Prep athletes of the week: Adkins, Crimson tennis are red hot

Maple Grove's tennis program has become prominent thanks in large part to its No. 1 singles player.

The Crimson earned its first Class 2A state tournament appearance in school history a year ago. It repeated the feat last week.

"It was almost identical to last year," Adkins said. The Crimson edged Mounds View 4-3 both times. "We won all four singles matches, and they won all three doubles matches."

Adkins topped the Mustangs' Jakob Bartels 6-2, 6-3 at the top singles spot. He also beat Bartels in straight sets a year ago. "I feel like I'm playing some of the best tennis of my life," Adkins said. "Our entire team is playing well."

The junior, who is 17-5 on the season, is looking forward to another state tournament appearance. He will also participate in the individual portion of the tournament.

"Now we have to get over that next hump," Adkins said. The Crimson finished sixth in 2012. "We have to win that first one. We have to get that first one. That would guarantee us a spot in the top four."

The Wildcats freshman turned in a record-setting performance in the South Suburban Conference girls' track meet. Gourley set the conference and school record in the 100-meter dash with a winning time of 12.23 seconds. She also took first place in the 200 and 400.

Eagles coach Mick Ramey says his junior captain is a "leader on and off the field, and sets a great example for all others to follow." In three Class 1A, Section 4 tournament games last week, the third baseman batted .700 and had a 1.000 fielding percentage in helping the Eagles reach the finals.

The junior left­handed pitcher has been tough enough to hit, much less score on. Miks concluded the regular season with four consecutive complete-game shutouts, lowering his season ERA to 0.21. He has given up only one earned run this season, and that came in his initial start.

The sophomore helped the Trojans to their seventh consecutive state championship, winning three events. Ruegemer won the long solo and was also a member of the winning extended duet and extended team competitions.

Wilson tied for 15th place in the Class 3A boys' state meet a year ago and has improved significantly. He is averaging 71.5 strokes, with a low round of 3-under-par 69 at Olympic Hills Golf Club in Eden Prairie.

RON HAGGSTROM