Watchmaker, Brandel-Deubel win tennis titles
While University School’s Max Watchmaker made it look easy, Arrowhead’s Alex Deubel and Ben Brandel made history.
The duo became the first boys tennis champion at a school known for winning a trophy or two. The seniors scored five wins over the three-day tournament before completing the stretch with a straight set win over Sun Prairie senior Jacob Baldwin and sophomore Nikko Vilwock in the Division 1 doubles final of the WIAA individual state tournament at Nielsen Tennis Stadium in Madison.
Watchmaker carried the flag for Milwaukee-area singles players. His straight set win over Dominican senior Teddy Wong in the Division 2 singles final gave University School its first tennis champion since 2015. Watchmaker finished 21-2.
“He played the best tennis I’ve ever seen him play. By far,” University School coach Matt Flack said. “He didn’t drop a set. He didn’t drop more than three games in a match. He just imposed his will on opponents.”
Watchmaker defeated Wong for the second time this season. When the two met in the sectional May 24, Watchmaker allowed just five games in a straightset win. This time he posted a 6-1, 6-2 victory. That win was preceded by a 6-0, 6-2 win over East Troy senior Dayne Lindow. Lindow upset Watchmaker in the semifinals last year as Watchmaker nursed a sore hip that limited his mobility.
Watchmaker was the No. 1 seed in Division 2. Deubel and Brandel were the No. 3 seed in Division 1. The big victory of their tournament run was a comeback win over Neenah’s Nolan Kubiak and Khaled Saleh in the semifinals.
Vilwock and Baldwin were a No. 4 seed who defeated the defending champion and No. 1 seed, Brookfield East seniors Reed Scullen and Henry Irwin, in the semifinals.
Deubel and Brandel scored a 6-1, 6-2 win over Vilwock and Baldwin in the final to finish the season 22-2.