REGIONAL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: March 24th-March30th
A-SOUTH
Player: Alex Ruderman
Team: Emory Eagles
Results: 3-0 in Singles, 2-1 in Doubles with Ian Wagner
Recap: If you didn’t think Ruderman belonged in the #1 singles spot before this weekend, it’s time for you to re-assess. Ruderman took out three of the best players in the nation in Christopher Krimbill, Alex Johnston, and Michael Razumovsky, 3 days in a row. Not to mention, he teamed with partner Ian Wagner to go 2-1 in doubles over the weekend at the #1 spot. Not to mention, his win over Razumovsky in three sets was a 5-4 clincher. You want the MVP of the weekend in DIII Tennis? Look no further than Alex Ruderman.
What’s next: Hopkins. Next weekend. A rematch.
Honorary Mention: No one because Ruderman deserves all credit. Alex Ruderman is the honorary mention.
Normal Celebrity Crush: Hannah Montana
Weird Celebrity Crush: Miley Cyrus
CENTRAL
Player: Ben Kopecky
Team: Depauw Tigers
Results: 6-0 in singles at 2 and 5-1 in doubles at 1 with Sam Miles
Recap: To say Kopecky had an impressive spring break would be an understatement. Playing six matches in six days is never easy and it wasn’t like they had a cake walk schedule. Kopecky led the Tigers with wins over Schklyar (Whitewater), Bachelder (Colby), Hviid (NC Wes), and Heerboth (Kenyon) not to mention only falling in dubs to Whitewater at the top spot. I have sort of written off Depauw, but this weekend has changed my mind a bit. They are near (if not in) the Top 30 in my mind. While Kopecky is playing 2 singles, he only has losses this season to Putterman (fall ITA) and Sabada from Chicago. With the win over Heerboth, currently #2 in the region, switching Kopecky to 1 singles may give him a shot at nationals. Of course Sam Miles (current Depauw 1 singles) just beat Humphreys this past week as well.
What’s next: Gustavus and Denison are the only 2 matches left that have any bearing on the rest of Depauw’s season. If whomever plays #1 beats Smith-Dennis, they have a shot to qualify for nationals. As a team, unfortunately Depauw would have to beat Kenyon at NCAC’s which is doubtful as they lost to them 5-3 this past weekend.
Honorary Mention: Sam Miles (Depauw), Noah Sprinkel (Coe), Ramesh Karki (Luther), Anton Bartashevich (Earlham), Brian Sun (Chicago)
Normal Celebrity Crush: Scarlett Johansson or Jennifer Lawrence
Weird Celebrity Crush: Alyson Hannigan
NE
Player: Ari Smolyar
Team: Middlebury
Results: 5-0 at #4/5 singles with wins over Kenyon and Emory, 3-1 in doubles (with Heidrich)
Recap: When I did my season prediction, Smolyar was just on the outside of the lineup. Now, not only is he starting for the Panthers, but somehow he has become their most reliable point. Ari notched straight set wins over Jacob Huber and Nicolas Szczurek (and everyone else he played during Midd’s spring break). He also had the sometimes difficult task of starting in the 2nd wave of singles matches. Playing a match on 4 courts is never easy, especially if you’re the guy who has to cooldown after dubs and just hopelessly wait it out. Big ups to Ari. If he continues this pace, his matchups with Wolstencraft, Raventos, and especially Yaraghi should be some amazing battles.
What’s next: The Panthers will host GAC on Friday afternoon, and it is their only match until a big conference showdown with Williams on April 11th.
Honorary Mention: Carl Reid (Colby), Jackson Frons (Midd), Noah Bragg (Bowdoin)
Normal Celebrity Crush: Jessica Biel
Weird Celebrity Crush: Leslie Mann and Sporty Spice
WEST
Player: Chris Weichert
Team: Pomona-Pitzer
Results: 3-0 in singles with wins over Micheli, Kranz, and Scandalis (1-2 in doubles)
Recap: There were a bunch of guys in the mix this week, but I usually try to err towards the guy who played more matches. Weichert has been an absolute beast in singles lately, and this week was no exception. The Sagehen senior captain dominated against Chicago and came up with an impressive victory over Micheli to put his team on the verge of a massive upset. Weichert also tuned Scandalis to complete a perfect singles week in a surprisingly thorough 8-1 victory over the Slugs
What’s next: The Hens move into SCIAC play with a massive clash against Redlands on Friday. On Saturday, they play cross-street rivals CMS.
Honorary Mention: Warren Wood (CMS), Patrick Lipscomb (Redlands), Moises Cardenas (CLU), Graham Maassen (P-P), George Goetz (Cruz)
Normal Celebrity Crush: Rachel McAdams
Weird Celebrity Crush: Chris Farley (RIP)