News Summary

The Statesboro High School boys and girls tennis teams both achieved remarkable victories in the Sweet 16 round of the GHSA Class 6A State Playoffs. The boys’ team defeated Clarke Central High School, securing a place in the Elite 8 for the third consecutive year, while the girls’ team made a stunning comeback against Jackson County High School to also progress to the Elite 8. Both teams are set to face strong competitors in their next matches as the excitement builds in Statesboro.

Statesboro High School Tennis Teams Triumph in Sweet 16 of GHSA Class 6A State Playoffs

Buckle up, tennis fans! Excitement buzzed through the morning air in Statesboro when both the boys and girls tennis teams set off bright and early at 5:00 a.m. on Monday towards Athens for the much-anticipated Sweet 16 showdown in the GHSA Class 6A State Playoffs. The journey was long, but it was all worth it as both teams returned home with a roaring triumph!

Blue Devils Boys Team: Rising to the Challenge

The Blue Devils boys team kicked things off against Clarke Central High School and wasted no time in establishing dominance. Senior powerhouse Xavier Deckard gave Statesboro an early lead in the singles matches, winning his first match handily with a stunning score of 6-0, 6-1. Talk about setting the stage for a showdown!

Then came the exploits of the first doubles team, Sean Kim and Carter Copeland, who continued the hot streak by defeating their opponents with a solid scoreline of 6-1, 6-3. That brought the lead to a whopping 2-0 in favor of the Blue Devils. And just when it seemed like they had this match in the bag, Tyler Blythe clinched the victory at third singles, sealing it with a score of 6-3, 6-0. The excitement was palpable, and the crowd was on fire!

As the dust settled, Davis Hall was just one game away from a win at second singles when the match was halted. Meanwhile, the doubles team of Asher Hodgin and Luke Watanabe had also won their first set when the referee called the match. With this triumphant win, the Blue Devils boys team has made it to the Elite 8 for the third consecutive year—an impressive feat indeed!

Lady Devils: A Thrilling Comeback

After the boys’ match, it was time for the ladies to shine. With only a short ride of 40 minutes, the girls faced off against Jackson County High School. Things started off a bit rocky for the Lady Devils as they fell behind 1-0 after losing an early singles match. But this team knows how to battle back!

The magnificent doubles duo of Annalia Small and Lindsay Collins swept their competitors aside with a flawless score of 6-0, 6-0 at first doubles. Suddenly, Statesboro seized the lead, now sitting at 2-1 after the victory by the second doubles team of Lorelei Prosser and Nellie Watanabe, who won their match with a score of 6-0, 6-1.

The clinching point for the girls was delivered by Naomi Feltman, who won her second singles match with a score of 6-1, 6-3. As the matches wrapped up, Maxine Feltman was ahead by a set and a break at third singles when time ran out. The Lady Devils not only stormed back to claim victory but also secured their back-to-back appearance in the Elite 8—what an achievement!

The Antebellum Showdown Awaits

Looking ahead, the boys will meet the formidable seven-time defending state champions from Johns Creek this Thursday. As for the girls, they face a tough opponent in Milton High School, currently ranked No. 3 in the nation. Both matches are set to take place in Atlanta, and there’s no doubt the excitement in Statesboro will be at an all-time high.

As the 2023 season unfolds, both teams are determined to keep their winning spirits alive, making Statesboro proud. So get your cheers ready, because these Blue Devils are just getting started!

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