The Houston High School tennis team played Wednesday (April 23) in the West Plains Invitational Tournament.
“I thought we played well and was proud of the results,” said head coach Josh McKinney.
In the No. 1 singles bracket, senior Connor McKinney got to the final and lost. He began with an 8-5 win over a player from Rogersville, then played Forsyth and won 8-5. In the final he played Willow Springs and lost 8-3.
In No. 2 singles, freshman Elijah Jones had to step in from the JV squad and play for Houston. He lost 8-1 to Mountain Grove, 6-0 to Salem and finished off the day playing well but losing to Liberty, 6-4.
“I was glad he got some experience as he just keeps improving every practice,” coach McKinney said.
In No. 1 doubles, HHS juniors Kaleb McGiboney and Jack Sandberg drew the team from Forsyth in the first round (who ended up winning the tournament) and lost 8-0. They then played West Plains and won 6-4 and in the 5th place match played Willow Springs and won 6-3. “They played well being the first time they had played together,” coach McKinney said.
HHS No. 2 doubles Riley Wilson and Gavin Altman, both juniors, lost to top-seeded Forsyth 8-0 in the first round and then fell to Mountain Grove, 6-0.
The Tennis Tigers play today (April 24) in the South Central Association conference tournament at Willow Springs.
