All-Marion County Boys Tennis team and player of the year finalists from this spring
We can finally keep the racquet down with the end of tennis season. Before we take off our sneakers we’ve got to look back on the best boys tennis players in Marion County.
Whether you caught these guys in the postseason, during the county championships, or a Tuesday even match they gave it their all. Let’s see who makes this year’s Ocala Star Banner all area team.
On May 21, every Athlete of the Year winner was be announced at the MESPY's. We won't leave you sitting on the edge of your seat without a teaser. We’re announcing our three finalists with their accolades and feats to hold you over until the big day. Catch all photos from the award show here.
After a long season, it’s time to reward the county’s top performers for their efforts. Below, you’ll find the all-county boys weightlifting team.
Luke Riley - Senior - West Port
![West Port’s Luke Riley returns a volley in the #1 seed singles match against Vanguard’s Dhru Patel during the MCIAC Tennis Tournament was held Thursday March 21, 2024. The boys tournament was held at Tuscawilla Park while the girls tournament was held at Coehadjoe Park. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2024](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/puyGf0lJXSo.aYapWey.Uw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyNDQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ocala-star-banner/582e529b20aa87eda96cecec149745bd)
With West Port’s former ace taking his talent to the Division I ranks Riley had big shoes to fill. After going undefeated in both signed and doubles matches.
In the way to routing his competition he earned an MCIAC singles and doubles championships. Riley finished his dominant season in the district finals.
Dhru Patel - Junior - Vanguard
![Vanguard’s Dhru Patel returns a volley against West Port’s Luke Riley in the #1 seed singles match during the MCIAC Tennis Tournament Thursday March 21, 2024. The boys tournament was held at Tuscawilla Park while the girls tournament was held at Coehadjoe Park. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2024](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XiNT6m_wZbI.EuoJ5lZDKg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTg4NQ--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ocala-star-banner/f40d42119a1a3505eb850a018df3c7e7)
No Marion county tennis player made it farther than Patel this season. The Knights top tennis players won 20 of his 30 singles and doubles matches of the season.
Patel captured singles and doubles district titles to start the regular season. He’s finish the season with his first taste of the FHSAA state tournament.
All County Tennis Team
Singles
#1 Luke Riley, West Port - 11-5 as #1 singles, MCIAC Champion
#2 Dhru Patel, Vanguard - 20-10 as #1 singles, MCIAC Champion, District champion
#3 Tchegoun DeRosa, Trinity Catholic - 11-1 as #1 singles
#4 Favio Isea, West Port - 5-2 as #2 singles, MCIAC champion
#5 Saeed Elmallah, Vanguard - 7-2 as #2 singles
Doubles
#1 Luke Riley & Favio Isea, West Port - 5-1 as #1 singles, MCIAC doubles champion
#2 - Dhru Patel & Saeed Elmallah, Vanguard - 7-3 as #1 singles
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Marion County all-county boys Tennis team, player of the year finalists
