. It is very rare these days that he loses that calm. And when he does Big Stan is there to remind him of the real game... which to him is showing his son how to be a man, as he put it "To build character." And it is this "Character" that will take Stan through life , possibly one day as father himself, and the many challenges life has to offer. Stan Sr explained my sentiments exactly when he addressed what this game is about.... his perspective in many ways was right on. I have seen him and Stan talking after matches, one time in the parking lot at Lorenzi, in the dark long after the others had left, and now I know in part what his role has been. The role of a father, and is that not to develop character within in turn your children? Stan Sr. himself was a football star in his days and knows of the fleeting glory, that even the best of athletes experience, after the crowds go home there you are.  The titles, trophy's and approval from the crowd can only hold you so high for son long. There is a deeper and more meaningful satisfaction that comes from playing and living right that never fades and cannot be taken away. And it just so happens that this satisfaction also can give a player an edge on the court.

Stan Sr. went on further to say he is extremely satisfied with the coaching of Ki Kroll, who had at least 5 of his students win finalist trophy's at today's tournament. Ki and Stan Sr., along with the other players parents, work in unison to illustrate, more so by their actions, what it means to be a right person. And as the results unfold not only are quality individuals thriving as people but as students, tennis players and sons and daughters. Stan has an excellent grade point average as does Candynce Boney his sister and team mate. Jasmine Muhammad and Asia Muhammad also do extremely well in school (They are not sisters). In fact, while the others get  an occasional B, Asia is a straight A student with a 4.0 average.

  Stan Sr knows that the game is not just tennis, but that of developing character by addressing the various principles and issues that happen on and off the court, and he and Ki work in unison to address these issues with both his son Stan and daughter Candynce. And this is also true of almost every parents out there. Not only are they watching the match but developing a foundation with their child, a patience, and the potential to address a variety of insights into the game of life.

There  are a number of excellent players that take part  and thrive in these local tournaments making the draws very challenging and competition good, while those who lose in the first round have a chance to play others in the consolation draw. It does not take a life time for the today's Consolation player to one day play and win the final. Taras Motsny is a good example, as just a few months ago he won the boy's consolation final at  Club Sports Summer Kickoff. This tournament he made it to the finals in the main draw and took second place to Perennial finalist Brian Kenyon, who himself just started playing tournament tennis earlier this year.

 Seeing the quick development of a player like Brian and his brother Brandon you see that it does not take a lifetime to be able to play tennis and do it well. Much of it is in the mental game and a lot of these players have a chance to discover both sides of the sport with the presence of their parents and coaches who can point out principles and character building lessons  as they happen, in real time, in a tournament situation.

Like Mrs. Gibson who takes the time to discuss with her daughter the challenges she faces on the court and how to overcome them, as she herself looks to triumph over the variety of challenges of being a parent watching on the sidelines or getting them to and from matches, practices, and the many other aspects of parenting.

Jason Harper  won the Club Sport Final earlier this year and had an incredible run at the final at the Lorenzi Summer Smash before losing to the eventual winner A.J. Burnett, from Utah. His Dad has been at every one of his son's games and commented that he once played tennis a great deal but now he works and has a full time side job of accompanying his son to each match. Not because Jason needs it or requests it, but because it is his joy and Jason is mature enough where he is satisfied if not fortified by that presence on the sideline. 

There is something to be said about the often unspoken impact of a parents patient and involvement in their children's lives. This is not to say that the meddling and intrusiveness of a "Tennis Mom" or "Tennis Dad" is a virtue. But there are "Tennis Dads" and "Tennis Moms" that are not frantic and more out of control inwardly or outwardly on the sidelines there children on court. Instead they are the sane contrast on the side of the court reminding their child of the right way to be, not through facial gestures or wanting their child to behave, but by their own example of calm within and stability.

I have seen this attitude with Stan Breland Senior, as he watches on the sidelines and his son was losing a game or even the match and he had that smile. But when Stan would cross the line in regards to character, he was serious in how he expected Stan to be a gentlemen, and not out of anger or impatience but out of a parental seriousness, which kids love. They respect. There was always that teacher in school who was gracious but did not allow you to take advantage or get out of line and this man or lady always gained the respect of others, not because they demanded it but because they exuded it.

Brian Kenyon's Dad too is keen to many of these insights this game has to offer his family. I have had many nice conversations with parents and players who have found meaning in their day to day experiences in the junior program. One such player works at Summerlin and plays local high school tennis, and saw  the simple principle that negative "Self talk", is just as much a useless distraction as "Positive self talk,", both being something that try's to take one's attention away from being aware of what you are doing. How many players claim they play great in practice yet in tight matches fall apart. Allowing oneself to be distracted with  "Self talk" takes ones attention and energy away into a mental realm instead of playing the game. Books have been written, and many have discussed the benefits of "The zone", yet players often avoid the zone believing instead  the commentator in ones head. Not that a player can stop "Thoughts " from coming. You can not. But a person has the choice to believe in these "Thoughts" or to see them for what they are, an unneeded distraction, and let them pass. But those who are beholden to the "Thoughts" of worry  and day dreaming off the court can not just choose to disregard it at game time. Who you are comes out most fully on that court. So if you are a person who is aware and focuses on all things you do with a 100% throughout your day, it is only natural to do so in a match. I noticed when hitting on the ball machine something wanted me to be lax and partially aware, looking around the club and be distracted. But if you are on the ball machine why would I not give my full attention to it? And by doing so it was that much more enjoyable instead of the cloudy, day dreamy experience I would have had by doing it with 60 or even 80 % of my attention. All my attention was there.

And one thing I noticed about Jason Harper's Dad was 100% of his attention is on his son's game. I was asking him details about his son for this article and I knew when play began to stop talking as his full attention was naturally called to the game.

Girls 16 Consolation

 Gabby Gibson's Mom has been watching the details of her daughters game develop all summer. She stood by watching her daughter play in her third consolation final in a row. Gabby is also coached by Ki Kroll, but is not on TEAM AGASSI. And today she played against Brianna Moyle. Brianna works with Crombie Hatfield at Red Rock Tennis Club. Crombie could not be there today as he also coaches the Ladies 3.5 and 4.0 Adult team which was in Utah this weekend playing in sectionals. Red Rock Ladies 3.5 and men 4.0 both took 1 st place moving them forward to Nationals. And Red Rocks 4.0 team took second place. (Click here to see the full review of adult sectionals)

 This also explains the absence of Brian Foley's Dad, Jeff Foley who is often Brian's chaperon to these events. But Sandy was there on the side line watching her son and fielding some of the parents "NTA" questions.  Brianna Moyle also played number 2 singles last year at Palo Verde High School and this year should be playing number one as a sophomore. She had a very solid forehand, but as her father stated, she is working on consistency, and today she would hit many good rally's but then one into the net, and Gabby took advantage of this by keeping the ball in play and getting the win, but not without a fight. Brianna forced a three set battle.

 During the break after they split Gabby said "Ryan I don't know what to do", and I said "Good", let others worry about "What to do," In other words, when you are playing you will know what to do. "Thinking" or worrying the night before, after, even on break in between is nothing but wasted energy. If you are on a break, be on a break, resting. Even off the court "Thoughts" try and distract a player, into the realm "Figuring out what to do." You can not predict the future. You can only stay focused and aware and give what you are doing 100%. If it is a break you are doing, take a break. If you are playing,  play. While your playing something might try and get you to "Think" about a break, and while on a break something might try and get you to "Think" about playing. But this is nothing but the distraction trying to pull you from focus.

Boy's 10 Final

Brian Foley  played Warren Schwikert in the boys 10 and under final. Brian earlier this summer won the Bloomington duel in the dessert tournament in Utah and won the Desert Palm Junior Open. But this time he took second place to a very developed player in Warren Schwikert who really took a couple of good swipes at the ball. The match was long, possibly the longest of the day as Brian has been known to be very consistent and get many balls back over the net. The final score, which both players seemed satisfied with, was 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. To reach this final Brian had an incredible match against TEAM AGASSI player Brenon Aguilar that went three sets, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3. Brendon Aguilar also played in the boy's 12 and under and made it to the finals of the consolation round before losing to the consolation winner Alex Zara.

In the boys 10 Consolation final was Mitchell Smith and J.C. Pauli. In three sets which included two tie breakers, Mitchell won 6-7, (7-3 in the tie breaker), 7-6 (7-3 in the tie breaker), 6-2.

The boys 12 and under final was between Taras Motsny and Brian Kenyon. Taras is a very consistent player and did not lay down easy. But he played with heart and in the end so did Brian and Brian won it cleanly at 6-0, 6-0. Brian had a more powerful shot that had a decent level of consistency, and although Taras ran down many of the balls,  Brian would eventually put it away. But in the end Taras had his usual post game smirk as if he had not played at all. That was behind him as it should be, and his father was satisfied with his son's hustle.

Girl's 10 and under final was between Hannah Floyd and Sarah Alamshaw. Sarah was also in the final at Desert Palm earlier this summer and her mother and grandmother were there to watch her match. Sarah plays at Summerlin tennis club and takes lessons with a private coach. Today she won the final 6-4, 6-1. Another notable match was between Amelia Martinez and Kiara Miller. This first round match went three sets with Amelia winning 7-5, 6-7, 6-4. 

The consolation final was between Angelica Simms with her heart shaped tennis sun glasses and Kiara Miller. This was a two set win for Angelica with the final set extremely close. But she won 6-2, 7-5. Angelica is also coached by Ki Kroll, but is not on TEAM AGASSI.

In the Girl's 12 and under final Alicia Karafa was and has been a thorn in the side of some excellent players this season. With a consistent and steady game she has time and time again taken matches from the hand of her opponents. And today's opponent, though only 9, was formidable in Alexis Garret, who won the Desert Palm jr. Open earlier this summer. This young girl swipes at the ball hard and with excellent pace for someone her size.  And though she lost the first set to Alicia 6-2, she came back to take the second 6-1. Splitting sets the girls came back on the court and Alicia steadily took game after game and closed the win and number one trophy, giving her one more trophy to add to her summer collection. She has been a contender and winner in most if not all the tournaments this summer, including Club Sports Summer Kick-Off.

Alexis's parents and coach were on hand to support her. They all play tennis at Canyon Gate. Her Dad always looked familiar to me, then it hit me that I played him in league play. Her coach is Zdenek Cernoch who moved here from Czechoslovakia three years ago not knowing a word of English. But he played professional tennis in Germany and knew he could make his way. He was also a Philosophy teacher there. Nut here he places 100% of his time as a tennis professional at Canyon Gate. Click here to see Canyon Gate's VegasTennis.com web page.

Playing in the girls consolation final is Virginie Rodriguez and Angelica Sims. Angelica already won the 10 and  under consolation final. Now she was vying for the 12 and under but Virginie had home court advantage as her Dad and Mom both play on Summerlin Tennis Teams and her Dad was helping run the tournament this weekend. Virginie went home with the consolation Ribbon Medal. And Angelica went home with her 10 and under Consolation Ribbon Medal.

Julia Baltas, who has enjoyed much success this summer was forced to give Farwa Husain her due. It was early in the season at the Easter Circuit where Julia beat Farwa, in a very close, heated match. But today Farwa, with her unique swing and varied style took two sets from Julia 6-4, 6-3. Julia had just recently won the Lorenzi Tournament beating Asia Muhammad for one of the first times in years. But Asia was back on tack today making it to the final and beating her opponent Farwa Husain in three, very trying sets. She lost the first set 3-6, then won the next two 6-2, 6-2. Farwa, to reach the finals had a bog win against Candynce Boney, in a very close 6-4, 6-4.  Asia's only challenge on the way to the final was from Iesha James in the second round.  That match was close with Asia taking it 6-3, 7-5.

Click here to see Pictures

In the consolation final was Raquel Martinez and Kristi Rabin. Raquel won the match 6-2, 6-1. Her coach Dina Basil and her mother have been around her matches to support her game and it was she and her mother who came to Summerlin Sunday to collect her Medal.

Also an attraction today was the VegasTennis.com video highlight tapes, The room quickly filled with watchers. I saw that the curious minds that wondered "What is he doing video taping" now saw what I had always seen, which was the use of Video and this web site to promote and illustrate the game of tennis in the Las Vegas Valley. It was TV that took football and made it into one of the greatest industry's of all time. Of course I saw this from the beginning and knew it would only be a matter of time before others saw the benefit of filling the gaping need that local tennis had for a central site. In fact, today on AOL, for the first time they are having video highlights, like I had envisioned for Las Vegas, for the US Open.  Click here to see VegasTennis.com's video highlights. Click here to see the US Open's Video Highlights.

Players who have come from other states to play in Las Vegas tournaments, including Florida and California which are considered the Mecca's for US junior tennis, were amazed at a local web site that had news and pictures let alone Video Highlights. There is not another local city out there that has such a thing. Not that the idea has not come to people but some people choose to doubt what they are led to do, or at the least put it off, instead of doing it right away. I  discussed this with the young man who works at Summerlin, about how each person sees things they are led to do, and it is only for them to see. Maybe one or two others might see it too, but in the end it is just you and the knowing of what you should do or create, then when it is done people can see it. I see more of what this web site can be and do, and as it unfolds others can see it too. Or not. It does not matter to me, because the joy of doing what you are led to do, without doubting it, is what this life is all about. I do it for myself. If others enjoy it so be it. The more the merrier. Are you led to do things in your life and do you follow through, or do you put them off? That is the choice...To do or to doubt. 

The young man said he had an idea of putting a ping pong table at the club, but eventually covering that idea will be the doubts of why he should not do it at all. Or perhaps someone else who does not see what he sees will tell him not to do it. But ultimately he will have the choice to doubt his idea or to go for it. And at the end of the day you are either left with a knowing that you did not do, or a knowing that you did everything you knew to be right for that given day. And it is by doing what is right that makes a person feel right, then when a challenging moment on or off the court happens, you have the rightness inside you that sustains you. Another match won.

I first discovered the need for this tennis web site when I tried to get back into the game and knew of no one to play with. So I created the site as a listing so adults could find other adults to play. Then one step at a time I got an idea to add one feature, then the next, then I went to a junior tennis tournament for the first time in my life and saw that there was a whole scene in and of itself. As one parent called it "The best kept tennis secret, junior tennis." And that is true. In fact the first tournament I went to was Summerlin earlier this Spring. And that is where I met Gordon Hammond, who seemed to be quite involved in the game himself.

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Girls 16 Final

The insightful parent who made this quote was Mrs. Carter, Jessica Carter's mother who drove down from Utah for the tournament. And it was not in vain. Her daughter did an excellent job of moving through the 16 and under Draw and this was her first 16 and under tournament as she just started in the 16 and under after being ranked Nationally in the 14 and under. But in her way was Jasmine Muhammad of TEAM AGASSI. 

Jasmine Muhammad who is now ranked 10th in the intermountain took home first place again. She won her last local tournament in spades, taking the 16 and 18 and under trophy's. Click here to see Lorenzi Summer Smash I. This time she just played 16 and under. Jasmine was able to cut through Jessica's consistent play with some hard hitting accuracy, winning in two well fought sets 6-4, 6-3. To get there Jasmine had to beat teammate and practice partner Asia Muhammad the day before in what I was told was a great match. Although the score may show Jasmine won swiftly at 6-2, 6-3, the girls apparently had some excellent long rally's. On Jessica's side of the draw she faced one of the best 16 and under players in the Valley in Aziza Ababutain. Against Jasmine Aziza is 5-1, but with Jessica she is o and 1 as Jessica won in two sets, the last an extremely hard fought one ending in a tie breaker 7-4. 

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Girls 18 Final

Aziza redeemed herself the following day by playing in the 18 girls final and winning against Bishop Gorman player Carrie Schofield. Again the match was won in two sets with the final very close, but this time it was Aziza who would go home with the number one trophy and Carrie took number two, and with grace I might add. In fact, at looking at the girls after the match, the expressions they carried, it seemed as if Carrie may have won. But when John Velier with the NTA came out and asked the girls who had won, Aziza said it was she, and the girls kept on long after the trophy's were awarded. The girls apparently play on the same junior team that the NTA has put together for the best players in the Valley. It includes a number of the local coaches , Gordon Hammond, Tim Blenkiron, to name a few, and a number of talented players like Cameron Parker, Cristala Andrews and others. They play together, travel to tournaments together and have group clinics. 

Aziza goes to the meadows school and has taken on many different coaches, hearing from many of them and taking what she knows to work for her and then working with another coach and seeing what they have to say as well. She has worked with David Pate at Bally's , Sam Abaricio (Spelling?), Johnny Lane at Las Vegas Country Club, Marty Hennessy and of course the various coaches on the NTA team. I was told she is very much involved in many things including music school and a variety of interests. A jack of all trades.

In the 18 and under Aziza is ranked 49 in intermountain and Carrie is 58.Aziza is ranked 8th in the 16 and under and Carrie is 41.

Carrie's mother was there to watch the match and she too plays tennis over at Las Vegas Country Club on one of the ladies teams. Her son Austin was also in the draw for the boy's 14 and under.  He lost in the second round to the Jonathan Ribaste who went all the way to the finals. But once again Jonathan was faced up against Stan Breland who time and time again gives Jonathan a hard time in the finals. Jonathan won the last junior tournament at Lorenzi and Jonathan was recently in the final of the boy's 16 at Desert Palm's Junior open. But Stan runs down every ball and returns pace with pace and placement,......... and an intensity. Like Asia Muhammad's dad said, "Some players may have more pace then Stan, but Stan overwhelms them with his intensity." It is a game of spirit and the one with the focus out there is going to have an advantage. And the work Stan's Dad and Ki Kroll have put into Stan's character are a huge asset in his arsenal. I would argue it is a players most valuable asset. So today, although Jonathan had some excellent points, Stan still pulls off game after game and eventually the match. 

But that was then and every day is a new day. There is no carrying forward wins. Nor is there carrying forward losses. The biggest mistake I hear some players make is believe because so and so beat so and so they can beat them. Or because they have beat them before or believe they know what kind of player they are, they can beat them. But this is not true. It is nothing more then the land of make believe. And believing such notions has no inherent value. In fact it weighs you down , only to shock you when reality shows you otherwise. And at this point it may be too late. 

Up until the final Jonathan had no problem , only losing 4 games in two matches. His mother was there as usual to support her son. And at the end he took second place like a man. He has been working with Marty Hennessy at Turnburry and he often hits with Michael Agassi at Andre's father's house. Jonathan is now ranked 35th in the intermountain and Stan is at 22. Other notables in the boy's 14 and under are Ryan Gormley at #3, Rishi Daulat at #5,  Bryan Miller at #11, Yeghanazary, Rony, who was in the Summerlin final against Stan in the spring, is at #29, David Nichols at #36,  Brett Campo at #41, Jake Runyon at #81, Christopher Painter at #86 , Ramon Montez at #96, and Sean Everett at #99.

Click here to see the 5 state intermountain rankings listing.

In the consolation for boys 14 and under James Edwards won in a very close three set duel against Ted Shively that ended with a tie breaker. It could not get ant better then this. This is what you want. I played a match at Baskin Park the other day, and this after I had eaten something. I never play after eating but today I did so and for the first number of games I was drunk on food, and it amazed me that players actual eat a meal before playing and expect to be sharp. It was twice as challenging to be focused. Yet I did not allow myself to fall into the realm of  being mentally dull. He was beating me 4-1 and I knew it was not over. And then it was 6-6 tie breaker and I smiled, because how much better can it get?

Michael Edwards beat Ted Shively this time 4-6, 6-4, 7-6,  (7-4), and took home the very unique medal.

The boys 16 and under Draw was filled with some aggressive players , yet in the end all feel to Stan Ireland's tenacity. Some extremely notable matches are the final between he and David Nichols. Both players run everything down and are very athletic. Both players are eleven, but can play and beat men twice their size. While the final score was 6-0, 6-1, that definitely does not reflect the excellent play that took place on both sides. Almost every point was a highlight. 

To reach the finals David did not lose 1 game and Stan only lost 2. The other notable match was between Derek Hoffman and Christopher Painter. Chris's parents were on hand as usual. And the match was extremely close ending 6-4, 6-7 (7-3), 6-0. Chris did not quit in that second set but came back to force a third. But in the third Derek closed it quick.

Chris went on to win the Consolation round and even played an unplanned match against the 18 and under consolation round winner Conner Kane. Conner won a trophy at the recent Desert Palm Jr Open and works at Summerlin Tennis Club. How this match turned out I do not know. It was unofficial and I was watching other matches at the time. More Coming......