Team chemistry, support and energy are three of the top qualities that the Mercer Island High School (MIHS) boys tennis team has on its side this season, say players Joseph DeGracia and Hugh Borden.
There’s also heaps of talent throughout the lineup that has taken the Islanders to the top of the multi-divisional Crown-Crest 3A/4A KingCo standings at 10-0 (12-0 overall) with a league regular-season championship.
According to head coach Jacquie Hartmann, one massive win came against then-undefeated rival Bellevue, 4-3, on Oct. 3. MIHS No. 3 doubles partners Rhodes Tacher and Alex Radke won the deciding match, 6-0, 4-6, 1-0 (third set tiebreaker, 10-8). Notching the other wins for the locals on that thrilling day were DeGracia at No. 1 singles (6-4, 6-0), Lucas Pae/Vinny Bang at No. 1 doubles (6-0, 6-0) and Luke Loiselle/Sam Karami at No. 2 doubles (6-3, 6-1).
DeGracia, who won the 3A state No. 1 singles crown last season, said that it’s fun being part of the tennis scene and cheering on his teammates during big matches.
On the individual front, DeGracia noted about his singles battles: “I think I’ve been playing pretty strong recently. I’ve been playing really consistently. It’s an honor just being No. 1 singles. Those guys, I guess they look to me.”
Keeping the ball alive with his forehand has been a plus for the junior this season. About five months ago, DeGracia swung away in the state spotlight and took home the singles title as the boys placed second in the team standings (finishing just one point back) at the Vancouver Tennis Center. The doubles team of Gian Manhas/Nolan Bang took first at the premier event.
DeGracia, who’s played tennis for nine years and enjoys the competition, relived that state experience: “It was incredible. I’ve never really felt that much energy. It was really cool just having so many people I know just supporting me. (And) people I don’t know, to be honest — it was really cool.”
With a full-time training regimen on the tennis court, DeGracia has racked up some solid results in out-of-state tournaments, and over the summer won the Mercer Island Country Club tourney and made it to the round of 32 at the Washington State Open.
Senior co-captain Borden has played singles and doubles this season and put together an immense win at No. 4 singles against Newport, Hartmann said. Other Islanders joining Borden in the captain’s sphere are Tacher, Nolan Bang and Derek Borden.
Hugh Borden — who sports a strong serve — feels his teammates have played a crucial role in everyone’s success: “It really helps you calm the nerves, knowing that everybody is cheering for you, and knowing that folks are supporting you — knowing that you’re playing for a team.”
After sustaining an injury on the basketball court, Hugh gravitated toward tennis in eighth grade. He rebounded from his injury and played both hoops and tennis during his freshman year, but transitioned to just tennis as a sophomore. He’s played on varsity for the last two years.
Hugh feels the Islanders are involved in some solid KingCo tennis this season.
“Especially (against) Bellevue that we have a pretty intense rivalry with,” he said. “We always make sure to get really, really energetic — really hyped up.”
Next up for MIHS is the 3A KingCo Tournament on Oct. 20 at home that will feature three Islanders singles and three doubles entries.
