Louisa, Ky. — The Lawrence Co. Boys and Girls Tennis teams are a combined 18-1-2 and are undefeated in the 15th Region this season.
2024 Bulldog Boys Tennis
L to R Alex DeSario, Thomas Ratliff, Gavin Wells, Cayden Sweeney, Andrew Vinson, Chase Kendrick, Max Lefever, Blake Maynard, Kaine Musick, Alex Hogston, Ryland Brady, Braden Bownen, Landon Frazier, Chris Bessellman, Jake Preece, Aiden Mynhier
Both the boys’ and girls’ Bulldogs came in to the 2024 season as defending 15th Region Champions, so expectations were high to get a repeat of 2023. The season started with several weather delays. There was wind, rain, cold, and tornado warnings. Luckily, the Bulldogs did not let the unfortunate weather affect their performance.
Both teams came into April undefeated in 15th Region play. The team got to enjoy part of spring break in Pigeon Forge, TN and a trip to Dollywood. They were to play a local team, Sevier County High School. Unfortunately, the local team had to cancel but a few of their players were able to come and play some exhibition matches at a local park. Then, due to bad weather, the whole week after Spring Break was cancelled. That meant with two weeks left in the season the Bulldogs had 7 matches to play in one week. To accomplish this, on three separate days Lawrence County hosted two other teams and they all played each other.
2024 Bulldog Seniors
L to R Kaine Musick, Alex Hogston, Max Lefever, Blake Maynard
The Bulldog boys are led by Senior Blake Maynard and Freshman Chase Kendrick. Maynard is undefeated this season in 9 matches and in those 9 matches where they players play one set of 8 games; Maynard has only lost 7 total games in nine sets. Kendrick is also undefeated and in 8 matches and shut out his opponents, winning 8-0, in six of those matches.
Both players should be highly ranked for the 15th Region singles tournament.
2024 Girls Team
Back L to R Jenna Sammons, Elizabeth Browning, Macy Frazier, Aubrie Laney, Kaison Ward, Presslie Laney, Allie Huffman, Hanna Delong, Taylor Russell. Middle Row L-R: Emily Cline, Kennedy Gauze, Riley McClanahan, Aryn Huffman, Georgia Jude, Alexa Webb, Riley Sammons, Hannah Vinson
Front L to R Lizzie Mynhier, Reagan Webb, Molly McClanahan, Anna Hylton
The Bulldog girls have been led this season, as in the last 4 seasons, by Senior Kennedy Gauze. Gauze returns for her 6th and final season to attempt to win her fourth 15th Region singles tournament title in a row. Had Covid not cut the 2020 season short she could very well be going for her fifth title. Gauze is signing with the University of Pikeville to continue her tennis career.
2024 Bulldog Seniors
Back L to R Allie Huffman, Kaison Ward, Hanna Delong Front Row L-R: Alexa Webb, Riley McClanahan, Kennedy Gauze, Riley Sammons
Bulldog Coach Joey McClanahan
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… The Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) changed the format for the region tournaments across the state. This year the athletes have two opportunities to advance to the state tournament in Lexington, KY.
“…The individual singles and doubles tournaments are the same as they have been for several years, where the athlete competes in a 16-person tournament, or a doubles team competes against 15 other doubles teams.
“…Making it to the final four means they get to go to the state singles and doubles tournaments starting May 28th.
“…To determine a team championship, it was determined that each team build a roster of 3 singles and 2 doubles teams to compete against each other school during the season and also in a team tournament at the end of the season to crown the 15th Region Champion. In each matchup the winning team must win at least 3 of the 5 matches.
“…There will be a separate team tournament held in May with all 8 of the 15th Region schools and only the winning team will represent the 15th Region in a Sweet 16 team tournament to be held the first week in June, also in Lexington.
“…The Bulldogs goals are to have several players make it to State in the individual tournaments and to win both Boys’ and Girls’ team Region tournaments and compete in the Sweet 16.”
