The battle for the top tennis player in Marion County mirrored the battle for Olympus. Seniors, the old gods of the sport, ran into a troublesome group of underclassmen this season.
The emergence of West Port freshman phenom Azael Gonzalez paralleled Dhru Patel of Vanguard’s championship-driven season. Along the way they had matches with the rival schools in the Marion Athletic Conference Championship. Vanguard’s second MAC title was forged on the shoulders of two all-county level players.
Game statistics and more were considered when choosing the 2025 Star-Banner All-County Boys Basketball team. On May 27, every Athlete of the Year winner will be announced at the MESPYs. We’re announcing our finalists with their accolades and feats to hold you over until the big day.
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Allen Pettigrew Jr., Ocala Star-Banner
Star Banner Tennis Player of the Year Nominees
Azael Gonzalez, Freshman, West Port
Freshman sensation Azael Gonzalez jumped up the Marion County high school tennis rankings with each swing of his racket.
West Port’s had a string of talented tennis players over the last 20 years, but few have taken the Marion Athletic Conference championship home as freshmen.
Dhru Patel, Senior, Vanguard
Patel stacked his schedule with high-level opponents to prepare for the regular season. A bold move, but one fitting of senior who dropped one set to Marion County tennis players.
The five wins he amassed as a nominee include his trip to the Marion Athletic conference finals in singles and doubles matches.
Star Banner all county Boys tennis team
Dhru Patel, Vanguard, SR. – 5-6 in singles, county runner up
Alex Liu, Forest, JR. – 9-2
Azael Gonzalez, West Port, FR. – 7-4 in singles
Douglas Vanduersen, Belleview, SR – 7-4 in singles
Saeed Elmallah, Vanguard, JR – 9-5 in singles
Honorable mention
Daniel Luric, Vanguard; Favio Isea, West Port; Noah Gabel, Vanguard; Lucas Ortego, Trinity Catholic; Lucas Joyce, Redeemer Christian; Nicolas Dessaint, Forest; Ian Harrell, Forest
