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Tennis

Young girl making progress against more experienced players

By NANCY MORGAN
Published July 20, 2005

Morgan Basil began playing in the girls 18-and-under division when she was 11.

While some may have questioned the decision to compete with older, stronger and more experienced players, Basil and her parents, Margie and Kelly, thought the positives would outweigh any negatives. After almost two years, Basil knows the right decision was made.

"Our strategy was to get better competition," said Basil's father, Kelly. "We were traveling to tournaments, spending money and not getting really good matches until the end. In the 18s, matches are good up front."

Basil, 13, has taken her lumps but sees much progress. She's 33-24 and No. 60 in Florida's 18 class.

The past two years, Basil has been coached by Jimmy Brown, the teaching professional at Saddlebrook Academy in Wesley Chapel. "I train two hours a day on a court at his house," Basil said. "He's helped me a lot with my stroke techniques and improving footwork." Basil first developed an interest in tennis when she was 8. She qualified for the 2000 Little Mo National Tournament and since has traveled to nearly 12 states. At the recent Roxy Junior Open in California, Basil advanced to the final in the back draw, and this month she finished 2-2 in match play at the St. Louis Junior Tennis Championships. "Morgan took advantage of the opportunities she had, and that will open a lot of doors for her, Kelly Basil said. The family thinks playing for the Shorecrest team has helped Basil adjust to older competition. She defended the No. 1 spot for the school as a sixth- and seventh-grader and twice qualified for the state tournament. "Morgan is one of the hardest working athletes at any age," Brown said. "She definitely has the ability and work ethic to make the pro tour if she wants it."

Since April, Basil has jumped in the national rankings from No. 1,150 to 350. "Some day, I'd like to be No. 1 in the world," Basil said. "Before that, my goal is to be among the top 50 in the nation in the 18s. To do that, I know I need to continue getting better, especially playing out of the corners. "When I get ready to play a match with an older player, I just prepare like I do for any other opponent," she said. "I'm used to it." Next up for Basil is the Midwest Open in Indiana. LEAGUE NEWS: Three district teams emerged as winners in last weekend's USA League Tennis West Regional Adult Championships in Naples, gaining berths in next month's USA Tennis Florida Tournament. Seminole Lake Tennis Center posted a 4-0 record in the 4.0 men's division. Phil Green Tennis Academy, based at Safety Harbor Spa, claimed the 4.0 women's title with a 3-1 mark, as did the women's 4.5 squad based at Clearwater's Royal Racquet Club. Countryside Country Club was edged out of first in the women's 2.5, as was the PGTA 4.5 men. Finishing third were the St. Petersburg Country Club 2.5 women and Feather Sound Country Club 3.0 men and 3.5 women.

In the USA Combo Adult Women's League, Shipwatch Tennis Club improved to 6-1 in the 7.5 class with a 2-1 win over Westin Innisbrook Resort. Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club (5-2) defeated East Lake Woodlands 2-1. Treasure Island (3-2) leads the three-team 8.5 Combo League after a 2-1 decision against Shipwatch last week. In the men's Combo League, Largo Tennis collected its second 6.5 victory, as did Shipwatch I in 7.5 North and Treasure Bay in 7.5 South.

Royal Racquet Club-Feder took the 8.0 adult mixed District 12 title with a 2-1 win over PGTA. NET SHOTS: Area players competing in this week's USTA National Clay Court Championships at Florida clubs include Julia Claire Jones, Julianne Gruber, Emily Dvorak, Danielle Collins, Rebecca Bodine and Amber Li (girls 14-and-under division); Alexandra Cercone, Danielle Day, Racquel Hylton and Kara Kucin (14); and Paul Polarczyk and Tyler Snook (boys 14).

Singles and doubles continue through Sunday.

Jennifer Wall reached the girls 16 final in the Hunter's Green Rookie 2 Tournament last weekend in Tampa.

Kimberly Herrock defended her 10 top seed with a two-set finals victory in last weekend's Treasure Island Junior Championships. Others defending spots were Jerica Coley (14) and Jorge Guerra (boys 16). Agatha Ambrozy was a girls 12 finalist. David Teytelbaum (boys 10) and Brett Apter (18) advanced to finals. Among the consolation winners were Adam Ambrozy (boys 10) and Greg LeCompte (18).

Lance Hill was among the finalists in last weekend's Countryside Summer NTRP Tournament. He reached the 3.5 singles championship match.

Anthony Barrancotto made it to the boys 12 singles quarterfinals in two recent junior national tournaments. In the Southern Open Championships, he upset the No. 2 player to finish fifth. Barrancotto played to the semifinals in doubles. At last month's USTA National Open in Omaha, Neb., he won five rounds in singles.

COMING UP: Temple Terrace Tennis Center has its Adult Summer Bash this weekend for singles players in the open, 30-and-over, 40 and 50 age divisions. For information, call (813) 989-7178. ... Phil Green Tennis Academy will play host to Summer Classic Too this weekend at Safety Harbor Spa. Boys and girls singles in 18, 16, 14, 12 and 10 divisions are offered. Call 724-7729.

News for this column may be faxed to Nancy Morgan, 796-5559; e-mailed to namorgan46@msn.com or sent to 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Please include phone number.

[Last modified July 20, 2005, 00:57:15]