By Will Dales
Accolade
Loy Norrix HS
1st Place Division 2, Yearbook Verbal
Sports Reporting
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Solid lead that draws reader into story
- Meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing
- Evidence of adequate research
- Story gives reader a clear picture of season highlights and outcome with relevant player comments
- Adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice, freedom from editorial comment, careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors, correct use of grammar
A neon green ball ricochets off the hard, clay court at Hudsonville High School, and back into the hand of junior Reed Crocker. He stares down the court at Grand Haven junior Noah Bachmaan, with his third straight regional title on the line. Crocker exhales, releasing a thick cloud of visible breath into the sub 40 degree weather. Crocker gathers himself, and lets loose on a serve.
“Regionals was a lot of cold weather and a lot of watching Reed play,” said senior Carter Eisenbach, reflecting on the tournament.
Crocker led the team at regionals, being the only Knight to win a match. The same was true during the season, where he posted a 24-3 individual record despite the program having one win as a team.
“Reed is simply a different beast within the same animal. He’s the number one single, and he has a great chance at states,” said senior captain Trent Curtis.
Norrix finished eighth place out of ten as a team, but Crocker handled the field in the tournament. He defended his titles from the previous two years with a 6-3, 6-3 win over the number two seeded Bachmaan, beating him in the championship for the second straight year.
“I’m glad I accomplished winning regionals again,” said Crocker, “I plan to carry this win streak over to states.”
Crocker finished as the runner-up in states his freshman year, and has been motivated to make it back to the big stage and win this time around.
“This year I feel like I have matured mentally a lot and am in a better place physically than I was the last two years,” said Crocker, “I’m feeling confident in the way I’m playing to make a run at states.”
Photos by Tom Rossi | Layout by Morgan Brooks