Millbrook and Broughton trade places

In the N.C. High School Tennis Coaches Association poll released earlier this week, Millbrook moved ahead of Broughton in the 4-A poll.

With 58 points, Millbrook is ranked No. 2 in the state, ahead of Broughton by six points, but 10 points behind East Chapel Hill.

Millbrook beat Broughton 6-3 on Monday, even without its top player Tom Orban, who injured his left wrist more than a week ago. He was playing a match when he tripped and broke his fall with his arm. Luckily for him, he’s a righty.

At first it was difficult for him to watch on the sidelines on Monday, wearing a cast. That is, until the outcome came into focus.

“It’s tough to stand by,” said Orban.

Orban is hopeful to be cleared by doctors in around the time Millbrook plays Broughton again and East Chapel Hill. The doctors have already estimated the day he’ll be ready to go.

“It’s actually the day of the next Broughton match, which is kind of convenient,” said Orban.

But Broughton coach Steve Spivey, while acknowledging Millbrook’s depth, is looking ahead to that rematch.

“We’re real young, but we’re going to learn from this and get better,” said Spivey. “We’re going to progressively get better by the end of the year.”