LHS Boys' Tennis Team Wrap Up Play At State Finals

LEMONT, IL — For the first time in program history, head coach Jon DeGuzman’s boys’ tennis team advanced two singles players and two doubles teams to the state finals in the same season, according to a release from LHS. All of the school’s representatives won at least one match at the 2017 IHSA Class A Boys’ Tennis State Finals, which were contested from May 25-27 and hosted by high school districts 211, 214 and 220. Junior Arjun Reddigari reached the 3rd Consolation Round in singles play, while the tandem of seniors Faraz Longi and Peter Rogers did the same in doubles competition.

LHS said Reddigari (23-6) went 2-2, winning in his opening match and in the 2nd Consolation Round. Junior Charles Balisalisa (20-6) also competed in singles play and posted a 1-2 mark, capturing his opening round match. The Longi/Rogers (21-5) pairing went 2-2, posting victories in both the 1st and 2nd Consolation Rounds. Seniors Matas Maleiska and Luke Pawlak (20-5) also competed in doubles, posting a 1-2 record and winning their 1st Consolation Round match.

A mainstay in state finals competition, Lemont was represented at the IHSA State Finals for the 12th straight season, according to a release. The Indians captured the program’s second sectional title when they placed first at the IHSA Joliet Catholic Sectional.

LHS said Lemont won its first boys’ tennis sectional title in 2013.

According to a release, DeGuzman’s team won its 11th South Suburban Conference crown in as many years earlier this spring. The Indians swept all five divisions, with Reddigari (No. 1) and Balisalisa (No. 2) prevailing in their singles flights, and the tandems of Longi/Rogers (No. 1) and Maleiska/Pawlak (No. 2) capturing their respective doubles flights. DeGuzman was cited as the 2017 SSC Coach of the Year.

Photo provided by Lemont High School.