Warriors' March serves up good season on tennis court

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 30, 2018 5:51 AM

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By RUDY COGGINS

rcoggins@newsargus.com

Dylan March stepped onto the tennis courts at Eastern Wayne this spring with two objectives -- go undefeated in conference play and advance to the state tournament.

March accomplished one goal.

The junior fashioned a 12-0 record in singles play. He combined with three teammates -- Walker Davis, Amjad Sarah and Anass Sarah -- to finish 12-0 in doubles action.

His second plan didn't quite materialize as he envisioned.

New Hanover junior Holland Baynard, the grandson of former East Carolina University athletics director Terry Holland, upended March in the east 3-A regional quarterfinals.

Just one round away.

One out of two isn't bad.

But an unexpected achievement fell into March's court.

He was selected as the Eastern Carolina 3-A/4-A Conference player-of-the-year.

"I had a good year, but I didn't know if it was good enough to be player of the year," March said. "I've never gotten that award before. I'm actually really surprised."

Solid footwork, finesse and hitting against stronger players were the key to his success.

March successfully moved his opponents around the court and placed shots at will -- deep, short and mid-range. He didn't drop a set in singles competition.

His toughest encounter was a 7-6 (4), 6-2 conquest of Charles B. Aycock's Jesus Rodriguez in early March. After that win, he lost a total of just 17 games in his next nine ECC matches.

"The power, I started off trying to hit it so hard and it just won't working," March said. "[EW] Coach [Craig] Hassell said 'you just need to focus on the spin and the power will come if you just work out.'

"That's what I did...focused on the spin and the placement. I don't really hit it too hard, but I know where to hit it."

March seized his third straight ECC singles tournament crown.

He's just the second conference POY during Hassell's tenure as head coach.

"He played hard this year and dedicated himself. He's got really good hands...left-handed like me, so that's unique," Hassell said. "He can also serve and volley, which you don't see a lot at this level. Hopefully, he'll come back his senior year and repeat."

And check off that other goal.