Trips to the spring state tournament have become familiar journeys for Westlake senior Russell Bader, who has participated in the past two state doubles bracket with partner Alex Durham.

But this season has provided a different path, and that change suits Bader just fine.
Bader, who switched to singles play after Durham moved to North Carolina late last year, rolled through the Region IV bracket without dropping a set. He enters Monday’s Class 5A state tournament as one of the favorites.

“It’s different getting to state in singles, but it’s been kind of nice,” he said. “As a senior, I have only myself to rely on, and that’s a good feeling.”

Bader quickly cites the good times he had with Durham on the court, and he believes that his familiarity with the pressures of a state tournament only increase his chances at becoming Westlake’s first boys singles state champion since Trey Phillips in 1991.

“I’ve experienced playing in the state final,” he said. “I think that will help me a lot.”

Westlake coach Kim Riley agrees with her four-year letterman, saying his experience at state only strengthens his fortitude.

“Russell is so mentally tough and such a smart player on the court,” she said. “He may not be the strongest player, but he sizes up his opponent quickly and pinpoints their weaknesses. He’s got a great shot to win it all.”

Bader begins the state tournament against George Rivers of Klein Collins, but his toughest test may lurk in the semifinals. Mario Urquidi of El Paso Coronado has a similar background to Bader but retains enough mystery to pose problems.

A stellar doubles player in his first three varsity seasons, Urquidi and his partner fell to Bader and Durham in the first round of last year’s state tournament. Like Bader, he has honed his singles skills throughout this season.

Bader does not compete with El Paso players on his USTA sectional circuit, so he says Urquidi looms as a dangerous foe.

“Since we played him [in doubles], I know he’s a good player,” Bader said. “And I don’t really know much about him in singles, so he’s definitely a threat.

“All the other guys, I’ve played before and beaten.”

Naveen Beasley of The Woodlands College Park appears as the player most likely to advance to the finals of the other side of the bracket, although Riley says Tomas Stillman of Harlingen South could emerge as a surprising contender. Beasley, a singles quarterfinalist a year ago, did not drop a set while winning the Region II title.

Singles play begins at 9 a.m. Monday at Lakeway’s World of Tennis. First-round winners will play again Monday beginning at approximately 2:30 p.m. The state finals begin Tuesday at 9 a.m.