The East Brunswick Boys Tennis team saved its best for the biggest stage.
In a remarkable day at Mercer County Park on Thursday, the Bears won two matches and claimed the 2026 NJSIAA Group 4 State Championship, cementing one of the most successful seasons in program history.
East Brunswick opened the day with a dominant 5-0 victory over Lenape in the state semifinal before returning to the courts just hours later and defeating Livingston 4-1 in the Group 4 championship match.
For the players, coaches, parents, and supporters who have followed this team throughout the season, Thursday was the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and excellence.
A Dominant Start
The Bears wasted little time setting the tone in the semifinal round.
East Brunswick swept Lenape 5-0, winning every flight and dropping very few games along the way.
Neil Lund earned a 6-4, 6-3 victory at first singles. Kaito Woodridge followed with a commanding 6-0, 6-1 win at second singles, while Ishaan Makim rolled to a 6-1, 6-0 victory at third singles.
The doubles teams were equally impressive.
Timur Savin and Vyan Mahesh secured a 6-4, 6-4 victory at first doubles, while Ashwin Deodhar and Saksham Bhardwaj completed the sweep with a 6-0, 6-3 win at second doubles.
With the victory, East Brunswick advanced to the state final and moved one step closer to a championship.
Finishing the Job
Standing in the Bears’ way was a talented Livingston team that entered the final with a 19-6 record.
The championship match began with a battle at first singles, where Neil Lund pushed Livingston’s Dennis Wang to a third-set tiebreak before falling in a hard-fought match.
Rather than letting the early setback affect them, the Bears responded exactly how championship teams do.
Kaito Woodridge delivered a 6-1, 6-2 victory at second singles.
Ishaan Makim was nearly flawless at third singles, winning 6-0, 6-0.
The first doubles team of Timur Savin and Vyan Mahesh continued their outstanding postseason with a 6-4, 6-2 win.
The championship-clinching point came from Ashwin Deodhar and Saksham Bhardwaj at second doubles. After splitting the first two sets, they dominated the deciding super tiebreak 10-3 to secure the fourth and final point East Brunswick needed to bring home the title.
When the final point was won, the Bears were state champions.
A Championship Earned
What makes this accomplishment even more impressive is how consistently East Brunswick performed throughout the postseason.
The Bears swept multiple tournament opponents, won a sectional championship, and finished their season by defeating two highly regarded programs on the biggest day of the year.
Every player in the lineup contributed.
From the steady leadership of the singles players to the clutch performances from both doubles teams, East Brunswick showed the depth, talent, and resilience that championship teams are built on.
A Day to Remember
Championships are never won by one player.
They are earned through countless practices, long bus rides, support from teammates, guidance from coaches, and sacrifices made by families throughout the season.
Thursday’s title belongs to the entire East Brunswick Boys Tennis program.
For the seniors, it is a fitting way to close their high school careers.
For the underclassmen, it sets a standard for future teams.
And for the East Brunswick community, it is another reminder of the outstanding student-athletes representing the school.
The 2026 East Brunswick Boys Tennis team will be remembered as state champions.
