Individual Tennis Sectional

Cox wins second straight sectional title, is now 22-0

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Adam Cox is back for the second straight year at the IHSAA Individual Regional. Thursday the Southmont senior improved to 22-0 on the season with 6-3, 6-1 win over Covington’s Evan Norton and was named the individual sectional champion. What’s impressive about Cox’s sectional title this season is that he played three tough opponents in three consecutive days. At this point in the season it doesn’t matter the opponent for Cox, all he’s focused on is each match.
“It honestly didn’t phase me too much because I’ve learned over the years that to take each day as it comes,” Cox said. “It’s nice being able to hit the day before so you’re ready for the next day. You might be a little bit sore but I know that I had to push through in order to get back.”

The Regional this year will be in the same spot it was a year ago for Cox as next Saturday he’ll compete in Fishers against an opponent that’s still to be determined. He won his first match a year ago before eventually falling in the Regional final in three sets. Coach Nathan Poynter sees the experience that his star senior gained last year and knows it will only benefit him again this year.

“I think more than anything, it prepares him mentally,” Poynter said. “The kid he played last year was undefeated and Adam was able to win that first set so that alone did a lot for him to show him that he can compete with anyone.”

Against Norton, who Cox had beaten before on the season back at the Western Boone Invite, Cox was able to use a variety of tactics to put Norton away. In a match where both opponents knew the others play style, there wasn’t anything to hide and Cox was simply the better player on Thursday.

“Evan uncharacteristically had more un-forced errors than we’re used to seeing him have,” Poynter said. “Adam was really challenged tonight and that’s something that he hasn’t really been up against this year. Evan was probably the closest person that Adam knew was going to test him. He seems to be mentally ready each and every match and that’s a big part of his success.”

The Southmont faithful made their presence known at CHS as Cox had plenty of support from family, friends, and his teammates. That’s nothing new however as they are sometimes the fuel to Cox’s fire and he made sure that their support was noted.

“Getting to celebrate with them is the best part,” Cox said. “Their support has meant a ton and I probably wouldn’t be where I am without those guys.”

The Individual Regional bracket is still yet to be released so the time along with his opponent is still to be announced. Nonetheless, it doesn’t matter who steps in Cox’s way, his 22-0 record and overall ability is capable of competing with almost anyone that steps on the other side of that net.


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