LEXINGTON, Ohio — Ron Schaub didn’t have enough trophies to hand out at the conclusion of Saturday’s 14-team Lexington Invitational at the Lakewood Racquet Club.
Lexington’s veteran coach was left in a quandary after Massillon Jackson and Louisville (Ky.) St. Xavier tied for the team title with 28 points. The teams briefly considered a playoff, but eventually settled on sharing the crown.
“We had both teams get their pictures taken with the trophy and we’ll send it with Louisville,” Schaub said. “We’ll get another one for Jackson.”
Competition at the 30th annual showcase was as fierce as ever. Host Lexington finished fourth with 13 points, once point behind third-place finisher Walsh Jesuit.
“It’s got to be one of the strongest tournaments,” Schaub said. “We want our kids to face the best competition possible.”
Lexington’s No. 1 doubles team of Tommy Barkett and Matt Youse finished third Saturday. The duo, which advanced to the quarterfinals at last year’s state tournament, knocked off Hudson 9-8 in its opening match before handling Shaker Heights 8-2 in the second round. Barkett and Youse fell to Jackson 8-4 in the semifinals, before bouncing back with a 9-7 win over Walsh Jesuit in the third-place match.
“They were awesome,” Schaub said. “To get third place in such a strong tournament is a great accomplishment. We hope they can get back to state.”
The No. 2 doubles team of Jansen and Luke Webster finished fourth, as did the No. 3 doubles team of Josh Mueller and Christian Zupan. The Jansens opened with wins over Findlay (8-2) and Solon (8-4) before falling to Jackson and Walsh Jesuit. Mueller and Zupan dispatched Shaker Heights (8-3) and Kenston (8-1) before falling to St. Xavier and Centerville.
“Those teams both did a nice job,” Schaub said. “I’m pleased with the effort.”
Mother Nature: The tournament began at the Lexington high school courts, but was forced indoors because of rain and sleet.
“The weather usually doesn’t cooperate for us,” Schaub said. “That’s what we have come to expect in April.”
Short-staffed: The Minutemen were without No. 1 singles player Mason Dragos, who is still recovering from a freak injury involving a handgun. Dragos is expected to return within the next two weeks.
“He has remained in high spirits,” Schaub said. “We’re looking forward to getting him back.”
Postseason Approaching: The sectional tournament draw is next week and sectionals begin the week of May 11. The team tournament begins May 5.
“We are looking forward to the tournament,” Schaub said. “We’ve got a good group of hard-nosed kids and playing against this kind of competition will only help us out down the road.”
