By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Brownstown coach Donnie Thomas still has his former program’s number.
For the third straight year, the Braves conquered Bedford North Lawrence, sweeping doubles en route to a 4-1 victory over the Stars on Thursday afternoon.
BNL’s lone win came at No.1 singles as Jayden Kemp recorded late service breaks in both sets for a 7-5, 7-5 triumph over Smith Hackman.
“Jayden was the bright spot for us,” BNL coach Chris Kurtz said. “He’s doing a lot of things well, showing a lot of heart out there, which is leading to wins over really good players.”
Brownstown (5-5) won a key match at No.1 doubles as Evan Schneider and Chase Brock battled back from a first-set setback to clip Drew Stephenson and Neal Patel 4-6, 6-2, 11-9 (in a super tiebreaker). Max Peters and Brady Davis bounced Gavin Baker and Braxton Fugate 6-0, 6-2 at No.2.
In the lower singles, Pierson Wheeler swept past BNL’s Orion Hill 6-0, 6-0 at No.2, while Lane Steward edged Isaac Bridges 6-3, 6-1 at No.3.
“We thought this might be a close match, but Brownstown came in and for the most part did just what they wanted to do,” Kurtz said. “They were able to minimize their mistakes, and we were not. We have talented players, but I’ve got to do a better job of helping the guys take their practice play into match situations, and prepare them better for all styles of play.”
The Stars (4-7) will compete in the Edgewood Invitational on Saturday.
Brownstown 4, BNL 1
Singles
1 Jayden Kemp, BNL d. Smith Hackman 7-5, 7-5
2 Pierson Wheeler, Br d. Orion Hill 6-0, 6-0
3 Lane Steward, Br d. Isaac Bridges 6-3, 6-1
Doubles
1 Evan Schneider and Chase Brock, Br d. Drew Stephenson and Neal Patel 4-6, 6-2, 11-9
2 Max Peters and Brady Davis, Br d. Gavin Baker and Braxton Fugate 6-0, 6-2
