Escanaba senior Jackson Cousineau delivers a backstroke against Gladstone on May 8, 2024 at Abrahamson Courts in Escanaba. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

ESCANABA — It could be football, it could be basketball, it could even be chutes and ladders. No matter what the occasion may be, it will always be competitive whenever Escanaba and Gladstone collide. And Wednesday’s boys tennis showdown between the Eskymos and Braves was no exception.

This time, it was Escanaba conquering Gladstone, claiming seven of eight matches while sweeping doubles action.

In number one singles Escanaba senior Connor Howes defeated Gladstone senior Drake Johnson in a pir of 6-2 sets. “My backhand was working today,” Howes said. “I remember last time I couldn’t get a backhand over and today just about everyone got over.”

Number three singles had Escanaba junior Reid Brazeau pick up the win against Gladstone’s Thomas Tackman in three sets 6-1, 2-6, 6-1. “It felt pretty good out there today,” Brazeau said. “We are growing as a team and everyone is gaining confidence and that is important as we get close to GNC’s and UP Finals.”

In number four doubles Escanaba senior Ian Burroughs picked up his first varsity win with his teammate Nick Garcia as they defeated Gladstone’s Blake Lesnieski and Nick Thill in two sets 7-5, 6-0. “It felt good to get the win.” Burroughs said. “Really big part of it was learning how other guys hit and how their serves worked. Once we figured it out me and mu partner did really well.”

The Eskymos are coming together as a team at the right time. “We played in one of the best matches I ever saw against Munising,” Eskymos coach Tom Pennegor said. “We had Multiple tie-breakers in that match and the team continues to build from where they were when the season started.”The Eskymos come off a match where they defeated Iron Mountain 7-1 and the Dramatic 5-3 over Munising. “The kids confidence level is improving everytime out,” Pennegor said. “It’s good to be going in that direction as tournament time approaches.

Singles

No. 1 — Howes, E def. Johnson 6-2, 6-2; No.2 — Cousineau, E def. Reynolds, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4; No. 3 — Brazeau, E def. Tackman, 6-1, 2-6, 6-1; No. 4 — Soderman, G def Fletcher, 6-2, 6-1.

Doubles

No.1 — Chailler-Lord, E def. Barron-Veeser, 7-6, 6-3; No. 2 — Morgan-Romps, E def. Hagebusch-Wilson, 6-0, 6-1; No. 3 — Prey-Fulsher, E def Hedman-Nelson 6-0, 6-1; No. 4 — Garcia-Burroughs, E def. Lesnieski-Thill, 7-5, 6-0.