GCHS boys tennis team heads to region tournament
3 years ago | 301 views | 0 0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend | print
    As the season winds down, the Grand County High School boys' tennis team is preparing for the region tournament at Richfield, on Friday, May 2, with play starting at 8:30 a.m.

    The team's play has been solid the past couple of weeks, with Grand hosting South Sevier, San Juan, Parowan and Richfield. The Devils had solid wins against San Juan and South Sevier, while losing close matches to Parowan and Richfield. Players showed improvement, and the roster has been mixed up a bit to let different guys gain some experience and strengthen the team, said head coach Ed DeFrancia.

    Jake Tatton, playing at No. 1 singles, has had the most difficult schedule, as he must play the top player from each of the other schools. Tatton has played close matches with nearly every opponent, but could only muster one win. He will go into region as the No. 6 seed, but feels he can rise to the challenge and surprise a few people.

    Skylar Johnson, No. 2 singles, really picked up the pace, and won his last four matches, DeFrancia said. He has the best individual record, and should get a No. 3 seed for the tournament, giving him a good chance to reach the finals and compete for region champion.

    At third singles, Zach Johnson has shown steady improvement, but strong competition and a lack of experience have kept him from winning, according to DeFrancia. Johnson has spent extra time on the court, is willing to listen and try something different to get his game to the next level, and has a good chance of pulling off an upset and qualifying for state, the coach said.

    The doubles teams of Mike Nelson and Ravon Martin (No. 1), and Derek Richardson and Dayton Minor (No. 2) continue to be strong. Nelson and Martin have been solid in every match and feel they have a good chance of challenging for the championship. They need to step up their intensity and not play down to their opponent's level, DeFrancia said, adding that a similar focus for Minor and Richardson should get them through, as well.

    The most serious challenges will come from Manti and Parowan, but the team feels confident, and should not have to meet either of these teams until later in the competition. The top five from each position qualify, and Grand is looking to have someone in each spot.
Share This Article |
similar stories

GCHS spring sports teams gear up for season | 3 years ago by Jeff Richards

GCHS boys tennis team heads to region tournament | 3 years ago

GCHS tennis team sees mixed results so far in region play | 9 months ago by Jerad Ciarus
contributing writer

GCHS boys tennis team sees mixed results in early matches | 3 years ago

GCHS tennis team, Gunnison become region co-champions | 9 months ago by Jerad Ciarus
contributing writer

report abuse...

Express yourself:

We're glad to give readers a forum to express their points of view on issues important to this community. That forum is the “Letters to the Editor.” Letters to the editor may be submitted directly to The Times-Independent through this link and will be published in the print edition of the newspaper. All letters must be the original work of the letter writer – form letters will not be accepted. All letters must include the actual first and last name of the letter writer, the writer’s address, city and state and telephone number. Anonymous letters will not be accepted.

Letters may not exceed 400 words in length, must be regarding issues of general interest to the community, and may not include personal attacks, offensive language, ethnic or racial slurs, or attacks on personal or religious beliefs. Letters should focus on a single issue. Letters that proselytize or focus on theological debates will not be published. During political campaigns, The Times-Independent will not publish letters supporting or opposing any local candidate. Thank you letters are generally not accepted for publication unless the letter has a public purpose. Thank you letters dealing with private matters that compliment or complain about a business or individual will not be published. Nor will letters listing the names of individuals and/or businesses that supported a cause or event. Thank you letters about good Samaritan acts will be considered at the discretion of the newspaper.