By Ryan Wolfington  Volunteers and Rob Merriman of the Nevada Tennis Association had opening night where parents and players checked in for this years ITA Great Pumpkin. On hand was Mitch Bridge, from Grand Junction tennis Academy in Colorado. He brought in a group of players , along with  many other parents and coaches from all over the Intermountain Section. The intermountain is the six state Section of the USTA comprised of UTAH - NEVADA - COLORADO - WYOMING - IDAHO and MONTANA. The top players in each state are invited for this annual event. Volunteering to check players in was Melissa Gibson, Gabriella Gibson's mother, David and  Dana Miller, Bryan Miller's parents, Keith Runyon, Alec Runyon's father, Theresa Lovett, Jimmy Lovett's mother, Dixon Leavitt, Alec Runyon's cousin, Darlene Lang, the 18 and under ITA endorser, and Spanish Trail 3.5 ladies player Mary Clifford, who's daughter Sarah Clifford is playing in the girl's 12 and under. Rob Merriman has been working on the details of this event for months and now and it is game time. And Rob is use to game time as he was a junior player and college tennis player at Northern Arizona University and University of Nevada Reno. In fact, the coach of Northern Arizona University, Steve Bickham was at the event to scout local player Lew Deleon.  In last few days the Nevada Tennis Association (NTA) office was on full force to handle the many details to putting on the largest junior event of the year in Las Vegas. So far so good. Players seemed at ease, seeing family's they come across on the junior circuit. Stan Brelan senior and Mrs. Powell touched base as their sons often face each other in these tournaments, trading wins. Such was the case for a number of family's and players. I invite all parents , coaches and players to e-mail me, using the "Quickmailer" form at the bottom of this page, any and all details about their perspective of this event, match play, their child's tennis history and anything they deem to be relevant. I can then use this information in putting together an intermountain article instead of one focused on Las Vegas players alone.  This tournament page is one of a kind. Even in sections like California and Florida, no such play by play, pictures and video highlights page exists. The Nevada Tennis Association has been working with VegasTennis.com to create the ideal one stop shop local tennis web site for the tennis community. A place where everything tennis can be. In it's first year of operation it has been a huge success, with Video highlights of local tournaments and tennis news, Photos, draws and play by play articles on tournaments, high school and league tennis play, and the find a match feature which helps players find others to play with. This coupled with all the Team USA tennis and junior tennis information makes the site not only entertaining but informative. Mark my words, this site will set the tone not only for the intermountain but nationally as how tennis should be covered. Tennis community's are often fragmented and there is a way to bring it together. Perhaps this tournament page is one step in the direction of telling the tale of this one intermountain event and the various persons, places and personality's that make it happen; players, parents, coaches, administrators and fans. Everyone is included in this as there is a lot more that goes on then the matches on the court. First let's address where the Great Pumpkin has been for years... Las Vegas Nevada. Has the weather not been perfect?  Huge Development in Vegas....It was just voted in a few days ago by the City Council to star building the Darling tennis center with 23 tennis courts, 10 soccer fields and a whole recreational park. Sandy Foley with the Nevada Tennis Association worked with local supporters Jan and Fred Darling along with city council to finish what has turned out to be a three year... game, set , match win. But as you know it is never over and the NTA is working to make sure all details are being addressed so events like this can continue to succeed in Las Vegas.  Up until this point the tournament locations were broken down in order to accommodate the number of courts. This tennis center brings a lot to the table. Not to mention... Las Vegas is one of the cheapest city's in the country to fly to with some of the best hotel rates and accommodations in the country.  A lot is happening in Las Vegas tennis, this web site included, along with a new magazine, another 12 court tennis complex, TEAM AGASSI, Stephanie Graf and Andre Agassi, Mike Agassi,  Agassi Foundation, Tennis professional David Pate, NCAA winner Tim Blenkiron, a number of former tennis professionals and a place where all the world comes to vacation, play tennis and site see.... Why? Because Vegas is electric... far beyond the dazzle of the strip Las Vegas has an energy about it that augments this event. That is why when the USA Tennis Open division tournament director had to choose one place in the whole country to bring all the best Open and 5.5 adult teams to the National Championships they chose Las Vegas, Nevada. This new tennis complex is the missing link to what is a near perfect place to play the game. For juniors, Las Vegas has one of the most unique tournament experiences in the country. Marty Hennessy with the Sterling Club has created a 3 tournament circuit. The format is a point system like the real circuits and at the end of the three tournament circuit, the players with the most points in their age group gets automatic entrance in the Agassi Foundation's Mutterspaw National Tournament held in Las Vegas May 2nd - 4th. They also receive a FREE trip to the Franklin Templeton Championship to watch Andre Agassi and the professionals play. (Held in Scottsdale, Arizona March 8-9th 2003)  But the key to winning is not being the best player necessarily. The format encourages tournament play by rewarding those that play both singles and doubles in all three events. Points are awarded for each singles and doubles victory, with loses receiving 1/2 a point. To my knowledge, only the Super Nationals offer anything comparable to this.  Anyone from any state can enter... you are formerly invited to come back to Las Vegas for this circuit and the opportunity's it provides. Call 702-792-5964 for more details. This Great Pumpkin tournament page can bring those who were not able to see all of the event in person a little bit closer to what actually took place at this years ITA GREAT PUMPKIN TOURNAMENT. Again, I ask players, parents and coaches to e-mail me the details of their experience, from match play of their own game and of others, your over all tournament experience, details on what you have played in lately,  how you suggest the event could be done better, complaints even. Anything ! Enjoy. 2002 ITA Pumpkin Page Scoreboard Boys' 12 Singles   F    Brandon Parker defeated Spencer Smith   6-3; 7-5   PL    Geoffrey Lewis d. Casey Macmaster   6-2; 6-2   SF    Brandon Parker d. Casey Macmaster   6-3; 6-3   SF    Spencer Smith d. Geoffrey Lewis   6-4; 6-2 Consolation:   F    David Nichols d. Andrew Bonnell   6-2; 6-2   SF    Andrew Bonnell d. Tyler Loong   6-2; 6-3   SF    David Nichols d. Cache Morgan   6-2; 6-3 All Boys' 12 Singles Matches    Boys' 14 Singles   F     Fletcher Keyes d.  Calvin Bennett   1-6; 6-2; 6-3   PL    Rishi Daulat d. Bryan Miller   6-3; 6-3   SF    Fletcher Keyes d. Rishi Daulat   1-6; 6-4; 1-0   SF    Calvin Bennett d. Bryan Miller   7-5; 6-4 Consolation:   F    Jake Behrens d. Stan Breland   0-6; 6-1; 1-0   SF    Jake Behrens d. Doug Mayeda   6-3; 6-1   SF     Stan Breland d. Slavi Fildish   7-5; 6-1 All Boys' 14 Singles Matches     Boys' 16 Singles   F    Jeffrey Zeller d. Kellen Damico   7-6; 7-5   PL     Jordan Jaramillo d. Andrew Clayton   6-3; 6-0   SF    Jeffrey Zeller d. Andrew Clayton   6-4; 6-3   SF    Kellen Damico d. Jordan Jaramillo   7-5; 6-4 Consolation:   F    Jeff List d. Bradley Ferguson   4-6; 6-4; 1-0   SF    Jeff List d. Vinnie Fallico   6-4; 3-6; 1-0   SF     Bradley Ferguson d. A. Bartlett   6-0; 6-1 All Boys' 16 Singles Matches     Boys' 18 Singles   F    (5) Richard Johnson d. (1) Scott Warner   7-5; 6-3   PL    (2) James Ludlow d. Sky Jensen   6-2; 6-2   SF    (5) Richard Johnson d. (2) James Ludlow   2-6; 6-2; 1-0   SF    (1) Scott Warner d. Sky Jensen   6-2; 6-1 Consolation:   F    (7) Dantley Young d. (8) Kyle Mcdonald   6-4; 3-6  Ret (inj)   SF    (7) Dantley Young d. (6) Tyler Bastian   6-4; 3-6; 1-0   SF    (8) Kyle Mcdonald d. (4) Christopher Wetzig   6-3; 6-3 All Boys' 18 Singles Matches   Girls' 12 Singles   F    (5) Iesha James d. (6) Amanda Jensen   6-3; 6-3   PL    (4) Simone Kalhorn d. (3) Brittiny Moore   6-4; 7-6   SF    (6) Amanda Jensen d. (4) Simone Kalhorn   1-6; 7-5; 1-0   SF    (5) Iesha James d. (3) Brittiny Moore   6-4; 2-6; 1-0 Consolation:   F    (1) Julia Baltas d. (2) Delaney Downing   6-3; 6-0       SF    (2) Delaney Downing d. Natasha James   6-2; 6-2   SF    (1) Julia Baltas d. (7) Mary Anne Macfarlane   6-1; 6-1     All Girls' 12 Singles Matches     Girls' 14 Singles   F    Lauren Macfarlane d. Dominique Aubry   6-1; 6-2   PL    Lauren Megale d. Rachel Loeb   6-2; 6-0   SF    Dominique Aubry d. Lauren Megale   6-2; 6-2   SF     Lauren Macfarlane d. Rachel Loeb   6-1; 6-1 Consolation:   F    Kourtney Young d. Kristina Doerr   4-6; 7-5; 1-0   SF    Kristina Doerr d. Lauren Keppler   6-3; 7-5   SF    Kourtney Young d. Candynce Boney   6-3; 6-7; 1-0 All Girls' 14 Singles Matches    Girls' 16 Singles   F    Kiara Powell d. Catherine Duboc   2-6; 6-3; 7-6   PL    Christina Cutter d. Leah Weston   6-1; 6-4   SF    Kiara Powell d. Leah Weston   6-2; 3-6; 1-0   SF    Catherine Duboc d. Christina Cutter   6-3; 6-3 Consolation:   F    Cristala Andrews d. Sarah Drummond   7-6; 6-2   SF    Cristala Andrews d. Jessica Carter   6-0; 6-1   SF    Sarah Drummond d Aziza Ababutain   6-0; 7-5 All Girls' 16 Singles Matches     Girls' 18 Singles   F    Sabrina Capannolo d Allie Shafner   4-6; 7-5; 6-2   PL    Courtney Anderson d. Hilary Tyler   7-6; 6-2   SF    Allie Shafner d. Courtney Anderson   7-5; 6-0   SF     Sabrina Capannolo d. Hilary Tyler   7-5; 6-2 Consolation:   F    Ashley Young d Tabatha Knop   6-2; 6-4   SF    Tabatha Knop d. Kyla Combs   7-5; 6-4   SF    Ashley Young d. Tracy Johnson   6-2; 6-1

Colorado and Idaho Tennis

"Just play your game", "Go for broke" these are true statements. It does not matter if you win or loss, only if you quit. If you quit on being aware then you lose. If you don't quit inside,  then you win a satisfaction with yourself. And you may still lose matches but you will know it was not due to a lack of heart. And you may just find that this mental stability within you is what will give you the edge not only in your game, but in day to day living.

It was this heart that I witnessed today on the court in a 14 and under player from Englewood, Colorado. Out of all the matches I watched, this one stood out the most.....

Lauren Mastro verses Tara Tuttle. 

Tara is from Nampa, Idaho and I remember her from other sectional tournaments as being very tough. Very tough. Yet today she met her match in a girl who had decent strokes, but it was her spirit that shined through in the second set to win it in two. Lauren Mastro  had won the first set but was down 5-2 in the second set. In watching her play it was obvious she had no intention of quitting. The notion that she had lost that set was no where to be found. No swaying, mopey behavior, just an intensity that was dignified. Intensity is knowing the truth that the match is not over, ... not quitting,... maintaining awareness of each stroke,.. now.

She had an Iron will. It made sense to me that her mother said no one in their family plays. The young girl simply saw the game being played and said "I want to do that." And that is what she has done, not for the ranking, praise or for someone like me to write about her, but simply to play the game.

And I am hesitant to give compliments as a person worthy of a compliment does not need one. Playing a game or living right has it's own built in reward. And offering a player compliments could tempt them to start playing for the approval and or disapproval of others. Then they no longer play the game to play tennis, but for other reasons.

I knew that was a mistake I made as a kid. Instead of just playing the game I began to be in the mental about if I won or lost and the magic was gone. One parent mentioned his junior tennis experience to me and how after playing college tennis, somehow he let it slip away..... The shear joy of hitting a yellow ball into the air. 

I have since regained that love of life on and off the court but I am aware when I write these articles of the principles at play. This satisfaction does not come from the crowd but from a knowing in yourself that you did it right. No regrets.

If you know you played 100% right then no one can take that satisfaction away from you. The same is true with these line calls. If you know you made the right call,  it does not matter what others claim. If you played 100% then there is no problem.......because it is not over when you lose... it is only over when you quit.

Today Lauren does not have to worry about losing as she came back and fought off a number of set points to win it in the second set tie breaker. It was a perfect match as Tara and her fought for every point. It was Tara's tough spirit which added to Lauren's accomplishment. But there is no room for getting excited over one match.

I remember weeks ago I beat a guy who had been nearly undefeated all year and I got compliment after compliment ... but I was not excited. The match was a good one. It was over. The tournament was just beginning. Today is day 1... there is more matches to come, Tomorrow, Saturday, Sunday, Next week, next year, for the rest of our lives......It is not over when you win, it is only over when you quit.

Nevada Tennis

Her's was not the only great match today. Asia Muhammad, who just won the 12 and under Arizona Sportwall National tournament, (Click here to see the draw) played Rachel Loeb in the girls 14 and under. This was an intense match as Asia lost the first set then won the second set quite easily. But now the juniors are playing a Quasi third set  "Super tie breaker." And in this tie breaker she began tentative and Rachel went for her shots taking an early lead 8-1. Then Asia decided to "Go for broke" and played all out, 100% , coming back to tie the event 9-9.  Asia then went up 10-9. And she did this by going for some bold shots. On match point she nailed an angled ball to make it 9-9.  But Rachel Loeb of Englewood, Colorado responded with the same all out play, hitting some excellent shots to seal the win in the super tie breaker 12-10. 

It should be noted that Adolph Huddleston, the tennis professional at Anthem Country Club, donated his courts for this and many other junior events. The same is true for Spanish Trail with Dan Knight and Hans Reihemann, Johnny Lane at Las Vegas Country Club, and Michael James at ClubSport. Soon with the new tennis complex it may not be needed.

Nevada and Utah Tennis

Another sensational match in the girls 14 and under was local player Farwa Husain who played Kourtney Young of West Jordan , Utah. Kourtney was not given any room for mistakes. If she let down at all Farwa would close in threatening to take the second set. But Kourtney played excellent tennis to make sure it was her to reach the next round. She won in two sets, the last in a tie breaker 8-6. Kourtney made it to the quarterfinals until she lost an extremely close match against finalist Dominique Aubry, the eventual finalist. The final score was 4-6; 6-3; 1-0. I then got a chance to see Kourtney play in the consolation draw as she hit touch shot after touch shot for winners. The placement was excellent.

Also  playing in this sectional tournament was Dominique Aubry, who often finds herself in the later rounds in events like these. Her father was there to support her play, as was Farwa's and Asia's. She played another local standout Sheryl Bon. Today Dominique won in two sets. Sheryl's mom was courtside to support her as was Melissa Gibson to support her daughter Gabriella, who also made it to the round of 32 by winning her first match this morning. Gabriella played three matches today, the latest a win keeping her in the consolation Draw going into Friday.

Lauren Anspach, who plays at Canyon Gate with Tim Blenkiron was also in this tournament. Just last week her high school tennis team, Bonanza, made it to the simi-finals at zones. Her individual doubles team also made it to the semifinals. In fact Bonanza gave Bishop Gorman their only loss this season.  She played today and was courtside to support Shauna Morgan as she played Jodi Ciarvella from Wheat Ridge, Colorado. She won in two sets by taking the second set tie breaker 8-6. Kelly Morgan, Shauna's mother also plays the game, and is on Canyon Gate's 3.5 team with April Giuffria, who's son Baron also played today in the boy's event. And Lawrence Anspach, Lauren's dad, also plays at Canyon Gate on the men's 4.0 team. Click here to see Canyon Gate Open Tournament review, Video and photos.

TEAM Agassi also had Candynce Boney out today and the results are not posted yet.  Running the 14 and under tournament site at Anthem Country Club is Amanda Roberts, who just moved into town months ago from Montana. She too at one point played in the great pumpkin and a number of other junior tournaments. She then went on to play college tennis at Wyoming. Since she has moved to Las Vegas and is actually looking to continue to teach tennis full time. She taught tennis in the summers during college and has been certified for a number of years. If you need a teaching pro at your club, she says she is very interested. Click here to e-mail her a note. VegasTennis.com will forward it to her. Helping her tend to the desk was Kelly Morgan.

Other Las Vegas players I did not see but played were Samantha Vandercreek, Kristi Rabin, Veronika Kawka. Ali Murphy, also from Las Vegas played this morning at Anthem while her sister also played at Sierra Vista. I went to Sierra Vista this morning first thing and saw Greg Patton and his wife and family playing tennis and soaking in the tournament experience. Greg is a USTA coach and he put on a clinic at Red Rock Country Club for the players of this event.

Local Standout Sabrina Capannolo is untouched this tournament not losing one game going into the semifinals. Her mother and crew of fans have been on hand to see her plat at the 70's throw back environment of Las Vegas's Country Club. Also in the3 18 and under draw is Dana Cortez. Dana's mother is a 4.0 league tennis player in town and her sister teaches tennis at Desert Palm Tennis Club. Dana's uncle is Howard Tubin who is the Director of Tennis at the Desert Palm tennis club.

In the girl's 12 and under it was two of the better players in town facing off in the quarterfinals. Julia Baltas played  Iesha James  and lost as Iesha used that rarely seen volley game to win in a very close match in which she came back after being cleaned out in the first set 6-1. But the second set was her's 6-3, then she too took the super tie break. The finals score was 1-6; 6-3; 1-0 .

 Gate player Alexys Garrett won one main draw match and two consolation round matches making it to the quarterfinals. In the Quarterfinals of the back draw she lost to Ogden , Utah player Mary Anne Macfarlane . Mary Anne has a sister in Lauren Macfarlane, who won the 14 and under main draw. 

With the exception of my last stop to Anthem, I went from site to site getting photos of the crowd, players and the whole tournament scene. In the past I have watched closely a number of the matches and have play by play. This tournament I am asking the parents, coaches and players to e-mail me with their tournament experience, what you saw, bits of player history's and more. It can be match notes, tournament perspectives, suggestions, comments, principles to the game, anything... just click here to e-mail me daily or after the event as this article is being added to during and after the tournament. It will stay on the "Pumpkin page" all year and be part of the pumpkin page archive, year to year, documenting this event and the passing of time as these young players and their young coaches, parents and fans progress. But I need the assistance of out of state and in state parents to e-mail me what you see. I will document what I see but this must be an intermountain article not just a Las Vegas article.

Until then I will write what I know about any player that comes my way. One such player today was Raul Martinez who has a whole family of tennis players that have been populating these events. And he is not the only one, Danae , Danica and Daniella Ingwaldson have just stepped onto the tennis scene recently as a whole family. And they have no fear about going right to the biggest junior tournament of the year. To me it is just like any other tennis match, to believe otherwise is to be fooled by the hype. Don't be fooled. It is just a tennis match.

Why not get the best competition you can? That is why people liked the movie Rocky, because it illustrated a very simple principle... on any given day anything can happen. It is not something to dream about or want but a truth that is real. I play at Baskin Park, a pick up tennis place in Las Vegas. There is almost always a game and you do not know if they are 4.0 or Open player, but you get a shot to play and win. Until I entered tournaments I never had a rating. When you play at this park there is no rating or seed, just the score after the match is over, and on any given day it is anyones match to win, and I know that,  no matter what rating they supposedly have. If I win, fine, if I lose ,so what. Cause I know the match is going to be played with a boat load of heart. And that is what winning really is...playing with heart... aware and doing what you know is right.

Nevada and Colorado Tennis

Such was the case for Alec Runyon, as he lost a very close match today at Spanish Trail. It was a super tie break loss against the Easter Circuit 14 and under winner and eventual Pumpkin finalist Kellen Damico. Kellen is playing in his first 16 and under sectional event and thrived doing so. But after the match Alec had that same heart in his eye, ready to play the next match. Sure he mentioned the new Super tie break Quasi third set, but he had left his play on the court. The crowd was pleased as well,  as they got to see yet another very close show down. This time it was Kellen who took it....

But it is not over when you lose, it is only over when you quit...

 It was last year on the very same court at Spanish Trail that Kellin won the Easter Circuit in a very close match against another local  standout in Ryan Gormley. Kellen Damico has a sister that is playing as well, Krista, in the 14 and under, and their grandfather , Ed Gilbert, came in from Texas to see them play.  Kellen is from Parker,  Colorado.

.Brandon Kenyon, a local player, lost his first round main draw match and lost his first round consolation match, but won the tournament. In talking to him and his father it was apparent Brendon was not effected by points in a game. Not because he is lax but because he is seeing what the real game is.....staying right without losing oneself in the highs or lows of points, games or matches. Play tennis without losing ones decency.          It is not over when you lose...it is only over when you quit.

Sierra Vista girl's 12 and under

Running the tournament desk at Sierra Vista was David Keenan, a local USPTA tennis professional. He teaches tennis at Bunker Park here in Vegas and today he was checking in the juniors and coordinating their matches. George Morrissey was with his son along with his uncle who he had not seen in more then twenty years, making it  a reunion. George played for UNLV in his younger years and now plays 4.5 tennis at Club Sport. 

Aashish Daulat was back on track today after a short time off due to a broken left arm. Sometimes injury's help keep a player aware while doing the simple task of playing tennis. 

Colorado Knopp's

 Club Sport, Girl's 16 and under... Cristala Andrews is back in town for this annual event as she now lives at a Tennis Academy in California. Her father was there to watch her match, much shorter a drive then the trips he has been making to California and Arizona.  Alexa Chicarell also played an extremely close match against Kenzie Knop. Kenzie also has a twin sister, Tiffany Knopp, who is also playing.  Alexa's mother told me although her daughter lost she played an excellent game and she enjoys just watching her daughter develop on the court into a mature person. Free of the emotional reactions, she said her daughter  kept her composure throughout and was satisfied with her game. Beyond that Mrs. Chicarell was overwhelmed by the "Graciousness" of Mrs. Knop, who apparently shared some inside tips on the ways of the junior tennis circuit. Later I made a point to introduce myself  and tell her what was said of her. She explained that as a new mother to junior tennis she was often uninformed and did not see many parents who were willing to explain what was what. So she said she is willing to give all the tips and understanding she has to those who do not. She is not worried that doing so will help other kids get a better ranking then her own. She said she can submit to this article some of the insights she has garnered...developing....

Montana Tennis

It is a "Breath of fresh air" to deal with persons who are real and see through the mental trappings of these tournaments. It was Mike Marnin from Montana who shared his insight into the paradigms of junior tennis and how he lost the magic of playing the game when he lost site of the real game. He explained how he put in it's place the numbers, "losses and wins", rankings, and all the other mental nonsense other then simply hitting the ball. He said he has been able to introduce the game to John Marnin his son in the right way. His son he said is the total opposite, playing the game because it is right and with no other hype. DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE....... That was a great rap song in the eighty's , and it is true. Don't believe the hype. The game is playing tennis. Period.  

Out of all the 16 and under matches one stood out the most... to me... and that was between Jasmine Muhammad and Christina Cutter. From afar, I saw a player really playing the game, all out and as I got closer I saw Jasmine, yet in the past Jasmine had been reticent out there. She had strokes, and obvious athletic ability but a flying heart was absent. Not today . Perhaps not ever again. Perhaps Jasmine has come into her own and is playing the game with everything she has and what a difference. It looked like a completely different player. I told her this and asked her what was different, and she said she wanted to play. And she told me she had lost badly to this girl in the past, yet today it went to a very close super tie breaker. She lost the points but this match was a big win for Jasmine. Final score could not have been closer...6-7; 7-6; 1-0 

Also there was Racquel Martinez, who has had an excellent high School tennis season, only losing two matches, or something to that effect. Dina Basil, her tennis coach, and her were hitting inside waiting for the court to open up out side. Alan Brown, The Director of Tennis at ClubSport, was running the tournament desk for the Nevada Tennis Association.

Carrie Schofield was also playing. Carrie won the State doubles title with Allison Davis. Both are on the girls Bishop Gorman team that also won the Nevada State Team Championships. Ratna Pillai, who plays at the ClubSport Tennis Academy had home court advantage today as she played on center court. Aziza Ababutain, who is the State runner up and the Las Vegas girls singles champion, had a match at 12:00. She won convincingly.

It Dean Stavri was on court this morning. I have seen him lately playing at Baskin park and  UNLV with his coach Owen Hambrook. Today it looked like he was winning the match. But that was only the first game. He seemed confident, in fact too confident, as anything can happen and you don't want to be caught in the false notion you can beat someone before the finals score indicates it. Dean made it to the round of 16 before losing to the number 1 seed and eventual finalist Scott Warner.

Cameron Parker, now playing in the 18 and under, just came off what I hear was an incredible match at the State championships, as he had 6 break points on Lew Deleon to get to the finals. But Lew fought back and won the match in three sets. Cameron won state last year as a Sophomore. Cameron was also awarded high School All-American.

It is not over when you lose, it's only over when you quit...

Blake Lamberth ended up playing the eventual tournament winner in the first round of the main draw. He got a shot at today's best but lost and went to the back draw. Christopher Wilson is also back in town to play the PUMPKIN, as he lives at a tennis academy in California. He won his first match easily but lost his round of 32 match against local standout Lew Deleon. The first set against Lew was very close, settled in a tie breaker, but he then lost the second set and match.   Joshua Thompson I see playing often at Baskin park, taking on anyone who is willing. And he has begun to garner the power that once sent him outside the lines. His unique two handed strokes now have all the competition he wants. There was a time when he would come and have no shot against some of these players but recently he has been staying in some great points with some of the best players in the tournament. Joshua won his first match against Aaron Gutierrez  of Pueblo, Colorado 6-2, 6-4, then lost to the number 11 seed  Brody Saunders of Park City,  Utah in an excellent super tie break match 4-6; 6-4; 1-0. In the back draw he won 4 matches. The first against Tyler Hawk 4-6; 7-6; 1-0  , the second  against Anthony Guidubaldi  4-6; 7-5; 1-0, the third due to Cameron Parker withdrawing  and the fourth against Aaron  Dyer   2-6; 6-2; 1-0. But this landed him at the door step of one of the best players in the event Tyler Bastion  from Centerville, UT. Tyler has decent strokes with a ton of hustle. Last spring at the Easter circuit he was in the finals against James Ludlow. Joshua was able to hold his own in most of the points and when I saw the score of the quarterfinals consolation match I was surprised Joshua lost 6-1, 6-2, because it looked like he was staying in the games. And he was, but Tyler does not quit and keeps the ball coming back and wins the points.

In the girls 18 and under at Las Vegas Country Club, Sabrina Capannolo was seeded number one, Allison Davis, this years Nevada Doubles State Champion, and Bishop Gorman team champion and Dana Cortez are the few juniors in Las The Thompson girls,

Day 2

Today at Spanish Trail it was some excellent tennis as local standouts Cameron Parker and Lew Deleon both played some excellent matches. Watching the match were the Northern Arizona Tennis coaches, as they are interested in Lew Deleon. Cameron who has just recently moved up into the boys 18 and under won his first couple matches quite easily getting to the round of 16. Then he went against last years Easter Circuit winner James Ludlow.  It was intense, each point counting, down to the wire in the first set, settled in a tie breaker that was extremely close. It seemed Cameron, for just one point, a key point, played tentative. But James made an unforced error bringing the score back to tie, giving Cameron a second chance. But James then played two excellent points to win the first set. The second set was almost as close but this time James broke Cameron  early in the first set and Cameron tried to break back but came up short. The last game was a second break by James , who made an excellent shot to close out the match. 

During this intense match, both players were serious but on at least two occasions when James hit excellent shots, almost perfect, Cameron good naturedly smiled as he was able to enjoy seeing an excellent tennis play even though it was not his own. Some players actually get upset when another player makes an excellent play. Not Parker. These two earned each others respect out there.

Community Tennis...your state and mine

Cameron has been playing n Las Vegas for years and coach after coach, person after person have commented on his demeanor (except for dropping his racquet today), and that is because unlike many players who play on his level there is very little if any false pride. No airs or prideful gait, but an awake young man who is always interested in what he is doing. From School, student council, playing tennis and dealing with those he comes in contact with Cameron is truly an interested person. And that is what it takes to stay and thrive in life, to keep that interested eye and not get caught up in the lie and illusions of grandeur that some less secure players may take on. 

In all our states, there is a crop of young players that are talented yet they never play one another. And this is a self defeating pattern as the players who falsely perceive themselves to be too good, or not good enough do not play other players, worried about losing or caught in in this imaginary world where they are of a certain caliber and the other players are not. And soon it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy as the lack of play creates a lack of competition then a lack of interest takes root. Then the complaining  there is no competition in town, and kids pay thousands to leave home and play at an Academy out of state that may eventually be filled with the kids from your town who would not play one another at home, ... yet now do so in another state. Why?

If they all would break down these false walls, sometimes enables and encouraged by foolish advice from coaches and parents, then there would be enough excellent players for an academy in Las Vegas. Academy in the sense of daily, or at the least weekly competition. Serious competition, not the buffooning around match play, but tournament serious. Talking with James Ludlow about his play in Utah it is no wonder he thrives in these events. Not only does he keep his cool under pressure, but sees that playing the game is a serious matter on and off the court. He explained how he is tournament serious in practice just like he is at the Pumpkin. And why should it be any other way. 

A person can take what they are doing serious, give 100% and still be good natured. Taking the match seriously does not mean going crazy, getting upset. In fact it is the opposite. When you are playing tennis , play tennis... you can chat later. And Las Vegas like all local towns must have an environment where these kids can come and play tournament serious, because it is this environment where the principles of match play are illuminated,.. only in play.

UTAH TENNIS COMMUNITY

Cameron Parker is the type of person who will play another kid, and not fall prey to the trap. The trap which stops play and ruins the  opportunity that the many Utah players have fostered in Salt Lake. Last year they all came down here and dominated play at the Easter Circuit. This year every where you look is a 18 and under Salt Lake player winning or putting up a good fight. Why? Because they play each other. The coaches there like Rod Horton and his staff make sure these players go head to head weekly, by creating the opportunity's and environment to play. Why not in Las Vegas? Why not in your town? Why not more in Salt Lake and other Utah cities?  Sky Jensen, who, as an unseeded player, made it to the semifinals of the boys 18 and took fourth place over all , wrote in and explained his take of why Utah as a whole has done so well with the boy's 18 and under..... he wrote "I believe that Utah did so well in this tournament because we practice together which means we get better together, pushing each other to beat one another. James Ludlow, Tylar Bastian, Dantly Young, and myself try to play one another once a week. In fact I am hitting with Dantly in about twenty minutes. We also have a lot of other Utah players that play and are also great competition, for example, Travis Covington, Brody Saunders, Arron Dyer and Zach Levington." 

There to watch and recruit was F.D. Robbins, the head coach of University of Utah along with his assistant Graeme Cox.

The Utah Run Down... by Sky Jensen Utah players Overall Record 28-14 Utah Seeds ..#2 James Ludlow...#6 Tylar Bastian...#7 Dantley Young...#11 Brody Saunders   Utah Kids that placed,...3rd James Ludlow(2)....4th Sky Jensen (not seeded)....5th Dantley Young(7).... Fun Facts How many times Utah kids beat seeds: 10 How many times Utah kids played other Utah kids: 7 Out of the 14 loses Utah kids had, 13 of them were to seeds Out of 13 loses to seeds, 6 were to other Utah seeds   Individual Run Downs   Tyler Bastian (6) Main Draw- beat Holman (2R), McConoughey (3R) Lost Warner(1)(QF) Back Draw- one win, lost to Dantley Young(7)   Christopher Holman Main Draw- beat Jewkes (1R), Lost Bastian(6)(2R) Back Draw- 2 wins, lost to Yemm (9)   Arron Dyer Main Draw- beat Vigil(1R) , lost to Wetzig(4)(2R) Back Draw- 3 wins, lost to J. Thompson   Sky Jensen Main Draw- beat Harper(2R), Wetzig(3R)(4), Young(QF)(7), Warner(SF)(1) Playoff for Third and Fourth: Lost Ludlow(2)   Dantley Young(7) 5th Place Main Draw- beat Guidubaldi(2R), Saunders(11)(3R), lost to Jensen(QF) Back Draw- 3 wins, Yemm(9), Bastian(6), McDonald(8)   Brody Saunders(11) Main Draw- beat J. Thompson(2R) , Lost to Young(3R)(7) Back Draw- lost to Convington   Zach Leventan Main Draw- Beat Hawk(1R) , Watrous(2R),  Lost to Johnson(3R)(5) Back Draw- 1 win, Lost to Young(7)   Quinn Allred Main Draw- Lost to Budzinski(1R) Back Draw- 3 wins, Lost to Fayeghi   James Ludlow(2)  3rd Place Main Draw- Beat Convington(2R), Parker(3R)(10), McDonald(QF)(8), Lost Richard Johnson(5), Playoff for Third and Fourth: Beat Jensen   Travis Convington Main Draw- Beat Fayeghi(1R), Lost to James Ludlow (2R)(2) Back Draw-3 wins, Beat Saunders (11), lost to Wetzig(4) P.S.  Thanks for your hard work and the free picture, Peace Sky Boy   College ideas for kids that want to play college tennis from Utah (remember ideas) I am probably playing tennis for the United State Naval Academy, i have been accepted and just have to commit Dantley might play for the University of Utah James Ludlow is in contact with USC

In Las Vegas, with Dean Stavri, Jason Harper, Joshua Thompson, Blake Lamberth, Christopher Wilson, Lew Deleon, Chris Savanapridi, Ryan Garner, Cameron Parker, Johnothon Fayeghi and others all playing each other weekly, of course everyone's game can be taken to it's limit in turn creating new and improved competition. Where one day Lew is the best player of the bunch and the next Joshua Thompson. I have seen Joshua playing over the last year and through competition has shown he has come a long way. He now can take a couple games per set from some of the better players in town and there is no reason why through match play he could not eventually start winning the sets and matches. And that is a good thing for everyone.

Adult open players can be added to the loop as well to give Cameron and Lew and players like them better competition. The best lesson is playing a guy who can beat you and exploit your weakness. I like that kind of match. I want to play someone who can beat me, and I want my weakness to be exposed, to eradicate it.

 What if the best players in your town played each other every week, could the "lesser" player soon take sets, matches from the better ones and add to the list of Nationally ranked in your town? Jimmy Johnson of the Graziano Tennis Academy told me a simple story of a tennis pro who would play with a 15 year old Sampras as a gesture. Yet at 16 Sampras started beating him. It may have taken a year but this professional now had one of the best practice competition of all time.

 The immature  mental perceptions of who you should and should not play have to come down. At first you may find yourself playing a lesser player, but soon that player may develop, as a result of your playing with them, into an excellent match competition. Look at Michael Uriartte who has used his athletic ability to, in just a few years, challenge some of the long time tennis juniors in town. Players like him and many others simply need match play... and the rest will take it's course. The tennis professionals must come together in some fashion and realize there is a fundamental need for them to create the opportunity's for the players to play one another. The clinics and drills and lessons are a small portion of what is needed. In fact the Bollettieri Academy thrived on the simple principle of providing the players with a match to play, day and night. It was not the teaching, drills or clinics that the players there thrived on, but the opportunity to play. In the beginning some players may switch coaches or do all the things a fearful coach who hoards his talent may fear. But in the long run, better competition makes more eventful tennis which creates more players and the cycle moves on creating more opportunity. Live by fear or move on and see the vision. That is the choice.

It takes one individual to make it happen.

Many of the nuances of the game can not be found in the bubble or in a drill, only on the court, in a match. Overcoming  the "Thoughts" that are running through your head, loaded with bad advice, can only present itself in match play. The "Thoughts" try to take your attention away from simply playing the game. Overcoming these "Thoughts" and playing is what match play offers. That is the tremendous value of what the ITA, NTA and Rob Merriman is offering these players with this tournament. The chance to play and do battle with the various pushed, pulls, feelings and "Thoughts" which come in a competitive tournament environment. To me I have this tournament environment every time I play, whether it is a pick up game at the park or in tournament play.

In talking with David Pate, who recently won Wimbledon Gentleman's 35 and over, he said how as a junior tennis player in Las Vegas he just played and played and played. "And if you got beat on Monday, you there the next day to redeem yourself" and he said this competition among local juniors did not have the air of false pride and imaginary levels that exists today. In fact the Nevada State Champions in high school tennis, Carrie Schofield and Allison Davis, along with  Aziza Ababutain  and Estefania Serrano play together each week at The Las Vegas Country Club with Johnny Lane. These girls are some of the best players in their age group and they should be getting together like that. And it can be through the tennis professionals setting this environment up that makes it happen.

It takes one individual to make it happen.

But that was yesterday, and today and tomorrow are new. Perhaps Cameron, Lew, Dean, Michael, and Josh and juniors in your town can set the tone by starting to compete against one another freely, and instead of believing you are worse or better then others, prove it on a week to week basis. And as the weeks go by don't be surprised if everyone's game benefits from this increased participation. 

Match play. There is no substitute.

Then the younger players see what you have done and how you play amongst one another, as we all see the UTAH players do, and duplicate that stellar example. Then the same can be done among the 16 and under players like Alec Runyon, Ryan Gormley, Brandon Kenyon, Lenny Whiting, Ramon Montez,  Christopher Painter, Eric Ceniceros,  Andrew Craven, and the players in your town waiting to compete on a higher level. And it won't be long before they come knocking on the 18 and under or open players door to play up, and win, and that is good. I like to play someone who can beat me, then I like going and beating them. 

This tennis sites "Find a Match" section where players can list their names and or contact players on the list to play,  is one way of pulling together what is a fragmented tennis community. And perhaps you as a player, tennis professional or parent want to move on an idea to bring these players together to play. If so contact me and let's see if we can not make it happen. But the ball is in each players hands as well. And many of them do have the self confidence to ask other players to play. 

It was Tim Blenkiron, who won the NCAA doubles championship in 1997, said in Australia when he was a junior they played two nights a week, the best players from all over town, and he credits this match play to developing his game. Certain things can only be discovered in playing. 

Lew Deleon played in the boy's 18 and under reaching the quarterfinals before coming against Richard Johnson the eventual tournament winner. 

18 Finals

Richard Johnson played Scott Warner. The first set was extremely close with Richard Pulling it off 7-5. The second set Richard hit with a ripping forehand , by far the hardest hit of the tournament,... And at the right moment too. He waited, waited, waited, and then struck. To reach the finals both these players had to win 4 matches.

UTAH TENNIS

 James Ludlow and Kyle Mcdonald had an excellent match that was decided in a super tie breaker 10-5. James won. This was a vast improvement to when they played last when James won 6-3, 6-3.

In another thrilling 18 and under quarterfinals, Salt Lake City,  Utah's Sky Jenson faced off against  Utah's  Dantley Young . Dantley  lost the first set 6-1, then came back and won the second 6-0, but in the tie break he went down quick to a deficit of 6-2; But stormed back to tie it 8-8. But Sky really lit up the ball and turned it on, going for the win, and by doing so placed two perfect winners to win key  points and eventually the match. Sky stayed poised through the ups and downs of the match wasting no energy, and this calm is what brought him through the morass of the super tie break.

Let's talk about that Super tie break. It was the decision of the Sectional officials to do it this way and Rob Merriman , the tournament Director, explained in detail why the decision was made. First let me say there is never a good excuse. Often times when a person losses there is an excuse offered by the lie.  But each player has the choice to entertain such lies and believe them or to let them pass as false. I lost a super tie break today in my adult league match. At 7:00am before the days events I played league and lost the first set, then won the second set 6-0. Yet in the super tie breaker they won it getting to ten first. Afterwards I believed no such excuse that "If it was three sets I would have......" I had my shot.  I lost under the same rules they had. 

That being said, parents, coaches and players have made the valid point that they came to play tennis and not to shorten the experience but to make it as full and real life as possible. Two sets is not real tournament experience, and if the decision was simply to make it easier on the tournament director or to move it along faster to get it over with, then that would be a horrible motivation. But in speaking with Rob it became clear that it was not that at all. It came down to a simple choice.. they could run the tournament from Thursday to Monday with  a 48 full draw, with the super tie break format, or they would have to start the tournament on Wednesday, which means coming in by Tuesday night in order to play a three set format, full 48 feed draw finishing Sunday. And I will explain why. The rules are if you have a three set format there can only be two matches per day. In  a full 48 feed draw there are 9 rounds which takes 4 and a half days minimum to complete. The only option was to make the draw smaller to a 32 full feed draw or to have the super tie break format. They chose the later. This meant having a larger draw, involving more players, which enhances competition. What is the down side?...each player may have their own opinion but here is my take on it.... to me a lot of players are mentally weak when it comes to allowing themselves to get excited over winning one set. Then they lose awareness in the second. This format forces a player to close it out in the second not taking any points or games for granted. All it takes is for you to lose one set then have a bad super break and it is over... there is no room for slacking off. And in fact there is no room in a three set match either. 

Another benefit which a player mentioned is it makes the matches "more intense and thrilling. ".... "It adds to the excitement.".. yet I also heard "I hate this super tie break format."

Rob Merriman explained that asking parents to take their kids out of an additional day of School to start the tournament a day earlier did not seem feasible...and decreasing the size of the tournament and draw to 32 person was equally as daunting. In the end he chose to try the Quasi third set Super tie breaker.. what is your opinion? What would you like to see done.. 

Apparently it is a format that is here to stay, yet I imagine that in the summer months those issues do not apply as kids do not have school. Is the 2 set 10 point tie break format more exciting? Quicker and more thrilling? You are the fans watching what is your opinion? Write in and lets have a message board on it where I can post your comments. Click here to submit your take.

click here to give your input on all aspects of this tournament, including the format, this web sites coverage, the facility's and anything else you deem to be relevant and can make the event better.

Another point Rob Merriman made about the format  is the Full feed draw which allows players to lose all the way up to the finals and still be eligible for the consolation round. The consolation round is not broken up into a compass draw but it's own whole draw which has turned out to mean some incredible competition for all players. If you work your way through the many consolation rounds you get another chance at one of the top players, and that is what should happen. If you have the game to get through but lose one close match in the main draw this draw will give you a second chance at a top rated player. A good example is Las Vegas's Joshue Thompson who after losing in the main draw was able to win 3 in the consolation and in doing so came face to face with the Easter Circuit finalist last spring...Tyler Bastian , the number six seed. Tyler won in two sets but Joshue was hitting some excellent rally's. In fact a number of these matches, although the score may be 6-2 or 6-3, the actual game play is close.. but the better, often more patient and effective player wins the right points more often.   Tyler is a perfect example of a player who has decent strokes but it his will and no quit hustle which keeps him in most points, even against the best of players. In fact it has made him one of the best players in the intermountain. He is one of the many Utah players that have come down from Salt Lake City. Another is Sky Jensen who was listening to his "Alternative Rock" music while waiting to play. And when he got on the court he has been showing players time and time again that seeding is nothing. Not seeded he has beaten the number 7  and number 4 seeds, until losing to the number one seed in the semifinals. 

Sunday Sky Jensen played James Ludlow to see who takes third and forth place. And that is another thing about this full feed back draw, it allows you to know who really takes 5th and 6th place. In this match Sky was in it strong the first set. For some reason Sky has a way of dismantling a good players game. Takes them by surprise. But not Ludlow. James neat Sky 6-2, 6-2 winning the number three position and a almost certain seat at the Super National.

The way it works, is the top three finalists of this tournament are very likely to be the player endorsed to go to Super Nationals. Other factors come into play, yet the winners of this event hold a heavy hand. So these finals and semifinals matches have an added reward then a trophy and rankings boost. It is a shot at the best players in the Nation. Las Vegas has two players in Christian Thompson and Catrina Thompson, sisters who have thrived on this level of play. So much so that their national ranking allows the to go directly to Super Nationals. In doubles they have not only won but often are at least in the finals. The Thompson's recently won International Grass Tournament and reached finals at Super National Clay Court Championships.

Lew Deleon, Joshua Thompson and Chris Wilson from Las Vegas made it to the quarterfinals of the main draw. Dean Stavri  made it to the Quarter Qual of the consolation draw. In fact Dean and Chris Wilson faced off with Chris winning in two sets.

Bryan Miller of Las Vegas fights the good fight to reach the finals, beating on the way local standout Stan Breland 6-3, 6-3,  and a super tie break match against Missoula, MT Jake Behrens. The final score of that match was 6-3; 4-6; 1-0.  He faced the "Number 1 seed" Calvin Bennett  in the semifinals. This match was excellent as Brian was down 5-2 in the first only to fight back to 5-5. But Calvin stayed in there and closed the first set 7-5. The next set was equally as thrilling with Bryan down 4-1 only to come back again , but lost in the last second 6-4. Bryan therefore plays another local standout in Rishi  Daulat  to see who takes the third and forth position.  While Calvin advances to the finals against the number three seed Fletcher Keyes. Fletcher had very little resistance reaching the finals except in two matches against two Las Vegas players.

Fletcher played Jonathan Ribaste and won 6-4; 6-3. Then in the semifinals he played Rishi Daulat and won in a very close match 1-6; 6-4; 1-0. Rishi had won the first set easily 6-1, but Fletcher came back and won the second set in a very close 6-4. Then he swept the super tie breaker. To get to the semifinals Rishi played  Erik Kreutzer in the quarterfinals. Rishi had few problems in the draw until this very close match. He won in the Super tie breaker 6-3; 2-6; 1-0. 

In the boy's 14 and under finals Fletcher  Keyes and Calvin Bennett had a very close match with Fletcher losing the first 6-1, then winning the second 6-2 and the third set 6-3.

Nevada and Montana Tennis

In the consolation round Jonathan Ribaste won three matches cleanly to make it to the Quarter Qual. Jonathan has grown about 4 inches in the last year and is starting to take advantage of this new found height and the angles it can provide. Stan Breland is also still in the consolation draw winning the quarterfinals and  semifinals until he reached the final. Here he faced the number 4 seed Jake  Behrens from Missoula, MT. The first set went to Stan Breland from Las Vegas's TEAM AGASSI, yet the second set was all Jake Behrens winning it 6-1. Then in the super tie break Jake won and took the number 5 position with Stan as the number six in the boy's 14 and under.

Nevada and Utah 

In the boys 12 and under Brandon Parker won the semifinals match against a hard fighting Casey Macmaster. This was a match with many hard fought points, as Brandon's dad said "The score is not indicative of the play." To him it was a lot closer then the 6-3, 6-3 score. Now Brandon is one of the  4 Las Vegas players who   have made it to a main draw final. And he took advantage of this opportunity by winning it against the number one seed Spencer Smith from Salt Lake City Utah. Brandon's brother Cameron is also a top rated tennis player as before mentioned. In fact their father was a player in his youth in Las Vegas, and the 18 and under player Joshua Thompson's father, use to play with him when they were young. Now their two boys play in the Pumpkin, just years apart. 

Gene Marshal, Brandon's trainer,  was there to watch his matches from beginning to end. Gene also works with the before mentioned Bryan Miller as well.  He has been around the Las Vegas Tennis scene for a long time. Way back to when Caesars was the hot spot, with professional tournaments and Poncho Gonzales as the teaching professional. At one time he worked with David Pate when David was traveling as a  professional tennis player on the tour. Now he works as a fireman, and a trainer for many top Juniors including Cameron, his brother Brandon and many others. Sam Aparicio is  Brandon Parker's coach, and has been working with high level players as far back as David Pate when he was on the tour and,  since Michael Kelly, who at one point made it to the top 50 on the tour. Sam Aparicio also works with a number of other juniors in this tournament including Brandon's brother Cameron, the 14 and under 4th place player Bryan Miller, Alec Runyon, Steven Lambert and Danielle Crow. 

In the boy's 12 and under, Las Vegas player David Nichols  won the consolation draw taking the 5th place position.  Brian Kenyon  and Spencer Aguiar  made it to the quarterfinals .  Patrick Kawka., Aashish Daulat and  Jimmy Lovett made it to the consolation draw Quarter Qual.

Colorado and Nevada Final

Easter Circuit winner and local Las Vegas standout  Sabrina Capannolo, has been a dominating force in this event only losing a total of 7 games to reach the finals, all of them to Hillary Tyler. And one might say it is her new attendance to a tennis academy that brought on this domination of the field yet she was doing the very same thing early this spring in the Easter circuit as she beat an excellent player in Jamie Marshal in the finals at Club Sport. Then at Mutterspaw National Tournament she shocked the crowd by playing an excellent match against Nationally ranked Christian Thompson. In fact out of all the matches I have seen her play that was definitely the best, and no doubt because she was not worried about losing, wasn't thinking about the game,.. just playing and when that happened a new player came through. Not that the old player was not winning, but this intuitive player was able to give a super national champion Thompson a run for her money. If only a player could "Go for broke" against everyone they play...the real player would be on court... you have nothing to lose.  

In the finals Sabrina was initially tight, perhaps due to the challenge of the feisty Allie Shafner . Allie went for the win and took the first set 6-4. The second set was equally as close with Allie almost coming back on Sabrina's early rally, but Sabrina regrouped and won it 7-5 to force the third set. And in this third set Allie could no longer keep up with the side to side that Sabrina was pushing her to and Sabrina won it 6-2. But after the match Allie had no troubles, just a simple statement... "I'll be back." It is true.....

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

Sabrina had the support of Jimmy Johnson, James Ludlow and others on the sideline. And her mother who is mainstay in her game was watching each point with anticipation. At the end she was given the finalist trophy securing her number one ranking in the intermountain and a position at the Super Nationals. Sabrina's Las Vegas coach Dave  Wrzesinski and his wife Heather came by to see her semifinals match.

Local Las Vegas 18 and under player Dana Cortez made it to the quarterfinals of the consolation draw as well. Her uncle Howard Tubin runs the Desert Palm tennis club.

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

The other Las Vegas finalist is Dominique  Aubry who was wailing the ball today. Full of fire. In fact this web site has video footage of Cristala Andrews and Dominique playing at the Easter Circuit last spring. Click the picture to the left to see the video of the Easter Circuit girls 14 and under. 

Dominique's coach Kevin Bradley from the ClubSport was courtside to watch her play as was her father. Kevin played for years on the professional tennis tour and was a highly ranked junior player well.

In the girl's 14 and under final Dominique met the first seeded player Lauren Macfarlane from Ogden, Utah. Lauren proved her number one seed with a 6-2, 6-2 win. This young girl was not only consistent but could hit a very hard ball. But she carried herself with a modest disposition which may fair her well. 

 Lauren Megale  from Boise Idaho, played Rachel Loeb for the number 3 and 4 position. Lauren won 6-2, 6-0.

Kourtney Young  and Kristina Doerr  played in the consolation final. It was  Kristina who gave the tournament winner Lauren Macfarlane a very tough match losing 6-4, 7-5 in the quarterfinals. This unseeded player showed she has the game to play and beat the best of them. Yet it was Kourtney Young who won the fifth place position winning a very close match against Kristina Doerr 4-6; 7-5; 1-0. Kristina Doerr in turn takes 6th place.

UTAH AND NEVADA 12 AND UNDER FINAL

Amanda Jensen  and  Iesha James went head to head in the girl's 12 and under final.  Iesha is a Las Vegas player, who's dad runs one of the premiere tennis clubs in town.  Michael James's is the head tennis professional at Club Sport. She has a sister Natasha James  who played in the twelve and under also as a 10 year old. In fact Natasha played the same girl,  Amanda Jensen, a in a very close match in the first round, that her sister played in the finals. Natasha played Amanda in round one and it went to a super tie break with Amanda winning 6-1; 3-6; 1-0. But her sister Iesha was able to redeem that loss with a win in the final.

To reach the final Iesha beat the number one seed and local standout Julia Baltas. Julia eventually redeemed herself by winning the 5th position and consolation draw final. Julia beat Delaney Downing , the number two seed, 6-3, 6-0. Delaney Downing takes the number 6th position in the tournament.

 Iesha not only has a volley game which is rarely seen with these teens, and one handed back hand that looks like a grown man, but she has recently gotten quick on her feet which is something I had never seen in her before. It is in her genes as her father Michael was the bes player in Nevada for almost 10 years as an open player, in singles and doubles. Dan Knight his old doubles partner said no one could cover the court like Michael in his day, and with a wooden racquet. The very same wooden racquet he pulled out of his bag today and showed me. He said he and the girls practice with wood often. He and the Spanish Trail Tennis Director Dan Knight were a doubles duo that went un beaten for years. James also dominated open singles in Southern Nevada for about 3 years until marriage and teaching put is energy's else where. Now he is retired from tournament play but teaches tennis to his daughters. Dan Knight said he and Michael grew up in a time when you  were dropped off in the morning and picked up at night playing tennis all day....creating your own Bollettieri  Academy. Michael played junior tennis in the south and later played college at Auburn. 

Jimmy Johnson explained kids today look incredible as their strokes are tailored and acute yet the lack of match play leaves them empty handed when it comes to overcoming the various challenges on the court. It is intuitive, nit mechanical. One can try and duplicate an intuitive game by studying others and duplicating it, or you can play and let that intuitive knowing develop in you. You can really see the players who have excellent touch and can on a dime switch modes, Like when James Ludlow after hitting full force can slow down on a dime and touch a drop shot. This can not be taught, only discovered through playing aware. Michael James knows this principle as he often tells his students, "You have the mechanics and lessons, now you need matches, and matches, and it does not matter the rating, play anyone and you will discover by playing, getting beat and winning."

In fact I at times play a person at the pick up park that I beat 6-0, 6-0, and there is a tremendous value in playing matches like this, if you do it right. 

Michael James may come out of retirement later this year to play in the VegasTennis.com Spanish Trail Woodie Open. All white attire and wood racquets only. Perhaps you and your kids would come to town and participate. E-mail me at VegasTennis.com if you are led to play.

Maybe one tournament we can get all these parents and coaches to play a mini night event of doubles, a 3 hour quick draw format, and show these juniors what the old guard can do.  

Iesha James won the finals match 6-3; 6-3 taking first place. Amanda Jensen took second place. Simone Kalhorn played Brittiny Moore for the 3rd and 4th position. The final score was 6-4;with Simone Kalhorn taking third place and  Brittiny Moore taking 4th place.

The James sisters have the right attitude with this game. When ever I see them they are still kids just living life, not overwhelmed or identified with tennis so much. In fact when calling to get facts about this artilce I asked Iesha what her national and intermountain ranking was and she said she had no idea, and I said "Good", as that has nothing t do with it. The game is here to be played not "Thought" about. Just played.

Colorado Tennis

The big opportunity also lay within the 12 and 14 boys and girls in Las Vegas which is a very large group of kids who are playing and thriving in the intermountain. It is common for the girls 14 and under tennis events to display some of the best tennis matches. Such was the case Friday as TEAM Agassi's Candynce Boney played a super tie break battle with Krista Damico winning 2-6; 6-3; 1-0 to reach the Quarterfinals. Although this advance was stopped short by Lauren  Megale from Boise Idaho, it was a good run. Lauren Megale won 6-2, 6-3 to advance to the semifinals.

Krista has a brother Kellen who has lit the 16 and under draw on fire , new to the crop but unwilling to recognize a difference. It was just last year that I saw Kellen, on his own initiative, start running around the baseball field before his match at Alexander Dawson school. I knew then that it was something he was led to do. Not because he was told to or had to, but chose to. And that day I saw what I have seen since, a fury player that puts up a huge fight, and some players can not stand up to it.....Stand up or fall. 

Unseeded he beat the first, 5th and 7th seed and in the final he will face the second seed. And how he reached the finals is right down Kellen ally. He was down 5-2 in the first set of the semifinals match against Jordan Jaramillo , who had a big serve. Yet Kellen cam back and won 5 straight games to take the first set. Kellen won the match and second set 6-4.  There to watch his play was his aunt Amber Gilbert who also plays tennis in LA and is her club champion, his grandfather who promotes each individual in the family along with his "Greatest tennis club in the world"  in the west end tennis club in Texas, his  mother, sisters Krista, her friends  and his  father. His mother played college tennis at San Diego but has since hung up her competitive tennis to take on the game of tournament parent. 

Parents Match

Parents are in a match themselves. Often times they have the same challenges as the kids, the pushes and pulls to get upset or lose composure, or to take part in bitter rivalry and gossip, giving them the chance to be an example of stellar behavior for their kids or to add to the burden of a player on the court. What  a player needs is no interruptions, and the last thing they need is a parent on the side line that is unseated. 

A stable force on the sidelines can be a present reminder to come back or stay in the right place. Such was the case with Kellen and his fans that did not seem swayed by the ups and downs of his match. Kellen took this game all the way to the final. 

COLORADO - COLORADO FINAL

Boy's 16 and under finals

This unseeded Kellen Damico played the number two seed Jeffrey Zeller. Jefferey's birthday was yesterday Saturday November 2. His dad came down with him from Englewood Colorado, which is not far from Parker, Colorado where Kellen lives. In fact these two have been playing and practicing together, doing what I described above, raising each others game through constant competition. But today Jefferey has kept what he said was a undefeated tournament streak against Kellen winning in two extremely close sets 7-6; 7-5. And what a match up. Is that not what you want? A closer then close final win on your birthday and a excellent tournament run for Kellen Damico. It must be said, Jefferey had the poise and stillness of a pro. He was calm and deliberate and as Kellen's father put it... "Is a very solid player." And only a solid player can stand up to the spirit of Kellen Damico. 

Colorado verses Utah

In the boy's 16 and under Andrew  Clayton of Pueblo, Colorado played  Jordan Jaramillo of Salt Lake city , Utah to decide who wins the 3rd and 4th position. Jordon won 6-3; 6-0.

Las Vegas 14 and under girls consolation Draw

Making it to the "Quarter Qual" in the girls 14 consolation Draw is Gabriella Gibson, who won three consolation matches to reach the quarter qual. Sheryl Bon won one match in the main draw and one match in the back draw reaching the 3rd round.  Asia Muhammad lost in the first round of the main draw to the eventual finalist. Asia won three consolation matches to reach the quarterfinals in the back draw. Veronica Kawka and Asia Muhammad, both from Las Vegas, faced off  in the consolation "Quarter Qual." Asia won in two sets advancing to the consolation semifinals before losing in an extremely close match  against Kristina Doerr  which ended in two tie break sets 7-6, 7-6.

In the girl's 16 and under Estefania Serrano sailed through the first couple rounds untouched, until she met the number one seed Catherine Duboc who won in two sets. Estefania came in third at State this year for the individual singles. In the consolation draw she lost a very close match against St. George Utah's Jessica Carter. It was just weeks ago that Jessica was in town and played at the Summerlin junior tournament. There she faced Jasmine Muhammad in the final. Cristala Andrews  made it to the round of 16 before losing to Kiara Powell in a very close two set match 6-4, 6-4. Cristala then went through the consolation draw beating the before mentioned Jessica Carter 6-0, 6-1, then won the consolation draw beating the number 6 seed Sarah Drummond  from Pueblo Colorado 7-6, 6-2.

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

Also in the girl's 16 and under is Nevada State high school finalist Aziza Ababutain who has reached the furthest of the Las Vegas girls reaching the quarterfinals before losing to the number two seed Leah Weston in a very close super tie break set 3-6; 6-3; 1-0. She then won her quarterfinals match in the consolation draw but lost the semifinals match to the before mentioned Sarah Drummond  from Pueblo Colorado 6-0; 7-5. Aziza has a huge serve, as powerful as some men serve, and she 

Meanwhile in the Girls 16 consolation draw Briana Moyle from Las Vedas made it to the consolation quarter finals before falling to the 6th seed Sarah Drummond.

GIRLS 16 FINALS

It is not a coincidence that at check in, the only parent I talked to at length (more then 2 minutes) was Mrs. Powell, who brought her daughter and son into town to play yet again another sectional event. Her daughter plays in the 16 and under and her son in the 14 and under. Her son Brelin Powell played local standout Bryan Miller in the first round of the main draw and lost. Bryan went on to make it to the finals and won 2nd place. And Brelin went to the back draw where he won his first two matches making it to the quarterfinals before he lost to Doug Mayeda from Monument, Colorado 6-1, 6-4. But seeing him at UNLV running around he did not seem set back at all, but was enjoying the tournament experience along with his parents, who not only watches their kids matches but took in the games and attitudes of other players. Young Brelin Powell was named after local standout Stan Brelind's uncle once removed who was a well known boxer years ago. It just so happens that years later he met Stan playing on the junior tennis circuit.

But this Powell tournament became more about their 16 and under daughter who raced through the draw Kiara Powell who had an excellent win against local standout Cristala Andrews in the second round 6-4, 6-4. In the quarterfinals she had an equally challenging match against Sarah Drummond of Pueblo, Colorado. (Note...I want to know why there are so many players from this one town... who is behind this? I want to write about it so e-mail me with the details at VegasTenniscom@aol.com.) Kiarra had lost the first set to Sarah 5-7; but then raced back in the second to win it  6-1; and then the super tie break to advance to the semifinals where she met the number two seed Leah Weston from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Again, and close quasi three set match... with Leah winning the first set  3-6 , then Kiara Powell taking the second 6-3 and the tie breaker to reach the finals. The finals she met  Catherine Duboc from Littleton, Colorado.  Catherine Duboc had little trouble getting to the final as she beat Laura  Leoni , from Boise, Idaho,... 6-2, 61, Then Estefania Serrano of Las Vegas, ...6-2, 6-2, and finally Christina  Cutter of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who gave her the toughest win yet 6-3, 6-3.

Playing Kiarra Powell in the finals it looked as if this pattern of easy wins would take her all the way to first place as she won the first set 6-2, but Kiarra snapped out of it and came flying back to win the second set  6-3. And in the finals you play a real third set, and all eyes were watching. Parents, players, old and young. Idaho, Colorado and more. It was everything it should be as the two went toe to toe, game for game, up and down until finally it was Kiarra who won it in a tie breaker 7-6. It should not be any other way. Mrs. Powell then placed on her music head phones to play the same song she listened to at the beginning of the match. "Superstition" she said. 

There is a beginning and an end to things, and if you stay aware, doing what is right all throughout that event, match, situation and opportunity, then you can walk away satisfied with yourself. Because winning has never been about points in a game but about doing it right all the way through... from the beginning to the end..... I have done my part.... fro the opening night to the closing bell.... no corners cut, no quitting.... enjoying each and every aspect of this tournament experience, and that is all that is required of anyone. That is winning.

Ryan 

VegasTennis.com

Coverage of this event was funded and sponsored by the Nevada Tennis Association to make the tournament experience that much better.

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