For The Tribune
BROWNSTOWN
Brownstown Central’s boys tennis team closed out its regular season with a 4-1 Mid-Southern Conference win against Austin at home Monday afternoon.
Braves coach Mitchell Taylor said he was pleased with the win.
“It was nice to end 6-3 in the conference,” he said. “We started off 2-3, so it’s nice to get these last four in and have a good conference record. I think we’ll end somewhere around fourth.”
The Braves won No. 1 and No. 2 singles, and No. 1 doubles in straight sets, while Adam Pottschmidt had to work extra to pick up a win at No. 3 singles.
Ethan Carlin defeated Trevor Johnson 6-2, 6-0 at No. 1 singles, and Ethan Wischmeier was a 6-4, 6-2 winner against Joseph Smith at No. 2 singles.
“One and two singles take care of business,” Taylor said. “Ethan Carlin played really well. He’s been working on his backhand lately. It’s come a long way in the last couple of weeks. That’s a shot that he’s starting to develop, getting a little better on.”
“Ethan Wischmeier is really our grinder. He just grinds out games. He has a lot of long points, but he finds a way to win.”
Jackson Larhman and Gunnar Zickler topped Cameron McNeely and Chris Thomas 6-1, 6-4 at No. 1 doubles.
Pottschmidt defeated Gavin Parker 3-6, 7-6 (7), 10-5 for No. 3 singles.
This was the Braves’ first match since Sept. 18 at Charlestown.
“I liked the way my guys played tonight, but the week off definitely had them in a little bit of a lull, especially at the start,” Taylor said.
“I really liked the way my three singles battled back. They played a super tiebreaker just to finish their match. (Pottschmidt) wasn’t playing his best tonight, but he fought through and got a ‘W’ anyway.”
Braves Reece Carlin and Cole Shasteen fell 6-4, 6-3 to Jalen Hines and Caleb Weaver at No. 2 doubles.
“I felt like our No. 2 doubles weren’t playing like I know they can play,” Taylor said. “I told them not to get discouraged. Hopefully they bring a little more of their ‘A’ game for sectionals.”
The Braves are 11-5 going into the sectional and will play Trinity Lutheran on Thursday.
The Braves defeated the Cougars 4-1 on the Brownstown Central courts Sept. 12.
“It’s way better to get this win at the start of the week against not only a conference opponent, but also a sectional opponent,” Taylor said. “I’m looking forward to the sectional.”