Doug Markworth State Farm Junior Tennis Tournament
On June 2, Mitchell hosted its inaugural summer tennis event, the Doug Markworth State Farm junior tennis tournament, at the scenic Hitchcock Park. This year’s competition attracted 55 athletes across a total of eight singles and five doubles categories, ensuring every participant had the opportunity to compete in at least two matches within their division.
Highlights of the Tournament
Highlighting the tournament, Mallory Buenzow emerged as a double champion. She dominated the Indian Wells round-robin singles event with an impressive 3-0 record, overcoming runner-up Katie Warren 8-5 in their initial round. Buenzow also paired with Gabbie Thompson, who finished third, to claim victory in the Olympic doubles division, narrowly beating Brooke Steidl and Liv Larson with an 8-6 score.
In the U.S. Open doubles category, the duo of Cooper Star and Sutton Thompson, known for their success in the previous high school season, triumphed over Patrick Morgan and Clay Bathke 8-1. Star continued his strong performance, finishing as the runner-up in the U.S. Open singles, where he was defeated by Harrison Krajewski, while Thompson captured third place.
Matteah Graves showcased her skills by winning the French Open singles division with an 8-1 victory against Morgan after battling through tight matches against Bathke and Ivan Krajewski that ended 8-5. Jacob Delehant also celebrated success in the Australian Open division, winning against Stratton Zens 8-6.
Charlie Patzer dominated the Lavar Cup round-robin event with an unbeaten 3-0 performance, including a decisive 8-2 win over Nick Middlestedt. Meanwhile, Gavin Meyer captured the Miami Open championship, yielding only six games throughout the tournament and finishing with an 8-2 win over Bergen Osterkamp. Sydney Bohle matched Meyer’s impressive record by conceding just six games in the Wimbledon division, winning the final 8-0 against Jonah Iburg. Abel Opperman completed the Olympic round-robin with a flawless 3-0 record, defeating Oakley Royston 8-0 in the second round.
Doubles Play
In doubles play, Avery Tennant and Katie Morgan emerged victorious in the Wimbledon division, securing their title with an 8-2 victory over Ivory Fenski and Sabrina Krajewski. Connor Mitzel and Ivan Krajewski achieved an impressive 8-0 sweep in the Australian Open division against Patzer and Liam Schiefen, while Callum Cole and Caleb Machado clinched the French Open division title, edging past Brynn Pickett and Emaan Shaikh 8-5.
The tournament showcased young talents and provided an exciting start to the summer tennis season in Mitchell, highlighting the dedication and sportsmanship of the participants.
