Bayto Cokrlija knew his challenge ahead with three-time district champion Deven Pandey would be a mental and physical one in the District 11 Class 2A semifinals Thursday at Lehigh University.

Unfortunately for the Lehighton senior, it became a reality on both accounts.

Yet, there still was the proverbial silver lining ahead for him, and the thought that his career has come full circle.

Pandey, also a senior from Saucon Valley, downed Cokrlija in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0, to bring home his fourth straight title.

For Cokrlija, his mental game affected his physical one.

“I thought the match went alright,” offered Cokrlija, who advanced to the semifinals for the first time in his career. “I got into my own head, which caused a lot of mistakes.

“I don’t think it was a bad ending to my high school career, but I also don’t view it as a good ending. I put in a lot of hard work this year on and off the court, and the results weren’t what I had expected.”

Head coach Cody Schuler saw a somewhat similar picture in a different vein for Cokrlija, seeded fourth overall in the tournament.

“It was a tough day,” noted Schuler. “He (Pandey) was in his head, and it was a tough situation to recover from. Pandey came right at him.”

In the end, Schuler and Cokrlija saw in defeat there can be plenty of positive reflection.

Cokrlija advanced to the semifinals by defeating unseeded Bethlehem Catholic’s Liam Maloney, 6-3, 6-4, and then downing fifth-seeded Saucon Valley’s Louis Flowers, 6-0, 6-2.

“Bayto grew over the years not only as a good tennis player, but also as a good person,” stressed Schuler. “He became a leader on the team, and you could see how he developed his game. He had to play against a lefty in his opening match at districts, and he was able to make the adjustments.

“Other teams saw how he became a better player and we heard about it. He always was out practicing all the time, and you could see that he learned a lot about his game the last couple of years.”

Cokrlija agreed that his game took major steps. This year, he finished with an overall 10-3 regular-season record.

“I think I have come pretty far in the last two years,” stated Cokrlija. “Two year ago, I could barely hit a decent serve or forehand, but now that’s just a normal shot for me.

“I have come a long way, and at this pace, I hope I am able to perform well at the college level. I wish I could have done better with my regular-season record, but there’s nothing that can change that now.”

Cokrlija will take his game to Kutztown next fall, and he is expected to make an impact.

“Absolutely,” beamed Schuler about Cokrlija making the adjustment to college play. “He’s going to be able to grow and become a lot stronger. He is playing in leagues and against older players who can pass along some knowledge to him.”

Cokrlija also is looking forward to the next level, and has recognized how his influence has helped shape the school’s program.

“I hope when I leave for college that Lehighton’s tennis program will still be doing well for many years,” gushed Cokrlija. “I’m pretty excited about potentially playing college tennis at Kutztown, which has an amazing program.

“I think our program has come a long way from how our program used to be.

The senior also is confident that his younger brother, junior Bekim, can carry the passed torch in singles play. Bekim won an opening match in districts before he was eliminated.

“I really do believe Bekim is ready to step up his game,” accentuated his older brother. “I believe next year he will be destroying the league and potentially winning districts.

“I really hope he makes it further that what I have accomplished in my tennis career. I think he has the potential to do a lot of great things next year.”

His coach concurs with him.

“They have been playing tennis together for a long time,” said Schuler of the brothers. “Early in the season, I thought Bekim could challenge Bayto to be our No. 1 player, but Bekim said to let Bayto have it.

“Bekim has the intensity to be a top player. He definitely gained more respect this season, and like his brother, Bekim will be a top player in the league next year.”