Eagles star seeking top spot

Sophomore Bradley Fisher is probably more like a No. 1 than any No. 2 around. So when Scott Braunsdorf, the Estancia High boys’ tennis team’s No. 1 singles player, graduates next month, Fisher figures to be primed and more than able to become the Eagles’ new No. 1 next season.

“He played as well as our No. 1, Scott Braunsdorf, the entire year,” Estancia Coach Rachel de los Santos said. “Both players only lost two sets in league, and they were both to Orange’s Steve Johnson.”

When they faced him, Johnson was the No. 17-ranked boys’ 18 singles player in Southern California, so there was certainly no shame in losing to him.

Fisher’s highlights this season include sweeping his sets against Costa Mesa both times Estancia played its cross-town rival. But his biggest feat came May 13, when Fisher pulled off the only singles sweep during Estancia’s 9-9 (82-76) victory over Torrance in the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division V playoffs.

Fisher’s sweep included a hard-fought 7-5 victory over Torrance’s No. 1 singles player, Keith Boggero.

“He’s the reason why we won that match,” de los Santos said.

De los Santos said it marked the first time the Estancia boys’ tennis team moved to the CIF Southern Section quarterfinals in at least 10 years.

The Eagles fell to No. 1 seed Cate School, 13-5, in the quarterfinals ? even though Fisher took two of his three sets ? and finished their memorable season 17-3 overall. It was a great way for Braunsdorf to end his long-time tenure as Estancia’s No. 1 singles player, and an even better way for Fisher to begin his ascent.

Fisher, who has been playing tennis since the age of 9, has poise beyond his years on the tennis court.

“He’s consistent and calm,” de los Santos said. “He’s able to brush off his mistakes easily.”

Fisher played both tennis and baseball until the age of 10, when he dropped baseball to focus on tennis.

“My dad thought it’d be better if I stuck to tennis,” Fisher said.

When he started putting all of his athletic energy into tennis, his game quickly improved.

“Once I started just concentrating on tennis, it just sort of took off from there,” he said.

Fisher boasts what de los Santos calls a “killer forehand.” He’s also quick and has a strong first serve. He plays USTA tournaments during the summer, traveling to Northern California and Arizona, in order to improve his game.

When he returns to Estancia for his junior year, chances are he’ll be an even better player than he already is, which can only help as he takes over the No. 1 slot in the Eagles lineup.

“He has big shoes to fill, but I think he’s ready,” de los Santos said.

Fisher said he is looking forward to it.

“It’ll be a nice challenge, especially moving into a new league [the Orange Coast League with Santa Ana Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach and Godinez],” Fisher said. “I’m excited to see how much of a challenge it’s going to be.”

The Bradley Fisher File

Hometown: Costa Mesa

Height: 5-foot-7

Weight: 130

Sport: Tennis

Position: No. 2 singles

Coach: Rachel De Los Santos

Favorite food: Wahoo’s Fish Tacos

Favorite movie: “Anchorman”

Favorite athletic moment: “Getting to the quarterfinals of the CIF Southern Section Division V playoffs this year.”

Week in review: Fisher pulled off the team’s only singles sweep during Estancia’s 9-9 (82-76) victory over Torrance in the second round of the CIF Division V playoffs May 13. Coach Rachel De Los Santos said it marked the first time the Estancia boys’ tennis team reached the CIF quarterfinals in at least 10 years.dpt-maleathlete20.IMGGraphicInfoRH1R549T20060520RH1R549TNo Captiondpt.20-aow-fisher-CPhotoInfoGI1R52O320060520izj6ebncKENT TREPTOW / DAILY PILOT(LA)