Staff report

Monday’s loss to Troy not withstanding, the Sidney High boys tennis team is in the midst of an excellent campaign under first-year coach Donovan Gregory.

Overall, the Yellow Jackets have an 11-6 record, including 6-1 in the Greater Western Ohio Conference American North standings. The loss to Troy (7-0) is the only one in North play.

“Overall, the team has had a solid season so far,” said Gregory. “We began to see growth with the team around the mid-point mark and we are excited to see how the rest of the season plays out. We will see what the team has as we hit some of the tougher opponents.”

At first singles, freshman Prem Dev has been outstanding. He currently owns a 14-3 record overall record and is 8-1 in GWOC North play. His 14 wins are the most in the conference at No. 1 singles.

“For being only in his first year of tennis, he is off to one of the best starts in school history, not to mention he is taking on every team’s best player,” said Gregory.

At second singles, Diachi Urata is currrently 13-4 on the season, and also 8-1 in North ccompetition. And he is only a sophomore.

“He’s had a great season as well so far,” said the coach.

Logan Searcy has taken over at third singles and is currently 5-1 overall and 3-1 against North opponents.

At first doubles, the team of Michael Ferree and Chance Cheek are 4-3overall and 3-2 in league play.

“They are making progress,” Gregory said of the Ferree-Cheek team. “They are starting to make a solid pair at first doubles.”

The second doubles team is Jersain Brux and Nobel Zhou, who Gregory said are becoming more consistent with each match they play. They are continuously being pushed by Broc Bey and Carter Vantilburg, who have played well at the junior varsity level.

“These teams have made great strides this season, and are continuing to improve,” Gregory said.

The team has five matches remaining before turning its attention to the postseason in Division 1.