The West Plains Zizzers return to the courts this season with a mix of veteran leadership and new faces, hoping to build on last year’s individual wins.
Head Coach Nathan Huddleston said the squad earned a few victories in last year’s district tournament but fell short of reaching sectionals.
“We did get a couple of individual wins but we did not end up advancing to sectionals,” Huddleston said. “Last year, Reilly Jolliff was a junior. He got a win in the first round. And Mikey Strong and Mason Lancaster, also juniors last year, they got a doubles win in the first round, but did not advance to sectionals.”
The team will compete without Adam Vaughn, last year’s No. 1 player, who graduated. Huddleston said Vaughn stopped by practice over spring break just for fun.
This year’s lineup features five seniors — four returning and one newcomer, Logan Ray, who recently decided to join the team.
“Brett Harris, he’ll be our No. 1.” Huddleston said. “Also a senior, at No. 2 is Reilly Joliff, and No. 4 and No. 5 are seniors Mikey Strong and Mason Lancaster. Our No. 3 this year is a junior, Michael McKale, and our No. 6 is a sophomore, Brady Anselm.”
Huddleston highlighted the players expected to make an immediate impact.
“Our top three for sure,” Huddleston said. “Brett Harris, he’s moving from a No. 3 to a No. 1, which is a really hard jump to do in tennis because a lot of No. 1s are just lights-out amazing. But I feel like Brett is going to show some promise this year. Riley Joliff as well at No. 2, and then Michael McKale at No. 3. He’s increased in skill big time over the last two years. Like I said, he’s a junior this year, he’s No. 3, then will likely be moving up to the one or two spot his senior year.”
Looking ahead, Huddleston said the schedule won’t be easy, with key rivalries already set.
“We face some pretty tough opponents. Rogersville is always a rivalry of ours,” he said
