Trojans hope for good run in B-C tennis
Following a sixth-place finish at state during their sophomore seasons, the Troy High School doubles team of Shado Garrett and Jesse Day came back as juniors to place third in the Class B-C showcase.
The pair took care of business in the consolation finals to defeat Morgan Parsons and Matthew Bohlken of Valley Christian, 6-4, 6-1.
As seniors, the Trojan duo returns for one final shot at a state title. It all begins this weekend with the arrival of Troy’s tennis season.
Head coach Steve Prieve saw 24 student-athletes come out for the sport – 15 boys and nine girls. With winter weather carrying over into spring, opportunities to practice outside have been limited. And that means question marks will remain until the Trojans get into some competition.
“Until we play a match, it’s hard to know,” said Nancy Prieve, who serves as assistant coach for her husband.
With only six boys teams in the state, all tennis players qualify for the May 21-23 state tournament in Missoula.
Jake Higgins returns for another season and Prieve said a big class of freshmen is coming up to compete for the varsity job.
For the girls, Prieve said early indications reveal that Jessica Lyons, Tara Duzan and Ande Hawkins will likely play on varsity. Newcomers Cassidy Hand, Jackie Pepiot and Kristin Parks are trying tennis for the first time but are looking good.
“They’ll do OK … for some, it’ll be their second year,” Prieve said about the girls’ contingent. “The three girls we got played other sports. As athletes, they’ll be OK.”
Girls have to qualify for state out of a divisional tournament that will be staged on May 15-16. And this season, Troy will be hosting.
The regular season is scheduled to open on Saturday at Valley Christian with the first home date following on Tuesday against Libby. Troy will actually make four straight appearances at home beginning with Libby and including Clark’s Fork, Idaho (April 8), Eureka (April 14, girls only) and Mission (April 18, boys only). In all, the Trojans have seven home dates this season.
Boys Schedule
April 4, at Valley Christian with Loyola, Darby, 11 a.m.
April 7, Libby, 3 p.m.
April 8, Clark’s Fork (Idaho), 3 p.m.
April 18, Mission, 11 a.m.
April 24, at Libby, 4 p.m.
April 29, Clark’s Fork (Idaho), 3 p.m.
May 1, at Mission, 4 p.m.
May 2, Valley Christian, 11 a.m.
May 9, at Loyola Invite, TBA
Note: The Class B-C State Tennis Tournament is scheduled for May 21-23 at Missoula.
Girls Schedule
April 4, at Valley Christian with Loyola, Darby, 11 a.m.
April 7, Libby, 3 p.m.
April 8, Clark’s Fork (Idaho), 3 p.m.
April 14, Eureka, 4 p.m.
April 24, at Libby, 4 p.m.
April 29, Clark’s Fork (Idaho), 3 p.m.
May 2, Valley Christian, 11 a.m.
May 7, at Eureka, 4 p.m.
May 15-16, Divisionals at Troy, TBA
Note: The Class B-C State Tennis Tournament is scheduled for May 21-23 at Missoula.