CHAMPIONSHIP FORM: Princeton High boys’ tennis star Tyler Hack displays his backhand form. Last Monday, Hack posted a straight sets win at third singles to help top-seeded PHS defeat sixth-seeded Hopewell Valley 5-0 in the Group 3 Central Jersey sectional finals. The Little Tigers, now 15-2, will face Tenafly in the Group 3 state semifinals on May 20 at Mercer County Park with the winner advancing to the finals later that day against the victor of the Millburn-Moorestown matchup in the other semi. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Tyler Hack didn’t waste any time taking care of business as the top-seeded Princeton High boys’ tennis team hosted fifth-seeded Hightstown in the Group 3 Central Jersey sectional semis last Thursday.

The PHS senior star dispatched Ritesh Neelamagam 6-0, 6-0 at third singles in a match that took less than an hour.

“I think my forehand was a very strong weapon today and also my first serve percentage,” said Hack.

“I was told if I have a very high first serve percentage that his returns would crumble over time and that is exactly what ended up happening. I think also consistency off of my backhand side which combined with the offense of the forehand was a winning combo.”

On Monday, Hack enjoyed another winning effort, rolling to a 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Harrison Fu of Hopewell Valley as PHS defeated the sixth-seeded Bulldogs 5-0 in the Group 3 Central Jersey sectional finals. The Little Tigers, now 15-2, will face Tenafly in the Group 3 state semifinals on May 20 at Mercer County Park with the winner advancing to the finals later that day against the victor of the Millburn-Moorestown matchup in the other semi.

“I am really proud of the team this year,” said Hack. “We have got in some great matches, ones that I will certainly remember for a while.”

Hack has posted some memorable victories in his final campaign. “I think this is my strongest year in terms of fitness,” said Hack, who placed second at third singles in the Mercer County Tournament earlier this season.

“Experience had helped with that. I am stronger mentally as well. I have been through a lot of tough matches.”

The experience of playing four years with classmate Rishab Tanga, the team’s second singles players, has been a highlight for Hack.

“We are great friends, I am sure we will stay in touch many years from now,” said Hack.

“We still have this one photo of us freshman year which is pretty funny to look back on.”

PHS head coach Sarah Hibbert appreciates the great contribution she has gotten from Hack and Tanga.

“Tyler has been a great addition to the team, he is a hard worker, you can always count on him to do everything he can,” said Hibbert.

“He is a great kid. He and Rishab have been a great addition to the program, starting at second doubles together freshman year and then gradually moving into our singles lineup. They have been staples in our lineup for the last four years and we are obviously going to really miss them, both their personalities and tennis ability. I have been really grateful for their presence on the team the past four years.”

It has been great for PHS to have freshman star Noah Lilienthal at the top of the lineup this spring.

“Any time you bring in a player of Noah’s caliber to the team, it just helps you,” said Hibbert of Lilienthal, who won the MCT crown at first singles and didn’t lose a set in his three team sectional matches.

“We don’t have attitudes on the team, Rishab and Tyler were perfectly happy to be bumped down a spot because they know what that added to them. They knew they had a better shot of winning. They knew how it helped the team and how it helped them.”

Hibbert believes PHS has a good shot of challenging for a state crown. “Overall, we seem to be doing well, hopefully we are peaking at the right time,” said Hibbert.

“At the beginning, we talked about the season  being challenging and choppy. We had an early county tournament and I was pleased with how well the guys did there considering how little practice they had. As we have gotten into the heart of the season, they have been getting better. It is a nice group of kids, they work hard. They are playing well when it counts so hopefully we will be able to continue the run.”

Hack, for his part, has relished his final run with PHS. “It seemed like we just got through all of the rainy days last week; the season has really flown by,” said Hack, who is headed to Santa Clara University where he plans to play club tennis.

“I think I will look back on this as a great opportunity. It has been a lot of fun. I have made good friends with these guys, on and off the court.”