Heartbreak for Bexley's Lessard and Schiff in Epic OHSAA Doubles Final

Epic Showdown at the OHSAA Division II Finals

The 2026 OHSAA Division II boys tennis doubles final at the Lindner Family Tennis Center was a showcase of resilience and skill, unfolding as a nail-biting contest between Bexley's Henry Lessard and Adrian Schiff, and Cincinnati Indian Hill's Neelan Gandhi and Gareth Kurowski.

For 2 hours and 45 minutes, fans were on the edge of their seats as the match unfolded with intensity. The matchup was a rematch of their earlier encounter in the Bexley doubles invitational, yet the stakes were even higher this time: a state title on the line.

Game Insights and Key Moments

The match kicked off with both teams displaying their prowess on the court, leading to a first set that was decided through a thrilling tiebreak. Lessard and Schiff faced a formidable opponent – the talented duo from Indian Hill proved to be a fierce challenge. Despite a setback that found them down 5-2 in the final set, Bexley's players refused to back down, showcasing their heart and determination.

“We didn't talk about it too much, and when the draw came out nobody wanted to look past anybody,” said Bexley coach Will Gingery. “Our guys maybe had it circled in their heads, but we weren't going to talk about it.”

The match turned again during the third set, where Lessard and Schiff rallied to 5-5, refusing to let the pressure get to them. In the end, however, it was Gandhi and Kurowski who emerged victorious with a final score of 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-3).

Lessons Learned

The loss for Bexley marked a poignant moment for both players. For Lessard, it was a heartbreaking end to a title quest that could have seen him claim a third straight championship. Schiff, too, faced the disappointment of missing his first title.

“We fought hard, but I think we just got tired toward the end,” Lessard reflected after the match. “We had chances, we just couldn't finish.”

Celebrating the Journey

Despite the heartbreak, it's crucial to focus on the remarkable journey the Bexley duo undertook to arrive at this grand finale. The effort they put forth leading up to this moment deserves recognition and appreciation. Their earlier form showcased potential, and their camaraderie on and off the court truly embodied the spirit of high school athletics.

Reflections from the Top

In the Divison I singles championship, New Albany's Tyler Thomas also faced intense competition but proved resolute in pursuit of his goals. Illustrating a contrasting journey, he ultimately fell to St. Xavier's Carson Dwyer and Nihal Narisetty but earned respect for his tenacity.

“Their ball is so heavy and they have great angles, great volleys. They are highly ranked players. Tyler and Brady didn't play badly, but they just ran into players of a really high caliber,” reflected New Albany coach Erin Thomas.

A Future to Embrace

The bittersweet moments captured during the championship will linger, but they will also serve as motivation. The sportsmanship, skill, and spirit displayed throughout these finals will inspire future players in the community.

As we forge ahead into the next season, let's remember the emotional tides that accompany such intense competition. The journey is just as important as the result.

Final Thoughts

Though it was a hard-fought match, the love for the game and the journey continue to define the spirit of high school tennis. Here's to more thrilling matches and moments that will shape our athletes and our communities.