As has been the case over the last few years, the high school tennis power in the Eastern Panhandle revolves around Jefferson and Washington high schools. Judging by the combined strength of the Cougars and Patriots, championships, both in the EPAC and WVSSAC’s Region II, state championships can be within reach.
What seems to be the common denominator among the county’s two high schools is doubles. Whether it be boys or girls’ doubles, with Jay Wilson and first-year coach Anna Ours at Jefferson, or Chris Walter at Washington, the chances of the Cougars and Patriots making deep runs in the post-season are good.
Jefferson High 'has depth' on boys' squad, girls' strength may lie in doubles
“We’ve got good depth,” Wilson said of Jefferson’s boys’ squad. “It’s something we can build on for the future.”
It’s still too early to tell just who is going to emerge as a strong point in any one aspect of the Cougars’ game plan. Boys’ singles remains a question mark, as challenge matches to determine just who plays in spots for any given match remain ongoing.
“This is where it can get exciting,” Wilson said. “If someone wants to get a starting spot, they have to earn it in practice.”
Wilson said this is where he and assistant coach Julie Chen learn more about individual personalities.
“This is where we see them come out,” he said. “The kids are friends, but when a match starts, you sort of have to concentrate on your own personal game. You’re looking for the right combinations that will make you successful.”
The core of Jefferson’s boys’ team is in Miles Hoover, Grayson Swisher, Adam Thompson, Cooper Young and Carter Blake. All are capable singles players, but Wilson thinks the Cougars seem to be strongest at the
“We do have some people who have the capability of playing both singles and doubles in the post-season,” Wilson said. “We’ll just have to see how things work out.”
Ours, a Jefferson grad, has 21 players on this year’s roster. Like Jefferson’s boys, Ours feels the Cougars’ overall strength may, indeed, lie with doubles play.
“We seem to be better in doubles’ play,” Ours said. “We’ve got a good relationship going with the players and coaches. Right now, it’s just a matter of getting our confidence built up.”
Gabby Smith and Lydia Hayes return as anchors for Jefferson’s girls. Throw in Sophia Tuzzio, Adele Simpson, Shea Fowler, Isla Bartosevich and Hallie Shanholtz, and the Cougars have the makings for strong showings in EPAC and the region.
Washington looks to defend regional titles, push past state semifinal loss last season
The Patriots’ boys, coached by Chris Walter, are the defending regional team champion, making it to the state semifinals before losing to eventual state champion Hurricane.
Aiden Walter, last year’s regional boys singles winner, also played boys doubles, making up one part of a regional title there as well. He returns, along with defending regional semifinalist in singles, Brycen Maccubbin. Maccubbin was also part of a doubles runner-up team, paired with Alex Dreflak.
Washington should also draw strength from returnees Brady Catrow, Lucas Vega Leon, Brandon Lu and Christian Prado. Up-and-comers for the Patriots include Mason Sions, Clay Stolipher, Bryce Alawuru and Jason Brady.
For Washington’s girls, coached by Erik Cooper, they’re banking on the strength of a string of four straight regional team championships. The Patriots reached the state quarterfinals last year.
Angeline Almeyda, an all-state pick last year by reaching the state semifinals in girls’ singles play, is the clear leader for Washington once again this year. She also played on a regional doubles championship team last year.
The Patriots have a strong group of returnees backing Almeyda up. It includes Alexa Wenner, Sam Breeden, Maggie Slover, Ava Brenneke, Ava Richards and Abby Ilnicky. Look for new players such as Capri Gustines, Frevia Dreflak, Emily Slagle, Gwyn Willlingham and Autumn Battle to compete for starting positions.
Across the rest of EPAC, the situation is somewhat in flux. There appears to be a downward trend in numbers across the conference. Martinsburg is contending with low numbers, Wilson said.
“But I hear Musselman is pretty good,” he added.
While team state championships may not be a realistic goal on the local level, strong, individual performances are possible. The fact Jefferson County will once against take center stage for EPAC and regional championships, hosting both events, speaks to the level of competition expected in this part of the Mountain State.
There are also plans this season to pay tribute to longtime Jefferson coach Glenn Edwards, who died in 2023.
“Glenn was so influential in building up tennis, not only in Jefferson County, but across the Eastern Panhandle,” Wilson said.
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