torneld posted on August 06, 2009 18:23
Minnesota Juniors Shine at 2009 Junior Nationals!
The 2009 Junior Olympic tournament was held June 24th - 28th in East Lansing, Michigan. Representing Minnesota were Jordan Barth of St. Cloud, Sam and Jake Bredenbeck of Marine on St. Croix, and Tanner Gross of Alexandria. Despite only having four players make the trip from Minnesota, the junior team collectively placed 5th among all states.
Individually, the Minnesota junior players were simply amazing!
Jordan Barth led the team by placing 1st in both singles and doubles of
the 10 and under division. Jordan dominated the competition without
losing a single game and much like other junior stars Sudsy Monchick,
Rocky Carson, and Jack Huczak, he has positioned himself to be the next
dominant junior racquetball player of his generation.
Sam Bredenbeck continued his rise among the top junior players as he
finished 2nd in the 12 and under division. Sam has continued to
improve his game and will certainly be a force to reckon with as his
junior career continues to unfold.
Tanner Gross competed in the 14 and under division and almost pulled
off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Making his first trip
to junior nationals, he almost defeated the #3 seed losing in the tie
breaker. Tanner went on to win the red division and certainly made his
presence felt at the tournament.
Tanner and Sam teamed up to play in the 14 and under doubles division and lost in the quarter finals.
Jake Bredenbeck competed in the 18 and under division and lost in the
quarter finals to Jose Rojas, the 2008 and 2009 junior national
champion. Despite his tough draw, Jake played well and will be one of
the top seeds going into his final year as a junior. He and his
partner Taylor Knoth placed 3rd in doubles.
The MRA was proud to provide $250 to each junior to help cover the cost
of the tournament. This money was available because of the donations
made at the Hall of Fame tournament and the donations that were given
throughout the past year.
Congratulations again to Jordan, Sam, Tanner, and Jake. Thank you to
the families who traveled with the juniors and to the generous
supporters of Minnesota Junior Racquetball!
Click Here For Past Junior National Results!