Tennis: Huskies edge Panthers for conference crown...

By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com

If Thursday’s Metro Conference tennis battles are a prelude of what’s to come, better strap in and get ready for some fun here in a couple of weeks.

Edmond North and Putnam City North have developed quite the little rivalry in the last few years, and the Huskies were able to get the team edge while the Panthers had some individual glory.

The Huskies and the Panthers met in three championships. PCNorth 2, Edmond North 1.

At No. 1 singles, Panthers junior Chris Haworth continues to do what he does best: win. Haworth beat Casey Distaso in a competitive match in the final. Still think everyone is playing for second when it comes to Haworth.

The Huskies had the edge at No. 2 singles as Nate Roper took out PCN’s Kole Melton. If Distaso plays (still a big ‘if’), Roper and Distaso is a formidable one-two punch.

Then at No. 1 doubles, Brian Diefenderfer and Wil Rodwell of PCN beat Nick Jordan and Alex Mathieson of Ed North for the title. Dief and Rodwell are going to have a great chance at winning state though there is a big logjam at the top there.

The difference for the teams is at No. 2 doubles where the Panthers can’t compete right now. The Huskies team of Bryce Lilley and Baylor Spring cruised to the title.

Girls

Not nearly as much drama here as the Edmond North girls continued North’s great week by sweeping all four titles at the conference title after holding off Enid at the Edmond Tournament.

The lineup is still TBD, but coach Dee Wallar may have found something with Rachel Mitcham and Ann Pepper at the singles spots.

The Huskies didn’t drop a set in winning all four conference titles Thursday.