The 2008 Maryland State Doubles Tournament was played on December 13th at the Severna Park RFC. Once again the MHA led by Daniel Zimet, Alan and Nathaniel Frank put on a great tournament as BBQ, custom shirts and etched glass trophies were provided. This year was particularly special for us old timers as 13 year-old Nathaniel Frank single handedly brought enough players for our first ever Youth Division.
In the Open division, Rick Anderson and Jay Miller avenged last year's semi-final tie-breaker loss to Daniel and Adam Zimet with a tie-breaker victory of their own in this year's final. The final started with Anderson/Miller handily winning game one on the steady defense of Miller and relentless front-court dictatorship of Anderson . The Zimets managed to remain within hailing distance half-way through the second game, and after some aggressive shooting and a few rare misses by Anderson and Miller, managed a close win. This change in momentum was short lived as the result seemed to never be in doubt. Despite being clearly fatigued Miller showed his mettle with flawless defense in the back court as the Zimet’s strategy to isolate him failed to yield easy points. When set-ups were available, Anderson ’s amazing quickness made for spectacular re-kills. Anderson, who had a streak of wins in this tournament with Roger Berry from earlier this decade, returns to the Champion circle with a new partner. For Miller, this is his first Open title in Maryland . With play like he demonstrated at this event he is likely to revisit the top of the bracket again soon. Although only four teams were in this division, each team represented strength and was dangerous. As evidence to this fact, the Championship team from several years ago – Frank/Berry – failed to win a match. The talent in the Open made the run of Anderson and Miller to the finals that much more impressive as they were only pushed in one game. Meanwhile, Zimet/Zimet struggled and the extra effort may have been a contributing factor in the final.
Dan Ho/Bob Maguire defeated Joe Berman/Rob Landy in two games 21-19, 21-10 for the 40/50+ title. Fans quietly discussed this new match-up in an effort to determine who was favored. Both Maguire and Berman are very welcome ‘new’ additions to the Maryland handball family, and where they fit in the complex analysis of overall ability remains a matter of speculation. This analysis is made more complex as Maguire, with his solid overall game and conditioning, is only recently recovered from shoulder surgery. Meanwhile, Berman has amazing dexterity and anticipation but has been nursing a bad back. The first game seemed to last forever as these teams felt each other out and neither appeared to have an advantage. After Ho/Maguire’s close victory in that first game the deflated Landy/Berman team were unable to mount a rally in the second. Fans curiously await a rematch as one of the great gifts of handball is that every match offers another chance for a different outcome.
The 60+ was again won by the team of King Stablein and Roy Weinstock. These gentlemen have been the class of the division, again proving too tough for the field by not dropping a game in a round-robin format. Karl Lady and Steve Metzger made both games of the final competitive, scored in the mid-teens, before accepting the trophies for runners up.
Josh Osburn and Keith Neihart won this years B doubles in a Round Robin format, winning all of their games but never by decisive scores. The Final against Jed Alexander and Bill Tebbenhoff was a hard fought, with Osburn/Neihart making the shots when it counted. Osburn’s youthful power seemed to give his team the slight edge needed in this 21-16 and 21-20 battle.
The Youth division featured several new starters to the game, who enthusiastically strapped on their gear and with the help of Alan Frank played several round-robin formats. Sam Worchesky’s speed and athleticism proved the deciding factor as he swept.
Particular thanks needs to be extended to Nathaniel Frank. At the age of 13 he has already begun to live up to his father’s remarkable legacy of philanthropy towards Handball. In addition to playing Nathaniel has brought exposure of the game to his peers, organized the player list and financial receipts, and has learned how to manage the tournament desk. I have heard repeatedly what a wonderful job he has done, and we are truly fortunate for his mind, hard work, and great attitude.