Longhorns Tennis serves up success

Due to the TSSAA's reclassification, the Johnson County tennis teams are now a smaller fish in a larger pond, if not a lake, but Coach Zack Pittman still intends to continue making a splash. Classifications have been reduced from three to two since last season, which isn't ideal for a school with the Longhorns' enrollment. However, Pittman, whose teams have enjoyed consistent success since his arrival in 2018, remains determined. His teams have won multiple team district championships, produced three doubles teams that reached the state tournament and had at least one singles player or doubles team advance to regionals every year. "I have extremely high expectations for this season," Pittman said, "as we work to continue the standard of excellence our program has built over the last eight years. … (Reclassifcation) makes the road tougher, but it is a challenge we are excited to take on." Pittman said he has the most talented boys team of his tenure. "After finishing second to University High, which has a couple of state championships under its belt, three years in a row, this senior-laden group is determined to get over that hump," Pittman said. "Despite battling injuries and illness early in the season, the boys remain undefeated in conference play and have turned in several dominant non-conference performances as well. One of our most impressive wins was a 9-0 victory over West Ridge, a school with roughly three times Johnson County's enrollment." Hunter Paisley, the runner up in district player of the year voting last season, headlines the boys squad. "Hunter has gotten off to a strong start despite working his way back after a serious car accident just a few months ago," Pittman said. "Hunter has the grit and determination you want in a competitor and will do whatever it takes to win. His doubles partner, senior Cecil Perry, has also stood out with major improvement from last season and is undefeated in conference play so far." Clayton Furches and Kale Cox – "super sophomores" according to Pittman – aren't experiencing a sophomore jinx. "(They) have put in tremendous work in the offseason, spending countless extra hours on the court, and it is paying off as they are now our top seeds," Pittman said. "Senior Harris Perkins has also come up big for us with a powerful serve and an improved net game." A fruitful postseason could be within reach. "Overall, I believe this Longhorn men's team has the potential to send multiple players to individual regionals and possibly beyond," Pittman said. "I also truly believe this group has a shot to reach the Spring Fling in Murfreesboro this year." The Johnson County girls team is in second place in the league. "We have a younger, less experienced group this season," Pittman said, "and several girls have had to step into higher positions in the lineup than they played a year ago." Lexi Mullins, the lone senior on the roster, is leading the way for the Longhrons. "Lexi Mullins has done an outstanding job stepping into the No. 1 singles spot," Pittman said. "She has handled that challenge with determination and poise and has been a fantastic leader both on and off the court. Her doubles partner, sophomore Audrey Shaw, has also stepped up in a big way while playing the No. 2 position. Lexi and Audrey are undefeated in conference doubles play, and with Lexi's serve and Audrey's net play, I fully expect them to make a strong run to regionals." Some underclassmen are seemingly blossoming before Pittman's eyes. "We also have a pair of talented super sophomores on the ladies' side, too, in Liyah Hillman and Rosalie Mills, who have moved into higher-seeded spots after not being in the top six last season," Pittman said. "Another player who has made an immediate impact is Candace Potter. She went from never having played tennis to breaking into the top six within the first couple of weeks, and I expect big things from her in the future." The most anticipated matches remaining in the regular season are against University High (April 7) and Elizabethton (April 20). "I am excited for the rest of the season," Pittman said. "I also want to thank assistant coach Kechia Eller, who has been instrumental in helping grow our tennis budget so we can provide our athletes with the equipment and uniforms they need. I would also like to recognize Tim Tugman and James Cox for generously donating their time to help coach, take pictures and handle so many of the small things that often go unnoticed. "Lastly, I want to give a big shout-out to all of the businesses and individuals who have supported our program over the years, especially Joe Herman. Our community has taken great care of us, and we are grateful for the continued support."