Boys Handball Aces Their Way to Quarterfinals
Elvis Wu ‘25 lines up a hit. Photo: Inner City Handball Association
By DIMITRA TSIRIAS and TIFFANY TAN
The Boys Handball Team’s journey came to an end on May 17 as they fell 3-2 to Brooklyn Tech at Van Voorhees Park in the quarterfinals.
Things started strong, with senior Kenny Lin, first singles and team captain, and junior Joseph Trontz, second singles, demolishing their opponents 21-9 and 21-2. However, after rain pushed the doubles matches to the next day, first and second doubles lost their matches, making it so that third singles was needed to win.
“Friday was just a different momentum,” said Mr. Eric Lee, the team’s head coach. “Tech was ready and more hungry [for the win].”
Third singles Elvis Wu ‘25 started off strong with a 13-0 lead. Unfortunately, Daniel Lee, Tech’s third singles, then pulled out a serve that Wu wasn’t used to, resulting in a 21-15 loss.
“Our team could’ve done a lot better,” said Wu. “We weren’t used to their courts, and traveling during the playoffs definitely played a factor in our loss. I feel like I didn’t play up to my full potential during my game.”
“It's disappointing that we came short, but overall I'm very proud of them,” said Mr. Lee.
The Hornets ended the regular season with an undefeated 10-0 record, first in the division, finishing 5-0 each time except for a 4-1 finish against the High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology, which was second in the division.
“That game was a very hard-fought battle,” Wu said, “but we still ended up getting the win.”
Matthew Hoang ‘24, first doubles, said, “We came together as a cohesive unit and displayed determination, skill, and resilience in every game. Each player brought their A-game and stepped up when it mattered most.”
Last spring, the team ended the season third in the city with a 10-2 record, losing 4-1 in the semifinals against Aviation Career and Technical High School.
“We were in a new division this year, so the competition was completely different from what we had last year,” said Wu.
“This year has definitely seen more new players – freshmen and sophomores – than previous years, so the future is bright,” said Trontz.
Some of the new talent joined later in the year, so they’ve had limited time to learn from the veterans. Still, the team’s chemistry has continued to get stronger throughout the season.
“We are all there to support and help each other on whatever we should improve on,” said freshman Aaden Mohammed.
Trontz said, “What makes our team dynamic special is the mentorship roles that the upperclassmen play, as well as the help from players who already graduated. Graduated players return for practice just because of how tight the team chemistry is.”
Their coach’s leadership has had a huge impact on them as well, players said.
“Mr. Lee is the best coach, and he’s very funny,” said Aquila Jiang ‘25, second doubles. “He helps everyone get better and have a fun time.”
Lin said, “He's literally one of the best coaches you can ever ask for. He supports you all the way and gives us helpful tips. He's a player himself, so he's one of the best coaches I could ever ask for.”
“In the beginning, a lot of kids don't know how to practice and play the sport, so I start with the basics and help them evolve to where they are,” said Mr. Lee, who has played handball for over 20 years and coached since 2016. “They’ve definitely come a long way, proving themselves as division champs.”
“I love the sport and I want to be number one,” he added. “So I try to transfer that kind of attitude to the kids. There’s also life lessons for the kids because there is so much to learn as you’re practicing and training.”
With the season done and dusted, anticipation is high for the next season, where Trontz said the goal is to “go all the way.”
“We are always open to new players, and we have gotten plenty this year who have so much potential and skill,” said Hoang. “The Midwood handball team will be strong for years to come.”