Blake wins third consecutive 1A boys' tennis team title

Senior Charlie Adams let out one last cheerful yell as the ball zipped by his legs for the deciding point of the game, and match.

Adams' victory in Blake's No. 1 singles spot on Wednesday secured the Class 1A state team title for the Bears over Breck at Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center in south Minneapolis. Victories in number two and four singles and number one doubles set up Adams for the clincher.

Blake's 7-0 victory capped its third consecutive state title, losing just one of 21 matches in three state tournament rounds. It marked the 16th team title for Blake boys' tennis.

"It's always tougher to repeat," Blake coach Ted Warner said. "I think, for me, what I felt great about is that Charlie won the fourth point, because he's been so great as a player, leader and mentor, enhancing what we are culture-wise and what we want to be as a team more than just tennis.

"These kids have improved so much throughout the year. And for me, what I want is that once you get here, show who you are. Show the things you've got. It's fun to have the award for that."

Adams, the team's No. 1 singles player and two-time defending state singles champion, defeated Breck's Austin Wong 6-1, 6-2. Adams carried a winning attitude throughout, with shouts of "What!" and "Let's go, come on!" after many point victories.

"This one was really special because it was my last one," Adams said. "I'm a little sad that I won't get this opportunity again, but I'm really happy. Our team has had a great season … Our every year is to be the best, and we try to make that happen."

While cruising to victory, Adams also cheered on teammates Ben Ingbar and Jack Barker with cries of "Let's go, blue!" After taking the first set 6-2, Ingbar fell behind 3-2 in the second set, but came back to win 6-4 and take the match.

On the number one court, some of Adams' best shots made Wong shake his head and smile in disbelief. But at the end of the match, it was Adams and Blake smiling for pictures with the championship trophy and looking ahead to next year.

Said Warner, "A couple of kids have already said, 'Has anybody done four?' "

In semifinal play earlier Wednesday, Blake defeated Rochester Lourdes 6-1 and Breck defeated Crookston 7-0.

Josh Hyber • 612-673-1724