Tennis
Lansing's Tennis Prodigies Shine Bright on the State Stage
2024-11-08
The Greater Lansing area has long been a hotbed of tennis talent, and this year's high school season was no exception. A dynamic duo of siblings from Haslett headlined the all-state selections, while standout players from Okemos, East Lansing, Lansing Christian, and Lansing Catholic also earned well-deserved recognition for their exceptional performances on the court.
Sibling Sensations Lead the Charge
Komirisetty Brothers Dominate Singles Flights
The Komirisetty siblings, Sree and Anish, have made a lasting impact on the Haslett High School tennis program. Sree, a senior, and Anish, a freshman, were both selected as first-team all-state in Division 3, showcasing their remarkable talent and potential.Sree Komirisetty, the elder sibling, reached the quarterfinals at the No. 1 singles position, cementing his status as one of the top players in the state. This marks the third consecutive year that Sree has earned all-state accolades, a testament to his consistent excellence and dedication to the sport.Anish Komirisetty, the younger Komirisetty, also made waves by advancing to the quarterfinals at the No. 2 singles position. His impressive performance at the Division 3 finals has earned him a well-deserved spot on the first-team all-state roster, highlighting his promising future in the sport.The Komirisetty brothers' success is a testament to their hard work, natural talent, and the strong support system within the Haslett tennis program. Their sibling rivalry has undoubtedly pushed them to new heights, and their achievements have brought immense pride to their school and community.Okemos Doubles Duo Shines Bright
Okemos High School also had a strong showing, with a pair of players earning all-state recognition. The No. 1 doubles tandem of senior Alex Zhang and freshman Krishaan Shah were named first-team all-state in Division 3 after reaching the quarterfinals at the state finals.Zhang and Shah's impressive performance showcases the depth of talent within the Okemos program, as they were able to navigate the highly competitive doubles field and secure a spot among the state's elite. Their selection as first-team all-state is a testament to their teamwork, technical skills, and strategic prowess on the court.Complementing the doubles duo, junior Kai Minamisono also earned honorable mention honors at the singles position. Minamisono's recognition is a reflection of the well-rounded talent within the Okemos team, as the program continues to develop and nurture exceptional tennis players.East Lansing Doubles Duo Shines on the Big Stage
East Lansing High School also made its mark, with the No. 1 doubles team of seniors JD Hawthorne and Nat Hickner earning first-team all-state honors in Division 2. Hawthorne and Hickner's impressive run saw them reach the quarterfinals at the state finals, solidifying their status as one of the top doubles teams in their division.The selection of Hawthorne and Hickner as first-team all-state is a testament to their hard work, teamwork, and the strong coaching they have received within the East Lansing program. Their ability to excel at the highest level of competition is a testament to their dedication and the depth of talent within the East Lansing tennis community.Lansing Christian and Lansing Catholic Standouts Shine
Beyond the traditional powerhouses, the Greater Lansing area also boasts exceptional talent from smaller schools. Lansing Christian sophomore Stephen Gollapalli and Lansing Catholic freshman Noah West were both named first-team all-state in Division 4 singles.Gollapalli, a returning all-state selection, continued to impress by reaching the semifinals at the No. 1 singles position in Division 4. His consistent performance and ability to excel at the highest level of competition have earned him the respect of his peers and coaches across the state.Newcomer Noah West, a freshman at Lansing Catholic, also made a significant impact, advancing to the quarterfinals at the No. 1 singles position in Division 4. West's impressive debut season has not only earned him a spot on the first-team all-state roster but also showcases the depth of talent within the Lansing Catholic tennis program.The success of Gollapalli and West is a testament to the dedication and hard work of these young athletes, as well as the support and guidance they have received from their respective coaches and programs. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring tennis players throughout the region, demonstrating that talent and determination can transcend school size and resources.