Boys Tennis: Michael Sellitto leaves his stamp on Glenbrook South tennis

Michael Sellitto closed one chapter of his tennis career Saturday, but he’s a long way from finishing the book.

The Glenbrook South senior didn’t get the state championship he craved, but he came about as close as one can.

Sellitto and senior Michael Levin — the Titans’ No. 1 doubles team — lost 7-6(4), 7-6(5) to Hinsdale Central’s Alex Hagermoser and Peter Henegan in the title match Saturday.

“If a few more shots go our way, it’s a whole different match,” Sellitto said. “A couple of points here and there. I give credit to them for playing an exceptional match. I’m sure it was one of their best matches all season.”

The Illinois State-bound Sellitto will go down as one of the best to ever play at Glenbrook South. The program’s all-time wins leader collected 20 victories in four appearances at the state tournament.

Sellitto’s second-place finish this spring is Glenbrook South’s highest since 1996, when Wally Pfenning and Michael Slutzky also were runners-up. As a freshman, Sellitto finished third in doubles with Tommy McNichols.

“The thing I most enjoyed about playing for Glenbrook South was representing my school,” Sellitto said. “Holding that record definitely was a goal for me, and it’s an honor. The player who is right behind me, Michael Moore, was someone who took me in and helped me become a better player.

“I’m very happy with my career in high school.”

Sellitto now turns his attention to the summer circuit. He plans to play high-profile tournaments, including the Midwest Closed and the USTA nationals in Kalamazoo, Mich., in early August. The winner there receives an automatic invitation to the U.S. Open.

“I hope to get some good experience playing against better players this summer,” Sellitto said.

Sellitto will reunite with offseason partner John Carswell of Pleasant Prairie, Wis. The two have played tournaments together for the past several years.

“I’m looking forward to getting to play with him again,” Sellitto said.

Sam Hoogland got another season of experience playing at the state tournament. In his second trip to the state courts, the sophomore repeated his 4-2 record as a freshman.

Luke McCanna and Will Lyon teamed up to finish 3-2. Lyon has one more year of eligibility remaining.

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