Bison netters 3rd overall at York; Crick, Putz-Brooks duo take 1st

YORK -- The McCook High School boys tennis team placed third at the York Invitational Friday with 19 points.

York won the tournament with 21 points, followed by Elkhorn with 20. Holdrege scored 16 and Waverly 14.

Nebraska City also competed but did not pick up any team points.

McCook claimed first-place medals at No. 2 singles with Brandon Crick and at No. 1 doubles with Joel Putz and Asher Brooks.

Crick posted a 5-0 record. Putz and Brooks went 4-1.

No. 1 singles

Brad Potthoff

2-3 overall

lost to York 8-4

lost to Elkhorn 8-5

lost to Waverly 8-1

defeated Holdrege 8-3

defeated Nebr. City 8-0

"Brad got off to a slow start, but he also played his toughest opponents first," said McCook tennis coach Matt Wiemers. "Aside from his match with Waverly, he was in every match. We need Brad to be successful at No. 1 singles and score us more points. He has a tough position to play, as every team usually plays their best athlete at that spot.

"He needs to be tougher mentally and not get down on himself. Brad has talent and good fundamentals to be competitive, but he needs to play to his level. His mental game is going to be a key to his success."

No. 2 singles-Brandon Crick, 5-0

first place medal

defeated York 8-6

defeated Elkhorn 8-1

defeated Waverly 8-2

defeated Holdrege8-1

defeated Nebr. City 8-0

"Brandon played well and dominated his competition," Wiemers said. "He made quite a few unforced errors against York, but did a great job of finding a way to win.

"York played well and didn't commit many errors, but Brandon changed his game to a more conservative style the last three games and that was the deciding factor.

Brandon is playing well, but I know he will play better as the season progresses on. To go 5-0 at this invite is quite an accomplishment.We need to have Brandon score points for us if we are to be succesful."

No. 1 Doubles

Joel Putz-Asher Brooks

4-1, first place medal

lost to York 8-6

defeated Elkhorn 8-5

defeated Waverly 8-1

defeated Holdrege 8-3

defeated Nebr. City 8-0

"What a great performance from Joel and Asher," Wiemers said. "They really played well and beat some good quality teams.I like their team work and how well they communicate. Joel is doing a good job of keeping Asher in matches. Asher is only a freshman, but he is a talented freshman who is capable of playing at a high level. He needs to keep things simple and not try to do too much, as Joel is a solid doubles partner. I'm impressed with their success this early in the season. It's scary to think how much better they will get with more playing time and experience.They post a 8-1 record and are playing well.

No. 2 doubles

Harrison Ford-Brett Burton, 2-3

lost to York 8-4

lost to Elkhorn 8-5

defeated Waverly 8-1

lost to Holdrege 8-6

defeated Nebr. City 8-3

"Harrison and Brett played well, but they didn't play with enough consistency," Weimers said. "The losses were not by large margins, so they were in every match They had an off day and didn't play as well as they usually do. I admire their competitveness and how well they play together. They played a good field of teams, but they know they can play better."

Wiemers said the Bison had some bright spots, but fell sort of their team goal of finishing first or second.

"Had we been able to win two more matches, we would have accomplished the goal. It was great to have two first-place medalists, especially at York. The is always an excellent field of teams and some quality players.

"As a team I would like to see the guys play more consistently and limit their unforced errors. We are a good team, but the guys have the talent to become a great team. We will need to play well this week as we continue to play some excellent opponents. The team will respond well and play better."

Next action:

Monday -- @ Kearney (Kearney Catholic/GICC), 1:30 p.m. the start time got moved up from 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday -- Lexington, MHS Bison Courts, 4 p.m.