Eagles repeat as tennis sectional champions
Sep. 28—ALEXANDRIA — Although it lacked the high drama of last year's championship, the second straight tennis sectional title was just as sweet for the Frankton Eagles, who won going away in a 5-0 shutout of Alexandria.
The third such sweep over the Tigers this season resulted in the third sectional title for the Eagles and the first consecutive championships in program history.
"This feels awesome. I can't believe we made Frankton High School history," Frankton coach Mark Hartley said. "I'm not quite sure what to say, but it's a really cool feeling for sure."
The evening started with the completion of semifinal matches suspended due to inclement weather Wednesday. Frankton's Sam Barr completed a 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3 victory over Elwood's Owen Hinchman in the No. 1 singles match for a 5-0 Eagles win while Alexandria's No. 1 James Ward dropped a 3-6, 6-2, 2-6 decision to Tipton's Evan Coe and No. 3 Austin Webb fell 0-6, 6-3, 0-6 to Owen Spidel.
They were the only points the Blue Devils could muster in a 3-2 Alexandria win.
In the championship matches, Frankton's No. 2 doubles team of Eli Birch and Ja'Von Miller set the tone early, breezing to a 6-2, 6-0 win over Jackson Kettery and Eli Smith for the first point.
Sam Barr then made it a 2-0 Eagles' lead with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Ward.
One of the more competitive matches proved to be the clinching point when Frankton's No. 1 doubles team of Jackson Alexander and Jon Hobbs held off Spencer Hiser and Brody Sullivan of Alex 7-5, 6-4 for the 3-0 advantage.
Junior Aaron Hartley added insurance for a 4-0 lead with a 6-2, 6-3 win at No. 3 singles.
A year ago, Hartley's marathon three-set win was the clincher as Frankton upended Lapel for the title. This time around, he — and his father — were able to enjoy the moment in a much more relaxed fashion.
"It was definitely less stressful than last time. There was less pressure on me," Aaron Hartley said. "I have a lot of family here this time, so I was able to do good in front of them. I'm pretty proud of this team making history. It's cool to be a part of it. My dad is a really good coach. It's great to win this two years in a row."
"I was feeling pretty good about the match in general. We had two points and were close to wrapping up the third point," Coach Hartley said. "That takes a little of the stress and pressure out of the equation. I was able to enjoy the whole experience a little more.
"I was still a little nervous. Don't get me wrong."
All that was left to be decided was the final margin as the Hartleys and the rest of the Eagles watched the No. 2 singles match between Frankton's Max Barr and Alex's Owen May went to a third set.
Barr won the last three games to finish a 6-0, 2-6, 6-2 victory, sending the team into a court-charging frenzy and cementing the legacy of the twin brothers.
"There was a little pressure, I didn't want to be the one (point lost)," Max Barr said with a smile.
"In the hallway at our school, there are all the photos of championship teams and five, 10 years, or maybe forever, this team will be on that wall," Sam Barr said. "That's our legacy."
The Eagles will head to the Noblesville regional Tuesday for a date with the host Millers, who upset Westfield 3-2 Thursday night. It was the first sectional title since 1988 for Noblesville, but Frankton will not shy away from the challenge of taking on a much larger school as an opponent.
"It's going to be a huge challenge, but I would expect nothing less than for us to bring everything we've got," Coach Hartley said. "We'll throw everything we've got at them and let the cards fall where they might."
Contact Rob Hunt at rob.hunt@heraldbulletin.com or 765-640-4886.
