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Freedom Boys Nearing Breakthrough

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By KATHERINE SMITH | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 18, 2009

TAMPA - Nearly five miles and a state championship separate Freedom High School from Wharton.

But with some recent victories against some of Hillsborough County's best teams, the Patriots' boys tennis team is doing its best at drawing some attention away from the defending state champion and neighborhood rival Wildcats.

"It's been nothing but positive," Freedom coach Dale Klay said. "I told the team that we're on the verge of a breakthrough."

Four days after handing Newsome its first loss of the season, Freedom (6-2) defeated Alonso (4-2). The Patriots took three singles matches and one in doubles for the 4-3 victory on Monday.

In its victory last week against Newsome (7-1), which was playing without No. 1 singles player Andy Hersh, Freedom again walked away with a 4-3 victory, winning four of five singles matches.

Klay notes that not much separates his No. 1 singles player, Ryan Detres, from No. 5 Scott Rosen. Colton Rupkey (No. 2), Joshua Klay (No. 3) and Jack Ke (No. 4) round out the top five.

"We have a lot of depth and I think that's the reason we've been successful," Klay said.

Freedom closes the regular season with matches against King, Gaither, Jefferson, Middleton and Bloomingdale. Klay purposefully scheduled tough opponents for his young squad, made up of sophomores, freshmen and one junior.

"You only get better playing the better teams," Klay said.

ONE-LOSS WONDERS: Wharton's boys team clearly has asserted itself as the class of Hillsborough County. The Wildcats remain undefeated, improving to 7-0 with a 5-2 victory against George Jenkins on Monday.

But there are several one-loss teams looking to stake their claim as the regular season draws to a close.

Along with Newsome, Hillsborough (6-1) and Plant City (6-1) each have one loss. Both came against Wharton.

Either Newsome or Plant City will get its second loss of the season when the teams meet on Thursday. Then the Wolves face Wharton on March 26, a match that will feature two of the top players in the county - Wharton's Michael Alford and Newsome's Hersh.

ON THE REBOUND: East Bay's girls suffered their first loss Monday against Durant. The Indians (5-1) were shut out 7-0 by the Cougars.

East Bay can get back on track with a victory Monday against Plant City. This should be a good matchup. The Raiders are 5-2 following a victory against King on Monday.

Reporter Katherine Smith can be reached at (813) 731-8025.

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