Boys Tennis: Glenbrook South looks like it has best team yet

Updated: April 10, 2012 7:06PM

Larry Faulkner may as well be Glenbrook South’s tennis historian.

The Titans boys tennis coach has been with the program for nearly four decades, and took three teams place to the top three at the state tournament, including runner-up in 2003.

Faulkner said this year’s group might be one of the best he’s had in Glenview.

“Yes, on paper,” he said. “We’ve had some really talented kids in the past, and this is one of our better teams.”

After placing sixth in the state meet last season, the Titans are looking to move up the ladder in 2012. It seems reasonable, considering they return state-meet qualifiers Michael Sellitto, Michael Levin and Sam Hoogland.

Hoogland will play singles again, while Sellitto is moving to No. 1 doubles to team up with Levin. The seniors played together as sophomores.

Konrad Zieba takes over at the No. 1 singles position. The junior, who’s one of the best players in the Midwest, played for a tennis academy in Florida before deciding to join the Titans this season.

“He has an excellent serve, a big forehand and a very solid backhand,” Faulkner said. “He doesn’t have a lot of weaknesses. He can pretty much do anything he wants with the ball. What’s nice is that he’s very coachable, and he’s willing to listen. If you see something in his game, he’s willing to take advice. He’s adapted well.”

Zieba (10-0), and Sellitto/Levin (10-0) should contend for state titles in May. The Titans took third place in 2005.

“We have a nice team, obviously,” said Faulkner, whose club won the Liberty Bell tournament on Saturday by sweeping singles and doubles play. “The Michaels are one of the best teams in the state. They complement each other well, and both are smart players. They are going to be a tough team because they have so much experience.”

Sophomore Hoogland, who played in the state tournament as a freshman, could be a No. 1 singles player on most teams in Illinois.

“He’s a terrific player,” Faulkner said. “He has a great skill set.”

Glenbrook South was scheduled to play Deerfield on Tuesday, and will face Glenbrook North today (Thursday) before playing in Moline’s weekend tournament.

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