Weather hampers play for Class A Boys State Tennis, Class B has new state champ

Cold, rainy weather pushed the Class A Boys State tournament to three days, but once again Lincoln East claims another title and sweeps in all four categories. Class A tennis was held at Lincoln’s Woods Park Tennis Center, because of ongoing repairs at Koch Family Tennis Center in Omaha. LIncoln East Head Coach Chris Stock said it was well-organized and very successful, despite some obstacles. 

“All of this despite having to navigate through unprecedented rain and weather interruptions throughout the tournament over the course of three full days, including the opening of State and the closing ceremonies,” he added. “We were very fortunate to have Class A Boys State Tennis in Lincoln.”

At #1 singles, Lincoln East sophomore Hunter Nelson keeps his undefeated record, but Kearney senior Asher Saulsbury doesn’t make it easy for him. Nelson gets the win at 6-4, 7-5. In #2 singles, East seniorJoseph Bucknell defeats Westside freshman Troy Shefsky 6-4, 6-0. At #1 doubles, junior Caden Haar and sophomore Samarth Sajeesh come out on top over Elkhorn South’s Andrew Nelson and Ryan Fitton 6-2, 6-1. Finally, at #2 doubles, East’s Yakub Islamov and Kayden Le conquer Creighton Prep’s Benjamin Clausen and Matthew McGill 6-2, 6-3.

“I was very proud of the entire team in how they competed throughout the tournament,” Stock said. “They did so, and at a high level, despite challenging obstacles that included weather, injuries, and just having to play really good teams that were going to give us their very best shot each time out. Our guys stepped up to meet these challenges.”

With Lincoln East coming in first place, Creighton Prep came in second, Omaha Westside third, Lincoln Southeast fourth and Lincoln Southwest rounded out the top five. 

A few days later, the weather improved greatly for Class B play, also at Woods Tennis Center in Lincoln with Elkhorn North eking out a win over Mount Michael Benedictine by 1.75 points.