Ridge's Ruderman Sparkling in Tennis

Basking Ridge High School junior Alex Ruderman has accomplished a lot playing tennis. He's ranked 210 among all juniors playing tennis in the United States. He won the Somerset County Singles Tournament title a little over a month ago. His goal is to play tennis collegiately.

But before the last item on the aforementioned list becomes a reality, Ruderman is taking part in NJSIAA boys' tennis tournament that started yesterday. Ruderman, who led Ridge to a 14-10 overall record this season, is seeded within the No. 5-8 range (outside of the top four seeds, the 5-8 range are seeded alphabetically) among a field of 128 boys and will play later today at Mercer County Park  in Trenton. 

Ruderman, who had a first-round bye, easily defeated Memorial's David Garzon 6-1, 6-2 in the second round Saturday to advance to today's third round, where he will face off with Mooretown's Pierce Cooper.

"I'm going to take it match-by-match," said Ruderman, whose sister, Stephanie, plans to swim next year for Ridge High School as a freshman. "I don't know a lot of the players from the around the state. But I have to go out and try my best and take it one match at a time."

The field is strong, according to his high school coach, Chad Griffiths.

"In his first three matches, he will be the favorite," said Griffiths, who's coached the boys for five years now. "There could be a potential matchup against Ramapo's Jonathan Carcione in the later rounds. And anything beyond that, there will be good, tough matches for Alex."

Griffiths has been impressed with Ruderman's diligence to the tennis craft. Ruderman, although only a junior, was named co-captain along with senior Dan Birnbaum. The captains were voted on by the team.

"His work ethic is very obvious to the kids," said Griffiths. "He hits with anyone on the team. He will coach some of the kids before and after the match and also talk to them about strategy to their opponents."

Ruderman defeated reigning champion Hillsborough's Steven Wu 6-2, 6-2 to win the county tournament in May. It was a momentous victory for Ruderman, who lost in the county tournament last year because of cramping.

"I was disappointed," said Ruderman about last year's elimination. "I was cramping a lot and I was definitely more focused this year."

Griffiths cites the fact that despite taking four AP classes, Ruderman has improved his tennis skills each year he's been at Ridge.

"I've only known him for a couple of seasons," said Griffiths. "But you see his work ethic with the academic side, he was also a competitive swimmer and he's improved his tennis skills the last two years.

"He's more mature, more intellectual, and a more powerful player. His strokes production improved and he's able to dictate the play on the court."

This summer, Ruderman will continue on the United States Tennis Association circuit. One thing he wants to do is improve upon his ranking of No. 210. He will play throughout New Jersey and New York.

"There is a big difference with playing on the USTA and playing the team aspect in high school tennis," said Ruderman. "It's more intense and it better prepares you for matches like the ones I'll face in the state tournament."

The matches Ruderman has faced this season and will this summer will continue to prep him for playing tennis collegiately.

"I want to get stronger and hit a heavier ball and get more pace behind my shot," said Ruderman. "I do want to play in college."

For the boys tournament bracket, click here.