PAW PAW — Brandywine’s Jacob Fox earned a spot in the Michigan High School Athletic Association state tennis finals after finishing runner-up at No. 1 singles at the Division 3 regional last Thursday.

The top two teams, Berrien Springs and Paw Paw, along with the No. 1 singles players, advance to the state meet, which will be this weekend at Kalamazoo College.

Fox reached the finals by defeating Chris Eastman of Coloma 6-1 and 6-2, as well as Buchanan’s Hunter Riggins 6-2, 2-6 and 6-4, in the semifinals.

Paw Paw’s Josh VanRoekel defeated Fox 6-2, 4-6 and 7-5 in the title match.

Brandywine coach David Sidenbender was pleased with Fox’s effort throughout the regional tournament. He also knows that he has plenty of work to do this week in order to place at the state finals.

“Jacob was suburb all day,” he said. “In fact, he has been really good the last three weeks of the season. I couldn’t be more proud of a player. From where he started as a freshman, never have played before, to No. 4 regional champ last year, to qualifying for state at No. 1 singles is a testament to his determination, athleticism and competitiveness.”

And what does he need to work on?

“For him to advance, he has to stay consistent, serve well and finish points. Sidenbender said. “When he does that, I think he has a chance to advance. The draw [who he plays] will also be a big factor.”