Ed North: Nate Roper video...

By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com

I first saw Nate Roper at the Heritage Hall Tournament of Champions. All I could think was ‘who does this freshman think he is’?

He played with such poise against some of the best the state has to offer. He didn’t back down at all vs. Putnam North’s Chris Haworth. He wasn’t a star in the making…he was already there.

At No. 1 singles, Roper and Logon Collins of Union would have been a great battle. But at No. 2 singles, well, kinda felt like he was the favorite.

He was only 7-0 in the position coming into last weekend as he had spent the bulk of his season at No. 1 singles, playing whenever Casey Distaso elected to not play. Roper was right at home at No. 2 singles and was brilliant all tournament.

Getting 16 points from Roper (champion) and Distaso (runner-up) was a huge reason why the Huskies are walking around as champs right now.

Caught up with the freshman following his first (of what could be many) championships.