Congratulations to Joe Thornburgh and Austin George who were selected to the Tennis Dream Team!  Joe and Austin were the #1 doubles team for the Redwings this season.  The Dream Team will be recognized at the Greater Lansing Sports Awards in the spring.  Congratulations to Jake Lasceski and Alex Owen who were selected to the All-Area Singles Team!

The Tennis team had a terrific season, including a District Championship which qualified them for the State Tournament.  This was the first time the Redwings Tennis Team had been ranked in the state, seeded #13 going into the tournament.  We would like to thank Coach Josh Gove, who shares his recap of the season below.

(Click here for complete Dream Team and All-Area selections via Lansing State Journal, subscribers only)

Photo Credit: Josh Ortman, Ortman Production Inc.

DREAM TEAM

(L – Joe Thornburgh R-Austin George)

“One doubles, Joe Thornburgh (senior) and Austin George (junior) went 13-9 overall including winning first place at our league tournament as well as the district tournament.
They defeated Williamston in the semis of league tourney and Haslett in the finals.
At districts they defeated Ionia in the semis and then Dewitt in the finals.
They started their season winning their first 7 matches.
Joe was a captain and Austin earned the all-academic award. Austin will be a senior captain next season.”

ALL-AREA TEAM

Alex Owen

“Alex Owen (junior) was a captain and played two singles.
He was 18-3 at his spot, only losses to Haslett (twice in 3 sets both times) and then to Saint Clair at the state finals in a tough match.
He was league runner up at his flight (lost to Haslett in 3 sets in the final) and was district champion beating Dewitt in the final.
He received the all-academic award and will be a captain again next year.”

Jake Lasceski

“Jake Lasceski (junior) played number one singles, the top spot.
He was 9-13 overall but had a very tough schedule, especially the last third of the season including tough losses at the league, district, and state finals.
It is never easy playing the best player on everyone’s team, but he learned a lot and always gave best effort, as did everyone on this team. Jake earned the all-academic award and will be a senior captain next year.

Jake also received our team’s most dedicated award. Alex Owen received the coach’s award this season and was last year’s MVP. Joe and Austin have both earned the Coach’s award as well. These athletes put in the work in the off season, are exceptional leaders and role models on the court but also at school and in the classroom.”

2020 SJHS Varsity Tennis 14-4-2 Runner Up at Leagues (Haslett) Regional District Champions Ranked #13 in the State.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the team as a whole and in particular these athlete’s well deserved recognition and place on the Dream Team.
As a coach I have had players in the all-area category but never on the Dream Team so this was another great feat for the 2020 season. Only the top spots are considered for the Dream Team therefore our number four singles player, senior Coye Ojibway, was not selected even though he had an undefeated 22-0 season record.”

Coach Josh Gove

Video Interview – Coye Ojibway (Undefeated Varsity Tennis Season)
(This interview also includes a recap of the tennis teams #13 state ranked season)

See all the pictures from St. Johns Sports and Events at: https://www.ortmanproduction.com/stjohnshighschool

District Champions! @SJ_StudentSect @SJSportsPage @MHSAA pic.twitter.com/KnUioWUC8G

— Redwings (@StJohnsSports) October 7, 2020

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