Phenom serves notice

     Although nobody could have predicted it, a Southern California earthquake which occurred more than six years ago is now wreaking havoc among Nevada's boys tennis ranks.

      It was the January 1994 disaster near Northridge, Calif., that served as the impetus to bring Lew DeLeon to Henderson, and since his arrival, the Foothill High School phenom has sent tremors through his competitors' games.

      As a freshman in 1999, DeLeon advanced to the semifinal round in the boys' singles bracket of the NIAA/U.S. Bank State Tennis Championships before falling to Bonanza's Sean Hubbard in three sets, 6-0, 7-6, 7-4.

      Following a default victory over Green Valley's Chasen Cohen, DeLeon finished third overall in the tournament.

      This year, the path to No. 1 should have far fewer obstacles.

      Cohen opted to skip his senior year to study under former Andre Agassi coach Nick Bollettieri at his tennis academy in Florida, while Hubbard and state singles champion Adrin Himmelheber of The Meadows have graduated. That means DeLeon is the only one of last season's top four Southern Nevada finalists who is returning in 2000.

      Despite that status, the 15-year-old DeLeon said he feels no pressure to be "The Man" in boys tennis.

      "I'm just trying to get better every time. It doesn't matter who I'm playing," DeLeon said. "A state championship would be nice, but I just want to focus on getting better because that (state crown) won't matter in the long run."

      In fact, DeLeon's sights are set much higher than toppling his Nevada peers.

      "If I have the talent and am getting the results early, I'll definitely try to go pro," DeLeon said.

      Count Foothill coach Jennifer Peterson among those who wouldn't be surprised to see DeLeon reach the professional tour someday.

      "He has great potential and can do anything he wants," Peterson said. "He sets high goals, and because of his drive and determination he'll meet them."

      Since he first picked up a racket at age 5, DeLeon has been dedicated to tennis. He said he started playing competitively as a 10-year-old and has improved ever since.

      In addition to playing for Foothill, DeLeon also works with coach Owen Hambrook of The Sports Club-Las Vegas on a weekly basis.

      "He teaches me the basic techniques, and I'll work on them on my own for three or four hours a day," DeLeon said.

      Peterson said DeLeon is quick to share his insight with others, and that has allowed him to play a key role in bettering his high school teammates.

      "Last year, he was the lone standout, but this year we've got more depth," Peterson said. "He is encouraging others and working with me to help the team learn strategy. ... He's very giving, and he serves as a motivation to the rest of the team."