Preview: Tennis

GSL outlook

If history is to be believed, little will change this year. Mead’s boys and girls, last year’s champs, opened with a pair of wins each and have two of the best returning individuals. Some of last year’s standouts have graduated, but several teams return enough to keep things competitive. Any of five boys teams can challenge. Gonzaga Prep and University are expected to challenge the Mead girls.

Players to watch

Boys: Mead three-time state veteran Ethan Vaughn already has won a Clarkston/Lewiston tournament, beating two solid Idaho players and, by all reports, is stronger. His GSL rival this year is good friend Justin McClain from Mt. Spokane. Others of note are Central Valley veteran Peter Ho, a regional placer, G-Prep’s Riley Poppy, Ferris’ Tom Geranios and Shadle Park 3A district champ Patrick Howe.

Girls: Katijene Stime, a state doubles champ at Mead with her graduated sister, moves to singles. State qualifier Leslie Ho of Central Valley and Mt. Spokane’s Valerie Nauditt are back. Slovakian Karin Chymcakova, a North Central exchange student, has made her mark, beating G-Prep state veteran Anna Lambert in the season opener. Lambert beat Ho two days later. Also back is Mt. Spokane doubles state veteran Katie Bates.

GNL outlook

Clarkston returns third-placing state finishers Dustin McConnell and Elise Rooney and also has back players from state-qualifying doubles teams to keep them atop the league. Also back is the WV girls state doubles duo of Anh Phan and Dru Sanchez.