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Marco Island’s Matt Browne stepped up in grade, winning in the 16-and-under competition at the Estero Junior Local Clay Court Championships over the weekend.

Browne, 14, playing up an age division, quickly realized the difference.

“The ball is hit with so much more velocity and top spin,” he said. “The points also don’t last as long because the ball is hit harder and returns have a greater risk of flying out of bounds.”

Browne, who graduated from Marco Island Charter Middle School on Thursday, played a high school sophomore, Dominic Springer of Naples, in his first round. Browne admitted not playing well in the first match, with ferocious winds affecting both players. The match went the full three sets, with Browne winning the last, 6-3.

In the second round Browne went up against the top seed, Evan Stutchin of Cape Coral. Browne dropped the first set, 6-2, but battled back, winning the last two sets, 6-3, 6-4.

In the championship match he played Parker Cuevas-Woodall of Fort Myers, the second seed. Browne disposed of Cuevas-Woodall quickly, 6-4, 6-2.