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North Central of Indianapolis swept top-ranked Carmel at all three singles positions for a 3-2 advantage to repeat as IHSAA boys tennis state champion.

With rain coming down during introductions and the forecast not expected to improve the rest of the afternoon, the final match was moved down the street to Indianapolis Racquet Club on Dean Road.

There, the second-ranked Panthers (22-1) of coach Dan Brunette avenged their only defeat of the season and a state-leading 19th boys tennis crown. Previously unbeaten Carmel (21-1) had taken a 3-2 decision at North Central on Sept. 4.

It was the third time in four seasons the two schools had met for the state championship and fourth consecutive championship match appearance for North Central. Carmel had defeated North Central for the crown in 2011 and 2012.

With the Panthers holding a 2-1 edge, it was No. 1 singles player Ari Gerstein's 6-3, 7-5 victory over Greyhound Nick Werner that proved the title-clincher.

Despite the loss, both Carmel doubles teams finished perfectly with No. 1 tandem Matt Quammen and Radha Vishnubhotla completing the weekend at 27-0 and No. 2 partners Patrick Fletchall and Zach Hennessey 20-0. Quammen and Vishnubhotla hope to continue their success in next weekend's state doubles tournament.

North Central advanced to the final match beating No. 3 Park Tudor 3-2 in Friday's quarterfinals and previously undefeated No. 9 Delta 5-0 in Saturday's semis. Carmel swept No. 4 Center Grove 5-0 on Friday and turned away No. 7 Jasper 4-1 on Saturday morning.

Radha Vishnubhotla named Mental Attitude Award Winner
Carmel's No. 1 doubles players Radha Vishnubhotla was selected as this year's recipient of the Mental Attitude Award by the IHSAA Executive Committee.

Academically, he has taken a rigorous schedule which includes 29 honors or Advanced Placement classes. Through his schedule, he has an amazing 4.27 GPA.

He is the son of Vishnu and Lakshmi Vishnubhotla of Carmel and plans to study Business and Economics at Washington University in St. Louis.

Each year the IHSAA Executive Committee selects a senior player who was nominated by his principal and coach and was determined to have best demonstrated mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability. The Committee presented $1,000 to Carmel High School's general scholarship fund in the name of Vishnubhotla.