The United States Tennis Association Junior Team Tennis summer season ended with the state championships played July 23-24 in Jackson. Four teams based in Webster County received bids to participate against some of the best teams in the state.
This summer started with more than 75 kids playing between the 10U, 12U, 14U and 18U divisions for either Eupora or East Webster. Last year matches were with the Central Mississippi league but this year under new Summer Area Coordinator Randee Jernigan, teams were moved back to the Golden Triangle area. Randee did a great job in recruiting, which led to the creation of several teams from Starkville, West Point and Columbus.
The East Webster 12U team received an automatic bid to the state tournament for winning its division. Even though they were new to the sport, the kids played well and finished 3rd in their flight. The team included Karlee Bigham, Kayden Griffin, Colton Kirkman, Miles Stidham, Parker Tennant and Kage McHann, and they were coached this year by David Keen.
East Webster’s 14U team also received an automatic bid by finishing second in its division. Overall the team did not have much success at the tournament, however several courts were won and it was a great experience for all. The 14U’s were coached by Robbie Brown and the team included Levi Elkins, Cooper Stidham, Sam Brown, Bryce Bigham and Allie Neal. Also joining the team at state from Eupora were Olivia Frank and Loralee Jernigan.
The Golden Triangle area had 11 teams compete in 18U this summer. Since there were so many, the teams were split into two divisions. East Webster BOOFO won its division to earn an automatic bid. Eupora-Frank finished second in its division and that gave the team the opportunity to play Starkville Academy in a winner-take-all match for a bid.
At state, Eupora was placed in the third flight and finished in second place. East Webster was placed in the fourth flight and also finished in second place. For that reason, these two teams were paired on the court Saturday afternoon in which East Webster won in a tight match.
Eupora was coached this summer by Grant Frank. Those that played for Eupora in the tournament included Lillian Winter, Macie Manasco, Belle Powell, Presley Cummings, John Thomas Frank, Cliff Jernigan and Jacob Crimm.
East Webster was coached this summer by Jenna Flake. Jenna was joined on the team at state by Murry Catherine Alderman, Grace Ann Wade, Amberly Turner, Mason Brand, Kaleb Parish and Cameron McDaniel.
Interested in getting your child involved? Fall tennis will begin in a few months. Tennis is a big deal in Webster County — nine kids from this area will be playing tennis at five different colleges starting this fall.
For more information about USTA or the Junior Team Tennis programs offered you can contact Mississippi Tennis at 601-981-4421 or Fall Area Coordinator Rob Turner at 662-255-8433.
