As a 3/4 seed at the Class AA Niles North boys tennis sectional, Niles West senior Shawn Sabaricos was expected to reach the semifinals and qualify for state.
However, once Sabaricos did just that, the feat still seemed surprising given it’s just his second season of high school tennis. Sabaricos transferred to Niles West last year from Northtown Academy, a charter school in Chicago, which didn’t have a tennis program.
More Top Picks Best Adjustable Bed Tables For Reading
Thus, Sabaricos spent his freshman and sophomore years playing non-competitive tennis with friends and family on what he described as a somewhat infrequent basis.
“I was just hitting a bit here and there,” said Sabaricos, a Skokie resident. “There wasn’t really any competitive play because my membership kind of expired with the (United States Tennis Association).”
Niles West coach Andrew Suarez said when Sabaricos arrived his junior season his game was lacking in approach.
“He was going for all these hard shots and he would hit a couple, but that doesn’t get you anywhere,” Suarez said. “You get these kids that are a little more consistent and you can only hit those 90-percent shots one or two times. You can’t win that way.”
This season Sabaricos developed a more methodical approach that has been conducive to success as Niles West’s No. 1 singles player. He entered sectional with a 13-8 record and defeated Loyola senior Brendan Kelly 6-2, 6-2 and Niles North junior Faraaz Hooda 6-2, 6-2 to qualify for state before losing to New Trier junior Jeffrey Chen in the semifinals 6-1, 6-0.
“He’s just matured,” Suarez said of Sabaricos. “If you’re able to grind, it’s just provides more consistency, you know, he’s hitting the ball deep and just figuring out the balance of when to go for offense and defense he’s figured out. It’s good to see him mature as a player and a young adult.”
Sabaricos said he developed a more consistent forehand and backhand this season, which certainly played a role in his improvement. What also likely helped was having to face the No. 1 singles players from Central Suburban South foes Maine South, Glenbrook South and New Trier.
“He’s playing against the top kids,” Suarez said. “Those are his main losses, but they make you better.”
Though he was coming off a loss to Chen, Sabaricos was all smiles on Saturday. He was cognizant of where he was two years ago and how he’ll be playing in the state tournament, which starts Thursday and is hosted by Hersey..
“It’s been an awesome experience and a fun ride,” Sabaricos said. “I’ve really enjoyed this.”
Brett Christie is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press