The Columbia Junior Open may not be filled with as many players from the immediate area as it was 20 years ago, but say this for the locals who do step up to the challenge: they defend the home turf.

Ryan Kent, a rising senior at Glenelg Country School, and Sam Wichlin, a rising senior at Mt. Hebron High, finished second and third in the Boys 18s, respectively. Kent and Wichlin are likely the two best high school players in Howard County right now. Kent, the MIAA B champion each of the past two seasons, led the Dragons to their first conference title this spring, while Wichlin advanced to the state championship match and was the area media's consensus boys tennis Player of the Year for Howard County.

Unfortunately for those wishing to see a dream matchup, Wichlin and Kent did not meet in the tournament. Wichlin fell, 7-5, 6-4, to John Carroll's Timothy Lozinak, the MIAA A Conference runner-up this season, in the semifinals. In the same round, Kent defeated Adam Cranford, a Washington College rising sophomore, who was named to the Centennial Conference first team after his 19-3 freshman season.

Both Wichlin and Kent can feel good about defeating a successful college player while still in high school: Wichlin defeated Cranford for third place, 6-2, 7-5.

"That's pretty good, because he's been playing some men's opens, and (was) just playing this because it was nearby," said Wichlin, of the quality of his opponent.

"He's a kid that's played a bunch of big national tournaments, so I was pretty happy with how I played," Kent agreed.

For the record, Wichlin has defeated Kent the two times they have played in tournaments.

"I played him on slower surfaces, so that's kind of helped me out. He's playing well now, though," said Wichlin of his occasional practice partner.

Wichlin said the Columbia Junior Open reminds him of the county tennis championships, because of the way all of the courts at the Wilde Lake Tennis Club are reserved for tournament play. The only difference is that the level of competition is much greater.

"I like this tournament because it's nearby and it's run so well," Wichlin said.

The event, now in its 28th year, is run by Ken Knouse and drew 113 players ages 12-18, some from as far south as Richmond, Va.

Both Kent and Wichlin, who plan on playing in the Maryland State Junior Outdoor Championships at McDonogh, now have the confidence that they are ready for college tennis.

"I can say I beat a college player," Kent said.

Other local finishers of note were River Hill rising sophomore Rena Shi, and Wilde Lake rising junior Epiphany English, who finished third and fourth in the girls 16s.

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