High point tennis finishes successful season
SUSSEX BOROUGH — To say that the High Point High School boy’s tennis program had some good times on the court this recently concluded season would be an understatement.
It would be more accurate to state that the Wildcats had several great moments this spring.
High Point finished with an overall record of 20-4 and advanced to the quarterfinal round of the NJSIAA North I Group II Sectional Tournament.
“The team was really led by a collection of seniors who had dedicated so much time and loyalty to this sport," High Point coach Brian Drelick said.
First-singles player Daichi Uchida finished 26-3 and tied the school record with 70 wins in four years. he also was the Mugs Media Tennis Player of the Year, the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex champion, the tournament MVP, first-team all-Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference and the school's scholar athlete. he also was a second-team all
Group II New Jersey.
Senior James Van Hooker finished his stellar season at 24-2, winning his final 20 matches and finishing fourth all-time in school history with 65 wins. Van Hooker also is All-NJAC first team. Senior Chris Morville was lost at the beginning of the season due to shoulder surgery, but Drelick said remained a positive force with the team all year, providing motivation, insight, and wisdom to his teammates and coaches.
“Our most improved player was second doubles player Spencer Arnold, who teamed with his partner Jason Maikis to collect 16 wins at second doubles and First-Team All NJAC recognition," Drelick said. "Paxton Haggerty showed a lot of grit moving from first doubles last year to third singles this year, finishing 22-4 and earning a spot in the finals of the H/W/S Tournament. Seniors Kyle Nolan and Chris Blundo used their strong performance in March to land a spot at first doubles this season."
The Wildcats finished undefeated at 10-0 in the NJAC Colonial Division, reaching a long awaited title.
“We won the league title for the first time since 1982 and were selected as the Mugs Media Boy’s Tennis Team of the Year," Drelick said. “We also finished second as a team in the H/W/S Tournament-(highest finish ever for High Point)."
The contributions put forth by the graduating class of 2015 were great and their absence will be felt, but there is still a 2016 season to think about for the head coach.
“We have three players coming back from this year's team — Paxton Haggerty, Spencer Arnold and Jason Maikis,’’ Drelick said. “These three individuals were vital members of this championship team and will be expected to emerge as leaders next year."