Morgan Park Academy’s Boone back on track

Updated: October 19, 2011 5:41PM

After winning the state singles title as a freshman two years ago, Morgan Park Academy’s Jerricka Boone set her sights on some lofty goals.

“It would have been nice to win state all four years,” Boone said.

But an injury to her right wrist put those goals on hold last year. Boone, who was a sophomore at the time, had a pair of surgeries to remove a cyst and shave some bone in April and August of 2010. She then spent the next few months rehabbing, not picking up a tennis racket until January of this year.

“I am really excited to get back out there at state.” Boone said. “I am a little nervous. But I know what to expect, so I should have some good matches.”

Boone has made it all the way back this year. She is 21-0 and will be one of the favorites this weekend at the girls state tennis finals at Prospect.

Singles and doubles matches will be played at 12 different locations on Thursday and Friday, with the finals held Saturday morning at Prospect.

“She is definitely as good as she was before,” Morgan Park Academy coach Carol Metzcus said. “Her maturity is much better. She really takes the time and effort to work on her skills. She knows in her mind what she wants to achieve and has made those steps forward.”

Boone is seeded second in the tournament and will face Washington Illinois’ Chandler Duchaine in the opening round on Thursday. Others who could contend for the title are Wheaton Warrenville South’s Keisha Clousing, who was second in the state last year, Deerfield’s Alexis Casati, Lyons’ Alex Chatt, Grayslake North’s Kelly Poggensee-Wei, Hinsdale Central’s Alex Solovyev, New Trier’s Carol Finke and Lake Forest’s Elizabeth Zordani.

In doubles, Hinsdale Central’s defending state champion tandem of Marika Cusick and Caroline Lorenzini are the top seed. The pair, who are 21-1, will be challenged by Alexxis Kiven and Kendall Kirsch of Stevenson, who are 18-0.

New Trier’s Emily Barretta and Gabby Nixon and Hinsdale Central’s Kristy Hamilton and Jackie Altansarnai, who are 16-1, are also expected to challenge.

With their strong doubles teams along with Solovyev, who is 21-2 and Tiffany Chen, who is 17-4, Hinsdale Central is the favorite to capture the team title.

Lake Forest, New Trier, Stevenson, Deerfield and Benet could also challenge.

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