Boys tennis pair competes at State

The Outlaws’ No. 1 tennis duo, Jeff Minke and Evan Sims, represented Sisters at the State tennis Championships which were held at the Eugene Swim and tennis Club on Friday and Saturday, May 19-20.

Minke and Sims had an easy win in their first match of the tourney. They defeated Michael Shouee and Ryan Blankenbaker of Ontario 6-2, 6-0.

Later in the day Minke and Sims were eliminated when they lost 6-3, 6-1 to Evan Katlan and Taylor Dutton of Caitlin Gable (CG).

Coach Boyd Stuwe said, “The guys from CG were the No. 2 seeds in the tournament and were a very, very strong team. Our boys haven’t seen a team with those kinds of serves and that kind of game all season.”

Minke’s showing at the State Tournament was only his second match since returning to the team after surgery.

“Jeff’s tennis skills were as good as ever but he still wasn’t 100 percent in his mobility. After things were looking so dubious all season with his health I’m glad he got a shot at it (State),” said Stuwe.

Sophomore Evan Sims will return to the Outlaw squad next season and Stuwe told The Nugget he expects to see Sims at State next year in the No. 1 singles position.

“He’s a kid with a lot of skills, not to mention a lot of natural athleticism. He never quits on a shot or on a point,” said Stuwe.