Team to beat
Warren wins Region 2 showdown with Greenville
Before the season — and after a year off due to COVID-19 restrictions — Warren boys tennis coach Travis Myler was hesitant to anoint the Dragons the team to beat.
After a 5-0 sweep of Region 2-rival Hickory earlier this season and now a 5-0 sweep of previously-unbeaten Greenville on Wednesday at Betts Park, it’s safe to say they are.
“I think we are at the top of the hill right now,” said Myler of the region, “and the guys just can’t get complacent.”
With the win, Warren is 4-0 in region. Greenville is 4-1.
Logan Fincher earned a 6-0, 6-1 win over Cayde Davidson at first singles; Wes Kiehl won, 6-2, 6-1, over Dawson Gehly at second singles; and Luke Smelko earned a 6-3, 6-4 win at third singles over Maisen Villard.
At first doubles, Warren’s Max Harrison and Ian Darling beat Bobby Barr and Finn Butcher, 6-3, 6-0; and Seth Conarro and Will Strassburg finished the sweep, 6-0, 6-1, over Isaac Hightree and Keaton Walberg.
“Any time you beat another team 5-0, without dropping a set, you have to feel a sense of pride; but we know that the competitive spirit of our boys have them wanting to go back out and improve on their results.” said Warren associate head coach Thomas Pellegrino. “All of our team is continuing to improve and impress us with their dedication and camaraderie.”
All four Warren victories have been by sweep. Class 2A Warren defeated 3A McDowell, 3-2, in a scrimmage match.
“Thomas and I have been particularly impressed with the singles displays of top Dragon Logan Fincher,” said Myler. “He is really taking this opportunity to develop into one of the top players in the district.”
Junior varsity winners for Warren included Mark Lynds in singles and Abe Wolf and Derek Hahn in doubles.