Tennis team looks to defend its title

Coming into the season as defending 3A state champions, Boulder City High School boys tennis is eager to get back out on the court and defend their title.

“It’s been a minute since we were defending state champions,” head coach Rachelle Huxford said. “Although this is mostly a new team who is ready for their chance to win a championship, there’s a real energy on the court this summer. The boys are excited.”

Finishing as state champion runner-up to South Tahoe the past two seasons prior to last season’s triumph, the Eagles finally got over the hill against their northern rivals.

This year they’ll look to do the same with an entirely new core.

“We don’t bring back a lot of starters from last season, but we have a lot of talent on this year’s team,” Huxford said. “We’re going to move players around and test out what’s working and what’s not. By the end of the season I’m very confident this group will be gelling together.”

Leading the way for the doubles teams will be seniors Will Teeples and Miles Alder, who look to make a run at an individual regional and state title together, after each having success in the last as singles players.

“They asked to play together and they want to make a run at a championship,” Huxford said. “They have to learn to trust each other as two singles players going into doubles, but they’re both great, dependable players. I’m very excited for this pairing.”

Potentially slotted as the Eagles’ second doubles tandem, senior Thomas Allen and junior Grady Crine could be an interesting duo to watch, while seniors Seameus Lemon and James Peel are two first-year additions to look out for.

Also in the mix for playing time this season will be senior Gavin Erne and junior Kellen Gross.

“There’s a lot of potential with our doubles tandems,” Huxford said. “It’s always hard early in the season figuring out who works best together and who has the best chemistry, but I’m confident we can find the right mix going into the season.”

Mixing experience with youth, senior Nathan Law will anchor the singles unit, while sophomore Bryce Schrock and freshman Jake Richards are expected to make immediate impacts.

“Nathan has worked on his tennis game all year round,” Huxford said. “He’s been dedicated to getting better, taking lessons, going to camps. He’s determined to do well this year. Last year he played doubles and did a great job for us, this year he wanted to play singles. He’s a great team leader with a lot of experience.

“We have some underclassmen coming in that know how to play tennis, which is always nice. We look forward to seeing these kids get better and help build the program for the future.”

Wasting no time challenging themselves out of the gate, the Eagles will start their season on Aug. 18 on the road at 4A Basic, in what hopes to be an early-season test.

“We have some tough matches that will challenge the kids early and help prepare them,” Huxford said. “We have a solid mix of returners and new kids. Excited to build out a roster and make another run at state.”