Sorry for the delay, blogspot was down for a little while yesterday and I didn't get the chance to post. Due to the rain, our match against Edina was cancelled, and has been rescheduled for Monday.
We've got an away match against Maple Grove today. We don't know much about them, but I've seen some of their results in the newspaper and they've beaten some good teams in their conference, so I'm sure they'll give us a tough battle to round out the week. After going to the Twins game tonight, I'll be sure to give a recap of the match.
Until then,
Michael
Friday, May 13, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Hopkins v St. Paul Academy
Today's match was our third in three days, the middle of a packed week. The opponent was St. Paul Academy, or SPA. They've always done well in the 1A (smaller schools) state tournament, and they're returning the 1A singles state champion, John Hill, so we knew we'd have our work cut out for us.
Similar to the match against Eden Prairie on Monday, SPA took their usual second and third singles players and put them into doubles positions. This equated to Manfred (6-0, 6-0) and I (6-0, 6-1) winning within seconds of each other, before most of the other matches had finished their first sets.
In the other five matches, we lost all of the first sets. Clay Thompson played #4 singles, the only change from yesterday's lineup. #3 doubles (Andy Harris/Kenny) forced a tiebreak in the second set, but fell short. Clay was the next one done. He fought really hard against an opponent who, to be honest, was obnoxious whenever he won a point. Hopkins 2, SPA 2.
Clay's opponent seemed to be the most vocal, but some others weren't far behind. I know a few of the SPA guys, and they're great. It's kind of frustrating to see a team that is so good to have to blemish their reputation and embarrass themselves by acting pretty childish. I hate to say that, but, as Coach Novak tells us, act like you've been there before.
Now, the only matches remaining were Ryan and #1 and #2 doubles. #2 (Zach/Andy Novak) won their second set to force a third, and then #1 (Brandon/Rust) followed suit. Meanwhile, Ryan went up 5-2 in his second set.
As the two doubles matches got going in their third sets, Ryan's match started to turn in John Hill's favor. Ryan wasn't necessarily playing badly, but John was serving consistently huge, and Ryan did start to miss more balls, and ended up losing the set in a tiebreak. Ryan wasn't too pleased about how he played, but John's a great player, no shame in losing to him, and I know Ryan will only improve in the next couple weeks. Hopkins 2, SPA 3.
After many ups and downs, both doubles matches found themselves knotted at five games apiece. #2 got a break to go up 6-5, and they held Zach's serve to close out the match. Unfortunately, a minute or two later, #1 lost their set, 7-5, in a similar manner. Both teams played extremely well, the scores could have gone either way for each match.
Final score: Hopkins 3, St. Paul Academy 4.
Tomorrow's match is against Edina, a team that we have been unable to beat for at least eight years, probably many more. Before I go study for my Macronomics and Micronomics AP tests tomorrow, I want to give a special shout-out to Noah Sussman, a proud Hopkins tennis alum who has come out to watch the last few matches. We always appreciate the support! The match tomorrow is away against Edina, followed by a trip to Maple Grove on Friday.
Until then,
Michael
Similar to the match against Eden Prairie on Monday, SPA took their usual second and third singles players and put them into doubles positions. This equated to Manfred (6-0, 6-0) and I (6-0, 6-1) winning within seconds of each other, before most of the other matches had finished their first sets.
In the other five matches, we lost all of the first sets. Clay Thompson played #4 singles, the only change from yesterday's lineup. #3 doubles (Andy Harris/Kenny) forced a tiebreak in the second set, but fell short. Clay was the next one done. He fought really hard against an opponent who, to be honest, was obnoxious whenever he won a point. Hopkins 2, SPA 2.
Clay's opponent seemed to be the most vocal, but some others weren't far behind. I know a few of the SPA guys, and they're great. It's kind of frustrating to see a team that is so good to have to blemish their reputation and embarrass themselves by acting pretty childish. I hate to say that, but, as Coach Novak tells us, act like you've been there before.
Now, the only matches remaining were Ryan and #1 and #2 doubles. #2 (Zach/Andy Novak) won their second set to force a third, and then #1 (Brandon/Rust) followed suit. Meanwhile, Ryan went up 5-2 in his second set.
As the two doubles matches got going in their third sets, Ryan's match started to turn in John Hill's favor. Ryan wasn't necessarily playing badly, but John was serving consistently huge, and Ryan did start to miss more balls, and ended up losing the set in a tiebreak. Ryan wasn't too pleased about how he played, but John's a great player, no shame in losing to him, and I know Ryan will only improve in the next couple weeks. Hopkins 2, SPA 3.
After many ups and downs, both doubles matches found themselves knotted at five games apiece. #2 got a break to go up 6-5, and they held Zach's serve to close out the match. Unfortunately, a minute or two later, #1 lost their set, 7-5, in a similar manner. Both teams played extremely well, the scores could have gone either way for each match.
Final score: Hopkins 3, St. Paul Academy 4.
Tomorrow's match is against Edina, a team that we have been unable to beat for at least eight years, probably many more. Before I go study for my Macronomics and Micronomics AP tests tomorrow, I want to give a special shout-out to Noah Sussman, a proud Hopkins tennis alum who has come out to watch the last few matches. We always appreciate the support! The match tomorrow is away against Edina, followed by a trip to Maple Grove on Friday.
Until then,
Michael
Hopkins v Benilde, St. Margaret's
Today's match against Benilde was a good opportunity to bounce back after our first loss of the season yesterday to Eden Prairie. Today's lineup was the same as yesterday's except for Jeremy Steinman at #4 singles and, after their win yesterday, Brandon and Rust were moved back up to #1 doubles.
The first completed match today was (finally) not a singles match. #2 doubles (Zach/Andy Novak) were off the court first, in a comprehensive win. This was followed by my victory at #2 singles and then Manny's at #3. Hopkins 3, Benilde 0.
Next off was #1 doubles, who, after winning their first set quickly, battled through a second to win in straight sets. #3 doubles had a very similar situation, and they were forced to a tiebreak in the second, before pulling out the victory.
Meanwhile, at #4 singles, Jeremy was having an up-and-down match. His match was right next to mine, so I was able to see a decent amount of it. He started off well, but lost a tight first set, and went down early in the second, and unfortunately wasn't able to come back. Hopkins 5, Benilde 1.
We actually haven't been able to win a match at #4 singles this year, with a rotation of players, but I know that win will come, as the match experience and practice will no doubt pay off soon.
Ryan's match was the last one on. He won the first set, and then fell down a break in the second, 4-1. He was then able to get the break back and eventually forced a second-set tiebreak. With both teams watching, Ryan came through and won the tiebreak to win the match.
Final score: Hopkins 6, Benilde, St. Margaret's 1.
We've got a tough opponent tomorrow in St. Paul Academy, again at home.
Until then,
Michael
The first completed match today was (finally) not a singles match. #2 doubles (Zach/Andy Novak) were off the court first, in a comprehensive win. This was followed by my victory at #2 singles and then Manny's at #3. Hopkins 3, Benilde 0.
Next off was #1 doubles, who, after winning their first set quickly, battled through a second to win in straight sets. #3 doubles had a very similar situation, and they were forced to a tiebreak in the second, before pulling out the victory.
Meanwhile, at #4 singles, Jeremy was having an up-and-down match. His match was right next to mine, so I was able to see a decent amount of it. He started off well, but lost a tight first set, and went down early in the second, and unfortunately wasn't able to come back. Hopkins 5, Benilde 1.
We actually haven't been able to win a match at #4 singles this year, with a rotation of players, but I know that win will come, as the match experience and practice will no doubt pay off soon.
Ryan's match was the last one on. He won the first set, and then fell down a break in the second, 4-1. He was then able to get the break back and eventually forced a second-set tiebreak. With both teams watching, Ryan came through and won the tiebreak to win the match.
Final score: Hopkins 6, Benilde, St. Margaret's 1.
We've got a tough opponent tomorrow in St. Paul Academy, again at home.
Until then,
Michael
Monday, May 9, 2011
Hopkins at Eden Prairie
Well, I knew the first loss of the season would come eventually. I'm glad it came today, rather than in a few weeks. On a warm and windy day today, we fell 4-3 to Eden Prairie.
Getting onto the bus today, we knew a very good team was awaiting us. EP won the state championship last year, and only lost one or two players from that team. Their lineup kind of baffled us, as they were missing their usual #2 singles player and decided to put their #3 and #4 singles players onto #1 and #3 doubles, respectively. After the lineups were announced and before everyone went out on the court, Ryan and I told the team to forget about lineups and matchups and just play your match. As I said to (the legendary) Ken Novak, Sr. after the match: "It is what it is." In other words, you can only play who you're playing.
Nevertheless, the first three matches done were reminiscent of the last few matches: I won at #2 singles, Manny won at #3, and Jackson lost at #4.
Normally, the matches are pretty easy to follow, because the scorecards on each court are flipped to show the score during each changeover. Today we had none. Nothing too major, but very inconvenient for everyone in attendance. My dad told me afterwards that an EP parent actually asked him to complain to the EP coach on his behalf. He said he would do it himself, but his son would get moved down in the lineup. Hmmm. Probably said jokingly, but that still doesn't hold the EP coach in a great light.
Due to the absence of the scorecards, it was difficult to follow all of the matches going on, but I gathered that Ryan had lost his first set, as had #1 doubles (Andy Novak/Zach) and #3 doubles (Andy Harris/Kenny). #2 doubles (Brandon/Rust) won their first.
All three doubles matches ended in straight sets. Eden Prairie 3, Hopkins 3.
Ryan's opponent today was Scott Elsass, who has unfortunately been struggling with a shoulder injury most of this season and has been able to play only on a limited basis. It certainly looked healthy today. Ryan battled in the first set, but lost it 6-4. After going down 4-1 in the second, Ryan again fought to get a break back and went into the changeover down 4-3. After Elsass held, Ryan's service game lasted for about fifteen minutes before finally being broken and lost the second, 6-3. I must add, though, that Ryan has not lost this year when he's worn his jersey the correct way. He played his entire match today with an inside-out shirt.
Final score: Eden Prairie 4, Hopkins 3.
EP is a great team, but we know we can beat them, and hopefully we'll get the opportunity later this month. As Coach Novak says, anytime you lose, you want to be able to play again right away. We've got that opportunity in a home match against Benilde St. Margaret's tomorrow.
Until then,
Michael
Getting onto the bus today, we knew a very good team was awaiting us. EP won the state championship last year, and only lost one or two players from that team. Their lineup kind of baffled us, as they were missing their usual #2 singles player and decided to put their #3 and #4 singles players onto #1 and #3 doubles, respectively. After the lineups were announced and before everyone went out on the court, Ryan and I told the team to forget about lineups and matchups and just play your match. As I said to (the legendary) Ken Novak, Sr. after the match: "It is what it is." In other words, you can only play who you're playing.
Nevertheless, the first three matches done were reminiscent of the last few matches: I won at #2 singles, Manny won at #3, and Jackson lost at #4.
Normally, the matches are pretty easy to follow, because the scorecards on each court are flipped to show the score during each changeover. Today we had none. Nothing too major, but very inconvenient for everyone in attendance. My dad told me afterwards that an EP parent actually asked him to complain to the EP coach on his behalf. He said he would do it himself, but his son would get moved down in the lineup. Hmmm. Probably said jokingly, but that still doesn't hold the EP coach in a great light.
Due to the absence of the scorecards, it was difficult to follow all of the matches going on, but I gathered that Ryan had lost his first set, as had #1 doubles (Andy Novak/Zach) and #3 doubles (Andy Harris/Kenny). #2 doubles (Brandon/Rust) won their first.
All three doubles matches ended in straight sets. Eden Prairie 3, Hopkins 3.
Ryan's opponent today was Scott Elsass, who has unfortunately been struggling with a shoulder injury most of this season and has been able to play only on a limited basis. It certainly looked healthy today. Ryan battled in the first set, but lost it 6-4. After going down 4-1 in the second, Ryan again fought to get a break back and went into the changeover down 4-3. After Elsass held, Ryan's service game lasted for about fifteen minutes before finally being broken and lost the second, 6-3. I must add, though, that Ryan has not lost this year when he's worn his jersey the correct way. He played his entire match today with an inside-out shirt.
Final score: Eden Prairie 4, Hopkins 3.
EP is a great team, but we know we can beat them, and hopefully we'll get the opportunity later this month. As Coach Novak says, anytime you lose, you want to be able to play again right away. We've got that opportunity in a home match against Benilde St. Margaret's tomorrow.
Until then,
Michael
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Congratulations, Coach
Today's match against Eden Prairie was postponed until next Monday, due to some of our players not being available.
Also not being available this weekend will be Coach Novak. He will be in Las Vegas receiving this award: http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/05/02-coach-of-the-year.aspx He doesn't seem to want to make a big deal of it, so the only thing I'll say is this: I believe that he could coach any sport at any level and be extremely successful. We're lucky to have him here at Hopkins.
For practice tomorrow, we'll be welcoming back a familiar face, Ali King (formerly Ali Barnett)! She, of course, had coached Ryan and I for the last five years, but is taking a maternity leave for this season. She'll be covering for Novak tomorrow, and we're excited to see her.
The moving of the EP match, on top of all of the other rescheduled matches due to rain, means that we will have matches every day next week:
Monday: Hopkins at Eden Prairie
Tuesday: Hopkins v Benilde St. Margaret's
Wednesday: Hopkins v St. Paul Academy
Thursday: Hopkins at Edina
Friday: Hopkins at Maple Grove
These are the final regular-season matches, and every one should be a tough test. For all of those going to prom on Saturday (even I managed to find a date!): be safe and don't be stupid. Eden Prairie should be epic, and I'll be back to give a recap of the match on Monday.
Until then,
Michael
Also not being available this weekend will be Coach Novak. He will be in Las Vegas receiving this award: http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/05/02-coach-of-the-year.aspx He doesn't seem to want to make a big deal of it, so the only thing I'll say is this: I believe that he could coach any sport at any level and be extremely successful. We're lucky to have him here at Hopkins.
For practice tomorrow, we'll be welcoming back a familiar face, Ali King (formerly Ali Barnett)! She, of course, had coached Ryan and I for the last five years, but is taking a maternity leave for this season. She'll be covering for Novak tomorrow, and we're excited to see her.
The moving of the EP match, on top of all of the other rescheduled matches due to rain, means that we will have matches every day next week:
Monday: Hopkins at Eden Prairie
Tuesday: Hopkins v Benilde St. Margaret's
Wednesday: Hopkins v St. Paul Academy
Thursday: Hopkins at Edina
Friday: Hopkins at Maple Grove
These are the final regular-season matches, and every one should be a tough test. For all of those going to prom on Saturday (even I managed to find a date!): be safe and don't be stupid. Eden Prairie should be epic, and I'll be back to give a recap of the match on Monday.
Until then,
Michael
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Hopkins v Wayzata
Today was our seventh match of the season, and we managed to earn our seventh victory. The win against Wayzata today was far from easy. They came in as the top-ranked team in the state, and we could see why they're getting so much attention. They've always been a deep team with strong doubles players, and this year is no exception.
We went with the same lineup as yesterday: Singles: Ryan, myself, Manny, Jackson; doubles: Brandon/Rust, Andy Novak/Zach Miller, Kenny/Andy Harris.
Unfortunately, Jackson was the first done today, and his result was the same as yesterday. As I told him after the match today, I believe that he didn't attack and come to the net enough, whereas he tried to come into the net a little too much yesterday.
Next off was #1 doubles, a Wayzata victory. Hopkins 0, Wayzata 2.
We then evened the score up at 2, with a victory by Manny at #3, and then me at #2. Now, with three matches remaining, the match could have gone either way.
Both #2 and #3 doubles split their first two sets, and were beginning their thirds, while Ryan won his first set in a tiebreak and was up 5-2 in the second. #3 (Kenny/Andy Harris) had battled back to win their second set after losing the first, but lost the third, 0-6. Hopkins 2, Wayzata 3.
Now, just Ryan and #2 doubles (Andy Novak/Zach Miller) were still playing. Andy and Zach got an early break and maintained it until they were broken back at 4-4. But they got the break right back, and went into the changeover 5-4, with Zach to serve. Just as they began the tenth game of the set, Ryan lost his second set. I must say that today's match was uncharacteristic of Ryan, losing the second set after being up 5-2, but I was still confident that he would pull it out in the third.
Zach and Andy wasted no time holding Zach's serve and closing out the set and the match. Now, with the match knotted at 3, the team battle came down to Ryan's final set against Dustin Britton.
From the start of the third set, we could tell that Ryan was a man on a mission. I don't know for sure, but I'd bet that Ryan was completely aware of the team's situation. Dustin definitely didn't play badly, as the first two sets' scores show, but Ryan proved too much in the third: 6-0.
Final score: Hopkins 4, Wayzata 3.
Today's victory was great, but as Coach Novak told us afterwards: we can celebreate a little today, but the results only really matter during the section tournament. We've got a scrimmage at Mounds View tomorrow, a top team in the state, including the top-ranked player, Wyatt McCoy.
Until then,
Michael
We went with the same lineup as yesterday: Singles: Ryan, myself, Manny, Jackson; doubles: Brandon/Rust, Andy Novak/Zach Miller, Kenny/Andy Harris.
Unfortunately, Jackson was the first done today, and his result was the same as yesterday. As I told him after the match today, I believe that he didn't attack and come to the net enough, whereas he tried to come into the net a little too much yesterday.
Next off was #1 doubles, a Wayzata victory. Hopkins 0, Wayzata 2.
We then evened the score up at 2, with a victory by Manny at #3, and then me at #2. Now, with three matches remaining, the match could have gone either way.
Both #2 and #3 doubles split their first two sets, and were beginning their thirds, while Ryan won his first set in a tiebreak and was up 5-2 in the second. #3 (Kenny/Andy Harris) had battled back to win their second set after losing the first, but lost the third, 0-6. Hopkins 2, Wayzata 3.
Now, just Ryan and #2 doubles (Andy Novak/Zach Miller) were still playing. Andy and Zach got an early break and maintained it until they were broken back at 4-4. But they got the break right back, and went into the changeover 5-4, with Zach to serve. Just as they began the tenth game of the set, Ryan lost his second set. I must say that today's match was uncharacteristic of Ryan, losing the second set after being up 5-2, but I was still confident that he would pull it out in the third.
Zach and Andy wasted no time holding Zach's serve and closing out the set and the match. Now, with the match knotted at 3, the team battle came down to Ryan's final set against Dustin Britton.
From the start of the third set, we could tell that Ryan was a man on a mission. I don't know for sure, but I'd bet that Ryan was completely aware of the team's situation. Dustin definitely didn't play badly, as the first two sets' scores show, but Ryan proved too much in the third: 6-0.
Final score: Hopkins 4, Wayzata 3.
Today's victory was great, but as Coach Novak told us afterwards: we can celebreate a little today, but the results only really matter during the section tournament. We've got a scrimmage at Mounds View tomorrow, a top team in the state, including the top-ranked player, Wyatt McCoy.
Until then,
Michael
Hopkins at Saint Louis Park
After we had the weekend off, we started off a big week at Saint Louis Park.
In past years, SLP has been very strong, and they were able to beat us a few years ago. However, this year is a rebuilding year for them.
Today's lineup was as follows: Singles: Ryan, myself, Manny, Jackson (first varsity match); doubles: Brandon/Rust, Andy Novak/Zach, Kenny Novak/Andy Harris.
The match was pretty quick, with all matches ending in straight sets. We won all of the matches except for Jackson at #4 singles. It was his first match, so I'm sure he was a little nervous. He definitely gained some great experience, though.
Hopkins 6, St. Louis Park 1.
We've got a huge one against Wayzata tomorrow. As Novak always says, the results only matter during sections, but a win tomorrow could give us the top seed in the section tournament.
Until then,
Michael
In past years, SLP has been very strong, and they were able to beat us a few years ago. However, this year is a rebuilding year for them.
Today's lineup was as follows: Singles: Ryan, myself, Manny, Jackson (first varsity match); doubles: Brandon/Rust, Andy Novak/Zach, Kenny Novak/Andy Harris.
The match was pretty quick, with all matches ending in straight sets. We won all of the matches except for Jackson at #4 singles. It was his first match, so I'm sure he was a little nervous. He definitely gained some great experience, though.
Hopkins 6, St. Louis Park 1.
We've got a huge one against Wayzata tomorrow. As Novak always says, the results only matter during sections, but a win tomorrow could give us the top seed in the section tournament.
Until then,
Michael
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