Mietzner shocks Chung to win second straight district title

MOUNT VERNON — When it comes to playing friend and rival Patrick Chung, Jackson’s Ben Mietzner just can’t seem to get over the hump.

Unless it’s the district tournament that is.

For the second straight year, the Timberwolves junior beat Cascade’s Chung in the 4A Northwest District 1 Tournament singles championship match 6-1, 6-4 to take the district title at Mount Vernon H.S. on Wednesday. It’s the only two times Mietzner has defeated Chung in his high school career.

“It’s kind of indescribable. I just came out with the belief that I could win,” said Mietzner, who lost to Chung in straight sets both times they met this season. “I had the theory to just win one point at a time and grinded out points and eventually won.”

Both Chung and Mietzner return to the state tournament, which will be held in Richland on May 30-31. Chung finished eighth at state last year and Mietzner went 1-2 but didn’t place.

Arlington’s Trent Sarver came from a set down to beat Kamiak’s Jimmy Hua 3-6, 6-2, 6-0 and take third place. The Eagles senior plays Kingco’s third-place finisher at Skagit Valley College on Saturday at 2 p.m. for the final berth to state.

It could have easily been over for Sarver on Wednesday, but a pep talk from his coach proved to be the difference.

“I told him you can play one more set for your high school career or play two sets and get to Saturday,” said Arlington head coach Sean Cunningham. “I said I thought he needed to play big and he did.”

After playing to Hua’s more rally-heavy game in the first set, Sarver turned to his game in the second set and won the set with big serves and a number of hard shots for winners, according to Cunningham.

“Trent played his game in second and third sets,” Cunningham said. “Trent came with power and really overpowered him. He ramped up his game and found that extra gear.”

In doubles play, Mount Vernon’s Casey Goodwin and Kyle Frederick defeated Snohomish’s Andrew Ivelia and Jory Strickland to take the district title. Both teams advance to state. Kamiak’s Dominic Lee and Garrett Peterson beat Jackson’s Peter Cung and Luke George 6-4, 7-5 in the third-place match and face a Kingco team on Saturday for the right to advance to state.

Wind played a role in Wednesday’s matches, especially in the singles championship match. Chung struggled with the wind, while Mietzner kept grinding out points and used the wind to his advantage.

“The wind was a big factor,” Mietzner said. “When I was against the wind I just kept blocking it back because I knew he was really hitting fast because he had the wind. I just tried my best to keep the ball in play and hoped he would miss it.”

After the match, the two friends shook hands and Chung had a simple message for Mietzner.

“He just came up and said ‘You got me again,’” Mietzner said. “I didn’t know what to say. I was still in shock a little bit because I didn’t expect this.”

The win was extra special for Mietzner because of offseason surgery that set him back and put into question whether or not he’d play singles at all this season. A surgery to remove an extra bone in his foot kept Mietzner from playing tennis most of the summer and Jackson coach David Hutt said he wasn’t sure the junior would be ready to go by the start of the season.

“He was struggling early in practices and I thought I may have to start him at doubles for half the season,” Hutt said. “But after the final practice I asked him if he was ready to go and he said he was. He’s had a great season.”

By winning his second district title, Mietzner joined a distinguished list of Jackson singles players who have won multiple district championships and made it 11 years out of 12 the singles district champion has been a Timberwolves player. Before Mietzner did it, Mitch Williamson, Micheal Chamerski, Richard Oam and Mike Reading were multiple district champs.

“I just feel honored to be in that group,” Mietzner said.

At Mount Vernon H.S.

Singles—Championship match: Ben Mietzner (Jac) def. Patrick Chung (Cas) 6-1, 6-4; third-place match: Trent Sarver (Arl) def. Jimmy Hua (Kam) 3-6, 6-2, 6-0; consolation semifinals: Hua def. Joseph Lee (Kam) 6-2, 6-2; Sarver def. Connor Ghirardo (Arl) 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. Doubles—Championship match: Casey Goodwin-Kyle Frederick (MV) def. Andrew Ivelia-Jory Strickland (Sno) 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(10); third-place match: Dominic Lee-Garrett Peterson (Kam) def. Peter Cung-Luke George (Jac) 6-4, 7-5; consolation semifinals: Cung-George def. Ryan Tsuji-Thu Yein (Lynn) 7-5, 6-4; Lee-Peterson def. Josh Yi-Bence Dare (Jac) 6-2, 6-4.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.