Boys tennis crowned league champs

The boys tennis team wrapped up league with wins over Henley and St. Mary's at Henley's home court at OIT on Saturday, April 26. Sisters defeated St. Mary's 5-3 and was even with Henley with four matches each but beat them 9-8 in sets.

Paul Fullhart (No. 1 singles) had a solid performance in his 6-4, 7-6 (7-2 tiebreak) win over Avery Kerwin of St. Mary's. Fullhart lost for the first time this year 4-6, 2-6, to Jacob Mangan of Henley.

"Paul had an overwhelming lead over Kerwin in the first set," said Coach Bim Gander. "He had four straight match points in a row and lost, and it went to a tiebreaker. He came back and regrouped and got the win, which really shows his depth of character."

Gander added, "There's a rivalry going on between Paul and Jacob, and in matches won Mangan is ahead 2-1. They have extreme differences in style, Paul with his power groundstrokes and Mangan as a versatile, agile younger player."

Michael Commins lost at No. 3 doubles, both heart-breaker matches that went to super tie-breakers.

Brennan Miller defeated Chris Kmakstevt of St. Mary's 6-1, 6-3, at No. 4 singles. Andrew Stengle lost to Henley at the No. 4 singles spot.

Sisters' No. 1 combo of Devon Calvin and Evan Rickards were double winners. The duo finished league undefeated. Calvin and Rickards defeated Ian Newton and Justin Hawkins of St. Mary's 6-3, 6-2, and beat Spencer Todd and Christian Risager of Henley 6-3, 6-2.

"Those wins pretty much guaranteed a top seed at the district tournament," said Gander. "Their aggressive volleys at the net are proving to be more important every match for them."

Connors Scarab and Billy Biggers (No. 2 doubles) tallied a 6-4, 6-7 (8-10), 10-6 win over Will Patterson and Riley O'Sullivan of St. Mary's. The duo went on to record a 6-4, 6-2 win over Jaime Campos and Jorge Vaza of Henley.

Shawn Horton and Ethan Stengle (No. 3 doubles) won easily over Dyrin Larson and Logan Hurst of Henley with scores of 6-0, 6-0. The duo lost to Chama LeVine and Nolan Peard of St. Mary's 4-6, 3-6.

Tyrell Gilmore and Kobe Martinez (No. 4 doubles) recorded a 6-2, 6-2 win over St. Mary's. Twins Jesse and Levi Anderson teamed up at the No. 4 doubles spot in the Outlaws' match against Henley and earned a 6-3, 6-0 victory.

"This was the best match I've seen them (Jesse and Levi Anderson) play as a team," said Gander. "Both have improved their serves dramatically, and their mobility on the court was exceptional."

Sisters wrapped up league undefeated and were 9-1 overall. The Outlaws will work hard at practice this next week in preparation for districts.

"We've improved every match this season, and we're completely ready for districts," said Gander. "It's not a stretch to say we'll have a singles team and two doubles' teams or even three make it to state if they live up to my expectations."

The district championships will be held in Medford on Sunday through Tuesday, May 11-13.