SOUTH DAKOTA SPORTS AWARDS

#SDSports Awards, boys tennis: Kaleb Dobbs' dominance reached new heights on tennis court

David Nicholson
dnicholson@argusleader.com

Lincoln’s Kaleb Dobbs has been without an equal on South Dakota tennis courts for a few years now, and the trend will surely continue in 2017 when he’s a senior.

Dobbs took home his second straight championship in Flight 1 singles at the state tennis tournament May 21 in Rapid City, capping a dominant season without so much as a dropped set. Partnered with brother Sam Dobbs, Kaleb also took home his third state crown in No. 1 doubles.

“Kaleb is Kaleb — he’s always so consistent,” said coach Tom Krueger. “He knows what type of strategy he needs to beat any opponent that he runs into. He’s just fun to watch — an amazing player.”

The name Dobbs has become synonymous with tennis, considering Sam’s success, as well as cousins Baylor and Jonah Dobbs —who play for Brookings under coach and father Brian Dobbs. But Kaleb, now a junior, has done the most to advance the family name, arriving on the scene as a seventh-grader and immediately rising to stature.

MORE: See other winners of the S.D. Sports Awards

If not for O’Gorman’s Tommy Entwistle, who had years and several inches on him, Dobbs may have ascended the throne even earlier. By his sophomore year, Dobbs was the clear-cut favorite, and now with two state singles crowns under his belt, his dominance could reach new heights next season.

“Obviously he’s real tough, because he’s one of the best competitors in South Dakota — honestly for any sport,” said Washington’s Elliot Hartwig, who squared off against Dobbs in No. 1 singles this season. “He doesn’t ever give up — he keeps fighting to the last point. That’s why he’s so dominant. And his feet move so quick, it’s tough to hit him off the court.”

Dobbs always had athleticism and speed, but in his early varsity days, there wasn’t much oomph behind his shots. From start to finish in his junior season, he has showcased an impressive power game from the serve to complement his vast shot-making ability.

Before he had the physical frame to match his skill, Dobbs may have needed to depend on strategy and court knowledge for an edge. Now, he’s a complete product.

“He can hit the cover off the ball,” Krueger said, “but Kaleb is able to analyze the way he’s playing and make adjustments. That’s a really unique, mature skill to have. It makes him a joy to coach.”

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