Jackson’s Ben Lee poses with his first-place medal after winning the 4A boys singles state tennis tournament on May 27, 2023, in Kennewick. (WIAA photo)

Jackson’s Ben Lee poses with his first-place medal after winning the 4A boys singles state tennis tournament on May 27, 2023, in Kennewick. (WIAA photo)

Winning state tennis title ‘special feeling’ for Jackson’s Lee

The sophomore sensation took home the 4A boys singles crown at the state tennis tournament over Memorial Day weekend.

KENNEWICK — Sophomore phenom Ben Lee took a major leap in his high school tennis career over Memorial Day weekend in the Tri-Cities.

The budding Jackson High School star carried over his second-straight district singles title from the fall, turning in a first place finish in the 4A state tournament at the Pacific Clinic and Kamiakin High School.

After claiming fifth place as a freshman in 2022, Lee put forth a dominant effort in his championship run as he blazed through the singles bracket without dropping a set.

“Ben played extremely well for us all weekend,” longtime Timberwolves coach David Hutt said. “And on Saturday morning, he was ready to go, he just stayed consistent and out-matched his opponents. It was pretty impressive to watch.”

Lee beat Austin Egan of Rogers (Puyallup) in Round 1 by scores of 6-0, 6-0 on May 26. He followed that up with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Ethan Zheng (Redmond) to make the semifinal round. On May 27, Lee kept it rolling as he cruised past Aiden Braiser (Camas) 6-1, 6-2.

In the title round, Lee broke through with a 6-2, 6-0 win over Bellarmine Prep’s Vasanth Ramachandran, who was also undefeated in all sets prior to his match with Lee. As a team, Bellarmine Prep went an undefeated 11-0 in the regular season.

Hutt said that improved strength and conditioning in his second year at Jackson paid the biggest dividends for Lee’s climb up the ranks as a sophomore.

“While watching the tournament that weekend, to me, Ben was by far the most athletic player there,” Hutt said. “He moves extremely well. And, a year older and stronger and just more mature in his game. That growth is really huge for him, gaining confidence in what he can do.”

Lee also pointed to his offseason workout regime as one of the primary factors in his improvement.

“I think it paid off tremendously, (especially) in some of my first matches at state,” Lee said. “My finishes were better, my mentality was stronger and I was able to handle those pressure situations and moments that I couldn’t before. It felt like it was slightly easier for myself to play under that stress than it was for me last year.”

During breaks between matches, Lee, along with Hutt and several other teammates found themselves in neighboring Richland to watch Jackson’s softball team, which also took home a state title on the same day as Lee, who said it only added to his experience of the weekend.

“That was definitely a special feeling,” Lee said. “Knowing that another Timberwolves team took a trophy home as well. I was just glad that I got to be there and witness it happen.”

Now having hit his next level as a player, Lee looks forward to adding to Jackson’s trophy case in the future.

“It was a true honor to represent and compete for Jackson High School,” he added. “Most of all, I’d like to thank my parents who have played a big part in this and supported me through it all.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… 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.