GHS tennis state bound

Bobcats finish 2nd in region, Lady Cats 3rd

  • From left, are Bobcat tennis players Isaac Bradshaw, Law Lykins, Ethan Cole, Brett Becker, Bryson Sisson, Kaden Reece and Gavin Berger after their runner-up finish at the region tennis tournament last week.
    From left, are Bobcat tennis players Isaac Bradshaw, Law Lykins, Ethan Cole, Brett Becker, Bryson Sisson, Kaden Reece and Gavin Berger after their runner-up finish at the region tennis tournament last week.

    Gilmer High tennis is on its way back to the state tournament.

    While the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted their regular destination last year, the season was played as planned in 2021. 

    The Bobcats secured their postseason spot by placing second at last week’s region tournament while the Lady Cats landed in third place.

    Image removed.
    Second from left are Gilmer High varsity tennis players Jenna Cole, Jessica Futch, Hannah Walker, Emma Callihan, Hope Colwell, Beth Burnette and Ellie Teague after last Thursday’s third-place finish at the region tournament. They are joined by Kiley Callihan (far left) and Elly Callihan (far right).

    Ahead of the title match, the Bobcats defeated White County (5-0) and Lumpkin County (3-2). In the finals, GHS faced the Cherokee Bluff Bears, who finished the regular season undefeated.

    CBHS kept its streak alive at the region tournament and defeated Gilmer, 3-0.

    The finals were stopped as soon as one team secured the win and remaining matches were halted. 

    Top Bobcat single Brett Becker won his first set 6-1. He was behind 5-3 in the second when it was called. No. 1 doubles Law Lykins and Isaac Bradshaw dropped their opening set 6-0 and won the second, 6-3. They were ahead 1-0 in the third set as CBHS secured the title.

    Bobcat Kaden Reece put up a fight in the No. 2 singles spot, but fell 7-5, 6-4. The Bears also earned a win over No. 3 single Bryson Sisson 6-1, 6-0. GHS doubles Gavin Berger and Ethan Cole were defeated 6-1, 6-3. 

    The Lady Cats downed White County (4-1) before a loss to Cherokee Bluff (3-2) in the semifinals. GHS secured third place when it topped Dawson County (3-1) in the consolation finals.

    Lady Cat singles Beth Burnette and Emma Callihan won 6-2, 6-1 and 6-4, 6-1 in the No. 2 and No. 3 singles matches, respectively. The No. 2 doubles team of Ellie Teague and Jenna Cole secured the win. After a first set loss of 6-4, they won the next two and the match 6-1, 6-1.

    Hope Colwell did not finish her match in the top singles spot. She won her first set and was ahead 4-0 in the second. No. 1 doubles Jessica Futch and Hannah Walker lost 6-3, 6-1.

    The Bobcats have a 10-6 overall record and will host a home match to begin the state tournament. The Lady Cats are 8-8 and will be on the road to start the event, which is set to begin April 20.

    First-round opponents have yet to be determined.