Parks Thompson finished the year undefeated in both singles and doubles play. Thompson, however, still has unfinished business on the tennis court.
Thompson skipped the regional doubles tournament in May to play in a United States Tennis Association tournament in Mobile, Ala., and improve his rating to college recruiters.
“It was definitely a tough choice,” Thompson said. “I would’ve liked to go to state and play with Julian. I just think going to Mobile was good for me and college and everything else.”
It also left unfinished business for Thompson and doubles partner Julian Hawkins, a freshman, when it comes to winning a state championship. Thompson said there is a good chance the two will play together again next year and they will do their best to “take it all the way.”
Statesville coach Todd Jones said Thompson missing the regional tournament was a disappointment but he had to do what is best for him. Thompson and Hawkins went 8-0 in doubles, and Thompson was 15-0 in singles.
The Statesville junior is the R&L County Boys Tennis Player of the Year.
Thompson has a rare trait among most high school athletes. He plays better when he’s frustrated, most of the time.
“I think if I get frustrated, it can go either way,” Thompson said. “It sometimes gets me focused and most of the time I come out with the upper hand. It usually ends well.”
“The thing is people look at Parks and think he is hot headed,” Jones said. “He does get frustrated with himself, but nine times out of 10, he does get better.”
It’s something that’s been with Thompson since he started playing the game when he was 7 years old. Jones also noticed it and tried to build on it in big matches. Thompson faced South Iredell’s Patrick Hensley on March 24. Hensley won 20 matches this season and advanced all the way to the final in the 2A state singles tournament. He lost to Brevard’s Korey Lovett in the final.
Before Thompson’s match against Hensley, Jones said he told Thompson the undefeated season could end that day.
“He just looked at me like, ‘Coach, you’re crazy,’” Jones said. “I think he just wanted to prove me wrong. That’s good with me. I like that kind of approach.”
Thompson beat Hensley 10-2 in a pro set.
To get this good, Thompson has to spend a lot of time on the court and in the car. He drives to Winston-Salem every day after school to play tennis until 6:30 p.m. He said it was tough, but going undefeated made all the time behind the wheel worth all the time on Interstate 40 between Statesville and Winston-Salem.
“All the matches were just fun and coming out undefeated, that was probably the best time,” Thompson said.
ALL-COUNTY BOYS TENNIS TEAM
Parks Thompson, Statesville
Diego Castano, Statesville Christian
Matt Crisp, Lake Norman
Blake Dunlap, Statesville Christian
Julian Hawkins, Statesville
Patrick Hensley, South Iredell
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