A Special Group

Have you ever noticed that since high school athletes in most cases come from a geographical area in which is considered that schools's district.  It is very hard year after year to have special athletes to stay on top year in and year out.

Just maybe Rocky Mount tennis  May be going through one of those special periods.  They are unbeaten in every team  match this season.

Just this week they completed and undefeated season sweeping the conference tournament. Rocky Mount's number one player Tyler Brice a Junior  won the singles title and is the Big East Tournament Champion.   He beat teammate senior Langley Salter and both have qualified  for the East Regional which starts next Friday.

George Shannon Junior and Landon Norwood Sophomore won the conference doubles title.  Ben Osterhout  a junior who plays the Gryphons 6th single spot qualified for the regional. So five Gryphons are in the individual singles and doubles which starts Friday and the duels or the team play starts Tuesday at home.

These stats are regular season stats but look at how deep this team is.  Tyler Brice playing number one slot 11-0. Playing as Number two singles George Shannon 11-0.  Langley Salter number three player 7-4.  The four spot is held down by Landon Norwood 9-2.  The five hole is occupied by Spencer Harris junior 9-2.  Number six player Ben Osterhout is 10-1.  The Gryphons for the year before doubles ever hit the court were leading their matches 5-1 which had already won the match.

The number one doubles team Brice and Shannon were 8-0. Norwood and Salter7-1.  Harris and Osterhout 4-1.  Quinton Mangano freshman and Sam Philips sophomore 1-0.  Harris and Philips 0-1.

There's more: Those who played this season as the third doubles look at these numbers. Spencer Harris and Ben Osterhaut 4-1.  Charlie Lane junior and Sam Philips 2-0.  Spencer Harris and Sam Philips 2-0..  Charlie Lane and Ryan Shrimper sophomore 1-0..  Ben Osterhaut and Sam Philips 1-0.

Whether one two or three doubles team this team was 30-4 in all their doubles matches. Looking at each player did you notice anything?  There is only one senior on the team. Tuesday starts the playoffs and this team looks as if they have a shot to make the state finals.  The sky seems to be unlimited this year.  Just think they could be better next year!