Alexander Centenari led McDonogh to the MIAA-A Conference Championship
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by  Joe DiBlasi
 
In 21 of the past 22 seasons, Gilman and McDonogh have battled in the finals of the MIAA-A Conference, and the MSA Tennis Championships.
During that span, the Eagles  have 14 titles, Gilman  6, and Calvert Hall one.  On Friday at the Greenspring Valley Raquet Club
Coach Laddie Levy's charges captured number 15 with a 3-2 win over the Greyhounds.

Gilman freshman Gilman Alec Hoblitzell, playing  #3 singles, got the first point of the day for Coach Jim Busick with a 6-3,6-2 win over freshman Chris Bell.

"I was aggressive,and very consistent today," said the young left-hander. With the win, Hoblitzell finished the season without losing
an individual match.

The #2 singles match went to McDonogh freshman Alex Sidney, who defeated Junior James Wieler  6-3, 6-3 and the overall match was tied at 1-1.

The Eagles #2 doubles team of Jake Lazer and Tommy Sinnott defeated Gilman freshman Jay Barrott and Will Faison 6-3, 6-4 to give McDonogh a 2-1 lead, and the #1 singles match between Gilman freshman Michael Katz and Eagle senior Alexander Centenari went to Centenari 6-4,6-1, and McDonogh clinched the 2008 Championship.

"My forehand was my most effectove weapon today," said Centenari, who plans to attend the Sadderbrook Tennis Academy next fall, and then attend the University of Virginia in '09.

"I was able to move Michael (Katz)  from side to side most of the day, and then come in, and work close to the net," added the Greyhound captain. Centenari finished his high school career with a stellar record of 45-6.

Gilman's Brad Millison and Tyler Hoblitzell defeated McDonogh's Seth Carroll and Greg Miller 6-2, 4-6,6-4,to make the final score 3-2.
Millison, a four year starter for the Greyhounds, finishes his high school career a  56-4.

"They were the better team today," said Millison. "I give McDonogh a lot of credit," added the Greyhound senior captain.

Busick's troops were goiing for their third straight crown, but the Eagles,who won 3-2 during the regular season, got another championship for Coach Levy. Both coaches are closing in on 300 career at their respective schools.

RESULTS

# 1 singles  Centenari, M def Katz G, 6-4, 6-1
#2 singles   Sidney, M def Wieler, G  6-3, 6-3
#3 singles   A. Hoblitzell G, def Bell,M, 6-3,6-2

#1 doubles Millison and T.Hoblitzell, G def Carroll and Miller,M 6-2,4-6,6-4
#2 doubles Lazer and Sinnott, M def Barrott and Faison G, 6-3, 6-4