D2 BOYS TENNIS: Abington Heights’ Mallaiah, Wyoming Seminary’s Hall capture titles

S. ABINGTON TWP. — One player made a stunningly impressive debut, and another achieved a long-awaited goal.

Abington Heights freshman Prayush Mallaiah and Wyoming Seminary senior Billy Hall completed dominant runs through their respective tournaments to claim gold medals and punch tickets to the PIAA Championships in Hershey.

In a matchup of teammates, Mallaiah defeated Abington Heights junior William Arp, 6-1, 6-0, to remain undefeated and win the District 2 Class 3A title Friday afternoon at Birchwood Racquet Club.

“I feel like I got out there and was really consistent,” Mallaiah said. “I was really aggressive with my shots with the forehand. I was really happy about that. For me, outside of the court we are teammates, but on the court we have to be opponents, and that’s how you have to play it.”

A runner-up last season and a semifinalist in 2024 and 2023, Hall powered his way through the Class 2A field to win the District 2 title, beating Holy Cross’ Alex Harrison, 6-0, 6-1.

“It’s pretty awesome,” Hall said. “Obviously, I have been trying to win this for a couple of years, and I think all the support that I have had from the coaches and everyone has been a huge boost to help me to be able to break through.”

Both players led their respective teams to District 2 titles just last week.

In his first varsity season, Mallaiah came in with a high level of respect for his advanced game. Ranked No. 6 for his freshman class in Pennsylvania and No. 46 in the Middle Atlantic poll by tennisrecruiting.net, he stormed through the Lackawanna League, displaying his repertoire of skill, strategy and surprising power from his diminutive stature.

He outmatched his first two opponents Friday, then defeated West Scranton’s Matthew D’Augostine, 6-0, 6-0, in the semifinals, before ending Arp’s undefeated season in the final.

“It was my first time, but I have played in a lot of tournaments, so I was getting used to playing with the nervousness,” Mallaiah said.

After his triumph, Mallaiah celebrated with his brother, Praneel Mallaiah, the winner of three District 2 Class 3A Singles Championships and last year’s winner.

“It is nice to see him develop as a player since Day 1,” Praneel said after watching from the observation deck. “Every day when we practiced together, I knew that he was one of the most competitive people I have ever seen.

“I am just happy to see him continue the legacy that we have as a family. He brings everything to the table, and he had no holes in his game today.”

Arp, the runner-up last year and a semifinalist as a freshman, started his afternoon with a 6-1, 6-0 win over Wyoming Valley West’s Gadgidas Reisinger, 6-1, 6-0. He lost only two games in his three victories in the tournament.

“I was really happy, but it is always tough having to play your teammate,” Arp said. “He is somebody who you are rooting for all season long. He played amazingly today. Obviously, his skill set was amazing, but his focus was incredible.