Chris Sweeney
The Chronicle-Telegram
May 17, 2023
AVON - In its biggest match on the biggest stage, Avon delivered in a big way.
With the team score tied at 2 and every other match finished before the first set of the first singles match ended, Avon's Logan DeHaven and Jackson's Alvin Altman - arguably the top two players in the Northeast district - engaged in a four-hour slugfest with a spot in the Elite Eight of the Ohio Tennis Coach's Association state team tournament on the line.
Last year, Altman handed DeHaven his first loss of the season and Jackson eliminated Avon. This time, the Avon senior delivered big forehand after big forehand to hold off Altman for a 7-6 (4), 2-6, 6-2 victory and send the Eagles to the district championship.
The Eagles also got singles wins from A.J. Sidoti and Luke LeMaster, each doing so in 13 games.
"To have the whole team keep on going and advancing just keeps everyone's season alive," said DeHaven, who had the support of seemingly the entire western Cuyahoga County tennis scene with members from many fellow schools - including Avon Lake and Westlake - in attendance. "I'm all about that. I love seeing all the guys out here every day. The crowd was huge. When you're tired and questioning things in your head, you depend on the crowd a lot. It makes all the difference and reinforces your energy to keep on going."
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