Piners’ Ali continues to impress at third singles
Jackson team ready to clinch division title
By Mike White
Staff Writer

FARRAH MAFFAI Jackson first singles player Nick Gkionis is playing very well for the Jaguars this year as they look to make some noise in the upcoming Ocean County Tournament.

Alex Ali had very little experience playing tennis before entering Lakewood High School last September. A self-taught player, the freshman worked on improving his game during the winter months. The results have been astounding. Ali has turned out to be one of the Piners’ most reliable singles players.

Lakewood has a record of 8-4 overall and 6-2 in the B South Division. Ali has played an integral role in the rebuilding of a program that has struggled to maintain respectability in recent years.

"He has been playing very well for us all season," Lakewood coach Craig Wood said. "His game is improving every time he steps on the court."

Wood discovered Ali last year at a summer tennis program. Ali took a few lessons, but for the most part worked diligently by himself on improving stroke mechanics, Wood said.

So far this year, Ali has posted a 10-2 record at No. 3 singles. Ali is playing so well Wood is considering moving him up in the lineup.

In a 4-1 loss against Southern Regional High School, Manahawkin, last Friday, Ali recorded Lakewood’s only win at No. 3 singles.

Wood feels Ali could possibly advance to the finals of the Ocean County Tournament, which is scheduled for May 18-19.

"If he continues to play the way he has, I see no reason why he can’t have a very good tournament," Wood said. "He has a way of hanging around in a match. He seems to get everything back that is hit at him. It is entertaining to watch him frustrate his opponents."

At 6-foot-1 and 170-pounds, Ali combines good speed and quickness with a steady forehand.

"He is very good off the forehand side," Wood said. "There are other areas of his game we continue to work on."

Wood said he would like to see Ali take advantage of his size.

"He’s so tall and has a long reach. I would like to see him get to the net more often," Wood said. "He can be very difficult to pass. He has a pretty good volley. We’ve worked on making it more solid. Sometimes he pushes it back and doesn’t put the ball away. The more he gets to the net, the more comfortable and confident he’ll become."

Ali has excellent court sense, Wood said. He remains patient until an opportunity arises.

"He’s an awful bright player for just a freshman," Wood said. "He knows how to stay alive in a point. He forces his opponents to make the next shot. He drives guys crazy with his knack of getting balls back. Then, when he has an opening, he pounces on it. He’s got plenty of match savvy."

Jackson blanks Brick

The Jags’ boys’ tennis team didn’t drop a set en route to a 5-0 victory over visiting Brick Monday afternoon.

With the victory, Jackson improved to 9-2 overall and 6-0 in A South. The Jags have matches against Southern and Toms River East this week. By sweeping both matches, the Jags would claim the divisional title.

Jackson beat both schools earlier in the season.

"This week pretty much decides the division," Jackson coach Tom Muldoon said.

In the win over Brick, Nick Gkionis defeated Tom Trafer 6-0, 6-2 at No. 1 singles. Chris Tuite was a 6-0, 6-0 winner over Scott Shenlogian at No. 2, while teammate Sandor Tussay beat Nick Mastro 6-0, 6-1.

In doubles, Jackson’s No. 1 team of Bobby Schauder and George Gkionis knocked off Paul Marcentti and Bob Vergason 6-0, 6-0. At No. 2, the tandem of Ryan Tierney and Mike Brown downed Dave Corvase and Steve Sachel 6-0, 6-0.

"We just overpowered them," Muldoon said. "I think they had a few injured players sitting out. We got a few nice performances in different spots today. I was pleased with the effort."

In a 3-2 win over Monsignor Donovan, Toms River, Jackson got victories at No. 1 singles and Nos. 2 and 3 doubles. Nick Gkionis needed three sets to stop Bill Hierling 7-5, 5-7, 6-4.

The doubles teams of Schauder and George Gkionis, and Tierney and Brown both won.