Sunset in hand, Bonanza wants more

Adam Candee

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2003 | 10:07 a.m.

All across the tennis courts at Durango High School, the Bonanza boys' tennis team operated with a quiet efficiency befitting a champion.

There were few boasts to be heard, few celebrations or exclamations as the state's current tennis dynasty rolled along toward another playoff victory. It spoke volumes of what the Bonanza team keeps in mind throughout the season: The victories along the way are certainly enjoyable, but the one at the very end is definitely the best.

Bonanza (SW-1) ripped through Bishop Gorman (SW-2), 45-0, Wednesday afternoon to claim yet another Sunset Region crown. The win earns the Bengals a spot in next week's 4A state tournament, scheduled for Oct. 23-25 at Meadows School.

That is where Bonanza coach Rick Niemczewski hopes his team can keep its momentum going right through a third consecutive state championship.

"We're very pleased to get (the Sunset)," Niemczewski said. "But we really hope to get next week's prize."

Gorman will have one more shot to qualify for the tournament via a play-in match against Silverado (SE-1), which fell to Coronado (SE-2) in the Sunrise title bout, 30-15. That will take place Monday at noon at Durango.

Bonanza never wavered in sending the Gaels into that match. The doubles team of Alec Runyon and Jon Ribaste cruised to a 3-0 record and Lenny Whiting went 3-0 in singles. Through the first two rounds of competition -- before Niemczewski subbed out his top players -- Bonanza did not allow the Gaels more than three games in any set.

"It just speaks well of the kids," Niemczewski said.

Niemczewski did not worry about his team's motivation coming into the Sunset title match. He said that with four seniors -- Runyon, Ernie Domanico, Dane Nielson, and Zach Anderson -- who went through the heartbreak of losing a state title by a half-point in their freshman season, drive is not a concern. In fact, Bonanza allowed just eight points to opponents in three Sunset playoff matches.

Niemczewski was actually surprised to be facing Gorman, an upset winner against Palo Verde in the semifinals. He was impressed with the fight of the Gaels.

"They were more or less expected to lose," Niemczewski said. "We were the favorites."

On the girls' side, Coronado (SE-1) completed the Sunrise Region sweep by downing Green Valley (SE-2), 30-15. The Gators now play for a state chance against Bonanza (SW-1) after the Bengals fell to Palo Verde (NW-1) in the Sunset championship. That play-in match takes place after the boys' match Monday at Durango.