Lone Peak tennis coach John LaCognata knows he doesn’t have to say much to his star senior. When Brigham Andrus struggles, he’s often the one who tells his coach that it will be OK, that he’s warming up, that he’ll find his groove.
So even though he was on the wrong side of a 40-0 late in the second set of a state title match, Andrus wasn’t worried.
“I’m going to come back from this game,” he said.
When the rally was complete, and Andrus’ promise fulfilled, the Lone Peak senior had claimed the second state championship of his high school career, and his first as the Knights’ top singles player.
“It felt good,” Andrus said after besting Herriman’s Giovanni Claus in straight sets (6-1, 6-1). “It’s nice to get that 1st Singles title.”
Andrus’ title helped propel Lone Peak to a team championship as well. The Knights swept the Class 6A titles, finishing with 30 points — well ahead of second-place American Fork (13) and third place Pleasant Grove (8). Lone Peak senior Micah Heimuli won the No. 2 singles, freshman Tyler Wells won the No. 3 singles. In doubles, the Lone Peak duos of Niles Cochran and Josh Bearrs, and Alex Miller and Josh Weichers won titles.
“We’ve got an awesome team. I’m really proud of these guys,” Andrus said. “… We’ve just got a good group of guys and we’ve been playing together since we were little and just kept making each other better.”
Andrus is one of the state’s top tennis talents and he is committed to play at BYU after he serves a two-year LDS mission in Argentina. As a sophomore, Andrus won a state title in 2nd Singles. Then he decided to take a year away from high school competition, moving to California to train full time.
“He was a great player when he left, but I think he gained a lot more self confidence and a lot more maturity in his shots,” LaCognata said. “He’s just a complete player now. …
“I’m just excited for him. This puts a nice bookmark on it. I wanted all my seniors to go out this year with a state title.”
Class 6A champions
1st Singles: Brigham Andrus (Lone Peak), 6-1, 6-1
2nd Singles: Micah Heimuli (Lone Peak), 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (6)
3rd Singles: Tyler Wells (Lone Peak), 6-0, 6-2
1st Doubles: Niles Cochran & Josh Bearss (Lone Peak), 6-1, 6-4
2nd Doubles :Alex Miller & Josh Weichers (Lone Peak), 6-2, 6-3
Team scoring
Lone Peak, 30; American Fork, 13; Pleasant Grove, 8; Layton, 7; Weber, 7
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