Preview

SA Times - The strength of this year's team, much like the last few seasons, is a stacked boys roster. The Bobcats boast four seasoned seniors at the top of their lineup who have compiled a stellar combined record of 112-20. On tennisrecruiting.net, the four players - Bryan, Chris Solley, Zack Johnson and Scott Motl - are ranked in the top 60 in the state. "There's no question they're our strength," said Central's second-year coach, Matt Rutherford. "I'm not sure there's a better boys team in the state."

Rounding out the boys' lineup are juniors Colby Meeks, Kanton Collins and Carson Pfluger, sophomore Harvey Williams and freshman Jared Johnson. The girls team is led by three experienced seniors in Anna Studt, Lindy Williams and Julia O'Conner, along with juniors Haley Hunt and Michelle Mendoza.

There are also some up-and-coming sophomores near the top of the lineup in Kristen Hensley and Macy Barnett, plus the No. 3 doubles team of sophomores Hannah Brown and Claire Bryan. "I'm pretty confident in the way the team's playing," said Studt, the girls' No. 1 singles player. "We've got a lot of talent and a lot more depth than we've had before." Once again, Abilene High appears to be Central's biggest obstacle in winning a district title. The Eagles, who are ranked No. 5 in the state, have handed the Bobcats their only district losses the past two years. "Abilene's definitely our biggest competitor," Studt said. "But I think we're definitely capable of winning district and doing very well in regionals." Central has lost in the second round of regionals the past two years, an impressive feat for a program that had gone 16 years without a regional playoff appearance.

Now, with a senior-heavy squad, the Bobcats will try to take the next step. "This is the last shot for more than half the team, so there's obviously gonna be a sense of purpose," Bryan said. "Not to say that it was lacking before, but it'll be more highlighted this year." Central competed at only one tournament prior to the start of district play, but the Bobcats did well. At perhaps the toughest tournament in the state in Plano, Central took fifth place, losing 10-9 to sixth-ranked Houston Klein.

The real tournament, the six-leg district race that will decide Central's playoff fate, begins today. "I'm hoping we can get off to a good start," Rutherford said. "I think Lee is gonna be tougher than the kids are expecting. But I expect these guys to do well against everybody."