Here’s a season preview looking at local high school tennis teams:
Pine Forest
Coach: Margaret Jones
Top returners: Dominic Canalli.
Promising newcomers: Josef Benes, Derrick Knabenshue, Justice Stiff.
Coach’s comment: “We have a new team this year and looking forward to a lot of growth, excitement and positive outlooks. Most of the players have never played before and it is a brand new learning game for them.’’
Terry Sanford
Coach: Chris Goodman
Top returners: Drew Hedgecoe, Jayden Pham, Keshav Tandon, Milind Tandon, Edison Dill, Spencer Brock.
Promising newcomers: Diego Mendoza Ramirez.
Coach’s comment: “Looking to have a few players return to the state championships for individuals this year. Drew Hedgecoe is back-to-back champ in singles and an early favorite to three-peat. Jayden Pham and Keshav Tandon have a very good shot at competing for a doubles state championship.’’
Cape Fear
Coach: Samuel Bullard
Top returners: Jordan Williams, R.J. Doran, David Brand.
Promising newcomers: Tommy Giovanetti, Elijah Cunningham, Andrew Sneed, Logan Tew, Sabastian Ortiz.
Coach’s comment: “The Colts are building upon some solid returners and with a few new faces we look to be very competitive in the United 8 Conference this year.’’
Gray’s Creek
Coach: Jason Fitch
Top returners: Dalton Canady, Ayden Arnold.
Promising newcomers: Hamp Walters, Eden Cordova Ramos.
Coach’s comment: “The Bears are looking forward to finally playing their home matches at home. They have been playing at Annette Park for the last two years. However, our courts at the Creek are finished. We have a team loaded with juniors led by team captains Dalton Canady and Ayden Arnold. Other returnees include Tomek Szcsepanski, Andrew Patrick and Iziah Lamour. The future is bright for this Bears team.”
