Girls Tennis Preview (what to watch for)

By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com

Biggest thing to watch for is the weather. Here’s to hoping we get everything in this weekend.

As much as I love tennis, it’s the first sport that has to be called off with even the smidgest amount of rain.

Ever played on a slippery court? You like having healthy legs? Don’t play on a slippery court unless you want to mess up your knees, or ankles or hamstrings. It’s brutal.

But with that said, what should you be watching for this weekend at the state tournament?

Class 6A

Biggest question: Can anyone pose a real threat to Jenks? I don’t think so. Admittedly, haven’t seen the Trojan girls this season. Just been looking at the numbers and remember how strong they were last year.

Edmond Memorial has the best chance while Edmond North is solid, too. If you combined the schools, they’d be dynamite.

But as is, see it being Jenks-EM-EN finish.

Player to watch: Rachel Mitcham, Edmond North. The No. 1 singles field is about as open as can be.

With Jennifer Buntz of Jenks, Mackenzie Zaloudek of Enid and Lindsay Choi of Edmond Memorial, it’ll be a real battle for the crown.

When Mitcham is on her game, she’s the best. She’ll have to bring it this weekend.

Class 5A

Biggest question: Will McGuinness sweep? I’m not trying to be a jerk, but that is the drama for me. Whitney Ritchie and Mia Lancaster are some of the best juniors in the country (not just state) and the No. 1 doubles team of Katelyn Connelly and Emily Conrad would be singles players just about anywhere else.