Amelia’s ace of the court, Azizbeck Ruziboev was named the Southern Buckeye Conference Player of the Year in the American Division for the second time in as many years. Meanwhile, Felicity’s Bryan McRae was recognized for his stellar performance in 2012 by being named the National Division Player of the Year.

Ruziboev, a junior, continued his dominance in 2012, keeping his record in the SBC flawless as he went 21-0.

“Azizbeck’s just a real hard hitter, especially for this area,” Amelia head coach Rick McMullen said. “He is a just a dominant player. In two years, he’s never been taken three sets by anybody (in the league). He’s only given up six or eight games combined the entire year in the SBC.”

After falling in the sectional finals last season, Ruziboev won the sectional tournament this year with a win over St. Xavier’s Eric Salomon, 6-4, 6-1.

He advanced to the district tournament at the ATP Stadium at the Lindner Tennis Center in Mason where he was knocked out in the second round by Marc Sodini of Wilmington. In a clash of styles, Sodini’s “stay alive” technique rattled the hard-hitting Ruziboev.

However, for Ruziboev, as a junior, he will be one of the top returning players in the state next season as many of his contemporaries will move on due to graduation.

“Az just has to continue to train like he has been all season and hit the tournament trail in the summer,” McMullen said. “He’ll mature another year and he can get back to the (district) tournament next year. Hopefully, he’ll qualify with the experience of being a senior to get it done.”

Joining Ruziboev on the First Team Singles was Jason Adams of Bethel and David Ohntrup of New Richmond. On the Second Team Singles were Amelia’s Cameron Condrey, Bethel’s Jon Houchin, Goshen’s Austin Hayslip and New Richmond’s Matt Rydzewski.

On the First Team Doubles was Clint Lytle of New Richmond. On the Second Team Doubles was Lytle’s partner, Zach Manning.

As for McRae and the Felicity Cardinals, they had a dream season, going 6-0 in the SBC and 12-0 overall.

McRae, a senior first singles player, went undefeated in the National Division and lost his only match in conference to Ruziboev.

McRae has been able to step up the level of his game by working harder in the offseason and training at the Beechmont Racquet Club.

McRae advanced through the sectional tournament to the district as well, but fell in the first round to Cincinnati Country Day’s Patrick Wildman 6-0, 6-2.

As of right now, McRae is unsure of whether he wants to try and continue his tennis career at the next level.

Joining McRae on the National Division’s First Team Singles were Batavia’s duo of Austin Hensley and Tanner Spears. On the Second Team Singles were Batavia’s Austin Conner and Felicity’s Mack Hayden.

On the First Team Doubles was the Felicity team of Derick Brock and Steven McCann and on the Second Team Doubles was the other Felicity doubles team, Jacob Fry and Trevor Shouse.