The Bulldog program has captured its first boy’s and girl’s tennis titles in program history. Following a string of unprecedented success over the previous two seasons, the current crop of players led by seniors, Landen Canady, and Jacey Allen, have continued to build on this tradition of growth.
The Lady Dawgs not only captured their first region title, but also, their first playoff appearance in program history. They have advanced to the Sweet 16 and are set to play Charlton County on Monday. Leading the way this season have been a couple of veteran players at the top of the roster combined with several newcomers who have picked up the game quickly. Alaina Conley, Madalyn Jones, and Jacey Allen have maintained the top singles’ positions throughout most of the season. Abbey Marsh and Kinley Grimes have been nothing short of dominate in the #1 Doubles slot, compiling a 9-3 record. Haley Patel, arguably the most versatile player on the roster, teams up with newcomer Mattie Cochran in the 2nd Doubles position. Rounding out the roster are freshmen Addison Canady and Carly Salinas, both newcomers to the sport.
The boys team has truly compounded its success year over year. Senior Landen Canady has been an integral part of this growth. As a sophomore, he helped lead the team to only its second playoff appearance in program history. Last season, he was part of the first, Region Runner-up squad and the first Bulldog team to advance to the Sweet 16 of the state playoffs. In his final ride, he guided the Dawgs to another first: a Region championship. If the Bulldogs can secure a win against Miller County on Monday, they will advance to the Elite 8…another FIRST. Complementing Canady is sophomore Ethan Goodman who has held the #1 singles spot for much of the season. Freshman Max McBride, the first varsity Bulldog to move up from the middle school program (ECI has only had middle school tennis for 2 seasons), has solidly performed at the #3 singles position all season. The trio of Goodman, Canady, and McBride were undefeated in region play. Rounding out the roster is the #1 Doubles team of Wallee Kersey and Jacob McBride. Both are newcomers to the sport but have brought pure athleticism to the roster and have grown as players throughout the season, all while securing victories over Metter, Jenkins County, Savannah Early, and Claxton.
The Sweet 16 matchups for each squad are set for Monday at Harmon Park (results not available prior to publication). Regardless of the outcomes, these achievements serve as a receipt for the growth-oriented culture ECI Tennis has established and the buy-in from the players that wear the Red and Black. So, to answer the question asked so often, “Yes, they do play tennis at ECI.” Go Dawgs!
