Some get their chance to make an impression at the Clark County tournament at 9 a.m. Saturday at Northwestern High School. Among them is Greenon’s No. 1, Arian McNeil
“Arian’s played Taylor two years in a row,” Greenon coach Harold Fitch said. “Let’s face it, Taylor is good. Now Arian said it’s her time to take over.”
Greenon also returns No. 2 Courtney Brinkman. The two juniors give Fitch confidence that Greenon can compete with CBC-favorite Tippecanoe for the league title.
Northwestern’s top three singles players — junior Addie Smith and seniors Alison Sigler and Hannah Miller — return 54 victories for Warriors coach Kevin Fraker.
A more confident Smith returns at No. 1 with Sigler at No. 2 and Miller at No. 3. Having that experience and leadership is key for the Warriors.
“I’m thrilled about the type of kids I have out,” Fraker said. “They are fantastic to be around. It’s fun to show up every day.”
Tecumseh doesn’t have Culbertson, but the Arrows do have junior Karli Mulkey moving into the No. 1 position and senior Libby Foland taking over at No. 2.
“We’ve got a lot of players in their first year,” said coach Mike Crago, who joins them as the Arrows’ first-year coach. “Hopefully by the end of the season we’ll have a pretty good squad on the courts.”
While not in the CBC, perhaps the favorite to take over Clark County tennis is Northeastern senior Kaleigh Cummins. The Division II district qualifier had three losses last season: two to Culbertson and one in the district tournament.
“I’m looking for her to have another successful season,” Northeastern coach Jane Warren said. “She certainly has paid her dues during the winter and summer working on her game. … It’s improved to a different level this year as a result of that.”
Senior Lindsey Whitley is at No. 2 for the Jets, who get a good test today against Greenon.
Over in the Greater Western Ohio Conference, Springfield coach John Hamilton has talent with senior Shirley Connolly, junior Jenna Demeter and sophomore Amanda Dillon.
“I think we have a great opportunity with a younger team to hold our own in a tough conference,” Hamilton said.
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