Tennis Opens with 5-0 win over Valley Vista; Singles and Doubles Play Opens Friday
The top-seeded Brophy tennis program posted a 5-0 win over No. 16 Valley Vista. The Broncos will host Corona del Sol on May 1 at Xavier College Prep, No. 8 The Aztecs defeated No. 9 Millenium 5-3.
“The boys came out with a lot of energy,” said Head Coach Chris Campbell ‘84. “We played well on every court.”
The Broncos showcased their skill by losing seven games in the six matches. Junior Ryan Zerbib, at No. 1 singles, triumphed with a 6-2, 6-0 win, while No. 3 Logan Phillips secured a 6-1, 6-0 victory at No. 3. Alex Bunkse, at No. 6, didn't drop a game, and No. 4 Naren Gudavalli and No. 5 Tyler Woo both clinched wins in straight sets.
“I am hoping the Stampede can show up at Xavier on May 1 at 3 p.m.,” said Campbell.
Singles and doubles play opens on Friday. In doubles, Brophy’s Ryan Zerbib/Kentaro Akiyoshi are the No. 1 seed, playing Porter Anderson and Isaac Burt from Basha. The duo of Logan Phillips/Naren Gudavalli are the No. 2 seed, facing Heston Hammond and Brandon Bednar from Dobson in the state doubles tournament. They open play on April 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Scottsdale Ranch and Tennis Center.
“We have high expectations for both of our doubles teams,” said Campbell. “We have a long history of being finalists and champions in doubles. We are hoping to see both teams move through the draw.”
Brophy 5, Valley Vista 0
Ryan Zerbib, Brophy, def. Xavier McCorchuck, Valley Vista, 6-2, 6-0
Kentaro Akiyoshi, Brophy, def. Miguel Matamoros, Valley Vista, 6-2, 5-0 ret.
Logan Phillips, Brophy, def. Solomon Etter, Valley Vista, 6-1, 6-0
Naren Gudavalli, Brophy, def. Phillip Sniff, Valley Vista, 6-1, 6-0
Tyler Woo, Brophy, def. Andrew Hassell, Valley Vista, 6-0, 6-1
Alex Bunkse, Brophy, def. Christopher Johnson, Valley Vista, 6-0, 6-0
Brophy College Preparatory celebrated its 76th commencement on Saturday, May 18, at 9 a.m. in Robson Gymnasium. This graduation was significant for the Class of 2024, who began their high school journey remotely due to the pandemic.
The Class of 2024 demonstrated resilience and connection despite the challenges of starting their education online. Their unity and adaptability were evident throughout their time at Brophy, embodying their class theme: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Valedictorian Doer Leo He delivered a memorable speech, drawing parallels to the movie "Finding Nemo" and encouraging his classmates to persevere with the phrase, "Just keep swimming." President Bob Ryan and Principal Jim Bopp also spoke, highlighting the graduates' resilience and urging them to be agents of positive change.
The ceremony concluded with a strong sense of pride and accomplishment, celebrating the Class of 2024's journey from remote learning to a united and triumphant graduation.