Tennis standout Ian Habbestad of Damien has had quite the start to his high school career.
The Spartans sophomore won the Baseline League individual title last week at Etiwanda. That marked a second for him as he won last year as a freshman as well.
Habbestad won in dominant fashion, not dropping a set in any of his four matches. In the final he bested Rancho Cucamonga’s Miles Clark 6-0, 6-2.
Clark was one of just two players that had beaten him this season.
“He is a very talented young player,” Damien coach Bill Urquhart said. “I can’t say him winning it this year was a surprise because he won it last year too. He has been the bright spot for us this year.”
Habbestad is 56-2 on the season which includes a 29-1 in league play.
He has earned a spot in the CIF sectional coming up in Redlands but he will not compete due to a previously schedule family commitment out of town.
“I know he’s disappointed but he will have the chance again,” the coach said of his player missing the rest of the postseason.
