From an individual standpoint, Noah Roberts had about as good a senior season on the tennis court as he could have hoped for.
Having his team enjoy unprecedented success at the same time was just as gratifying, if not more so.
Roberts reached the semifinals of the state’s individual singles tournament and led Franklin to county, sectional and regional championships. He is the Daily Journal’s Player of the Year in boys tennis.
The Grizzly Cubs won the Johnson County championship for the first time in 39 years, then claimed sectional and regional crowns for the first time in school history. Roberts was as proud of that as he was his own sparkling 21-3 record.
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Click here to purchase photos from this gallery"Every year, it was always something better," he said. "We started off my freshman year winning conference and then every year just slowly progressing to get better."
The senior added that the camaraderie was a welcome change from the rest of his tennis calendar.
"I kind of like it," Roberts said, "because outside of high school it’s just all for yourself, and you’re not playing for anyone else except for you."
Whether playing for himself or for Franklin, Roberts does just fine. He lost just 12 matches during his high school career and earned All-State honors three times.
Next year, the left-hander will be playing for a new team at Marian University. If Roberts can make anywhere near the impact on the Knights that he made on the Grizzly Cubs, that program will be in good shape.
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Noah Roberts
All-Conference: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
All-District: 2014, 2015, 2016
All-State: 2014, 2015, 2016
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Record at No. 1 singles:
2016: 21-3
Career: 85-12
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In 2016, led Franklin to:
– first county championship in 39 years
– first sectional championship ever
– first regional championship ever
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The 2016 All-Johnson County Team for boys tennis:
<span style="text-decoration: underline">Singles</span>
<strong>Jacob Gray, Greenwood junior:</strong> An All-District selection after posting a 13-8 record at No. 1 singles for the Woodmen, who won the Mid-State Conference tournament.
<strong>Noah Roberts, Franklin senior:</strong> Posted a 21-3 record and reached the semifinals of the state individual singles tournament. … A three-time All-State and All-District selection.
<strong>Jonah Rockey, Franklin junior:</strong> Went 19-3 at No. 2 singles, getting named to the All-District team for the second straight year. … An honorable mention All-State pick.
<strong>Trey Thixton, Center Grove sophomore:</strong> The Trojans’ No. 1 singles player earned All-District honors after managing wins against a brutally tough schedule.
<span style="text-decoration: underline">Doubles</span>
<strong>Ethan Klem, Franklin junior, and Josiah Rockey, Franklin sophomore:</strong> Won 20 of 23 matches playing in the No. 2 doubles spot for the regional champion Grizzly Cubs.
<strong>Jacob Rockey, Franklin senior, and Logan Snyder, Franklin junior:</strong> The Grizzly Cubs’ No. 1 tandem went 17-6 and were an honorable mention All-State choice.
<strong>Jacob Rothaar, Greenwood sophomore, and Alex Walsh, Greenwood senior:</strong> Went 14-8 and earned All-Conference accolades for the Mid-State Conference tourney champion Woodmen.
<span style="text-decoration: underline">Honorable mention</span>
<strong>Singles:</strong> Nic Ballesteros, Center Grove; Grant Bryant, Greenwood; Coltan Henderson, Edinburgh; Jack O’Reilly, Greenwood; Carlos Pazmino, Edinburgh; Caleb Scott, Whiteland; Trace Zachery, Indian Creek
<strong>Doubles:</strong> Scott Russell and Bryce Waddell, Indian Creek; Corey Ullrich/Adam Zietlow, Whiteland
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