Blue Springs South boys tennis too much for Wildcats in district semis

Blue Springs South's John Duffey hits a backhand volley during Tuesday's 5-1 win over Blue Springs in the Class 2,
District 14 semifinal match.

All eyes were on Blue Springs South’s Alec Barber during Tuesday’s Class 2, District 14 semifinal match with cross-town rival Blue Springs - him and Dan Noud were the only singles match left - and he wasn’t about to have a repeat of last week’s match with the Wildcats.

Barber was forced to retire due to an injury in his match with Dan Noud in South's 6-3 win last week and he couldn’t help but think about that Tuesday.

“Before I played every point I thought about how devastated I was that I had to opt out of that match last time,” Barber said. “I wanted to show everyone that I can win and that I have the ability.”

Barber didn’t disappoint, winning 7-5, 7-6 (7-5) as the Jaguars advanced to the district final with a 5-1 win, doing it once again without No. 1 player Chris Hammond, who was sick for the second time against Blue Springs.

“Tonight they proved themselves that if you put them out there they’ll compete,” South head coach Sheri Rehmer said. “Luckily, we’re deep enough. I have faith in our top nine guys.”

Blue Springs' No. 2 singles player Max Martell hits a forehand volley
during his singles Tuesday.

The second set of Barber’s match with Noud had plenty of ebbs and flows. He seemed in control and on his way to a win, taking a 4-1 lead.

But Noud clawed his way back, winning four straight games to take a 5-4 lead. Noud even had a chance to serve for the match but Barber won the game and managed to get the set to a tiebreaker, which was back and forth until he finally gained the edge.

“Honestly, I think last time (against Blue Springs) was bittersweet. I was happy for the team, but I felt like it was my fault that I wasn’t in the proper physical shape to endure a third set,” Barber said. “I wanted to take the last match and prove myself.

“I wasn’t going to let it go to a third set. I was going to play an offensive game (in the tiebreaker). I don’t like to drag matches out. I wanted to use what I had left for one last push.”

Blue Springs No. 6 singles player Andy Anderson hits a forehand in his
match against South's John Duffey. 

Rehmer said Barber’s mental game was key not just tonight, but she’s seen it steadily improve as of late.

"You have to have mental resolve to come back. There are so many different momentums in tennis,” she said. “He really wanted this match. And to do it with everyone watching was cool. The last few weeks he’s been more confident and mentally strong.”

Also earning wins for South were Paul Province (7-5, 6-0), Jared Martin (6-1, 4-6, 6-1), Brent Henderson (6-4, 6-3) and John Duffey (7-6 (9-7), 6-4).

Blue Springs’ lone win went to Max Martell (7-6 (7-4), 6-1).

“We had our chances,” Blue Springs head coach Jody McClain said. “We always have great points against South. It just didn’t go our way tonight.

“Dan’s match could have gone either way. I know he was tired but he played well.”

Blue Springs South's No. 5 singles player Brent
Henderson hits a forehand in his singles win
Tuesday.

McClain was also impressed with the way Andy Anderson played at No. 6, putting together a much better effort this time around against Duffey.

“That was some of the best I’ve seen Andy play,” McClain said. “Last time against (Duffey) he lost 1-6, 1-6 and tonight he went to a tiebreak in the first set and it was 4-6 in the other.”

The Wildcats finished their team season with a 6-8 record and will now prepare for individual and doubles districts Saturday.

“I’m proud of the guys, “McClain said. “Three guys stepped up to varsity for the first time this year. We had a good run. These kids were the best to work with.”

South (14-4) now sets its sights on another district title against Truman tomorrow at 4 p.m., and most likely will have to do it without Hammond.

“I honestly think, with Chris or not, we’ve proved ourselves,” Barber said. “No matter who we play we have a good shot. We’re all even in skills and mental toughness.”