Aggie squads boast experienced team

By Chris Hubbard

The Albertville Aggie tennis teams will bring something to the season that they have not had in a long time, experience. The boys return 4 of 6 starters from last season, while the girls have 5 of 6.

The boys would return a fifth starter, Will Siskey, although he had other plans for this year.

“He (Siskey) was our number one in singles and doubles,” said Greg Henderson, Albertville Head Coach. “Now, he is attending a tennis academy in Boca Raton, Florida. He played the leadership role for us.”

Junior John Barkley, senior Taylor Hooper, junior Jay Penney and freshman James Stack will lead the Aggies. He expects sophomore Dustin Kelley and Freshman Noah Campbell to contend for the final two spots.

“John is going to have to be a leader for us,” Henderson said. “He has the ability to be a good one.”

The boys have finished in the state’s top 10 in four of the last seven years. This year could make it two in a row for the aggie boys. In order to achieve that, the aggies must finish in the top two at the sectional tournament.

“Right now, Cullman and Boaz are projected to finish one and two. We have the ability to make some noise this year. I believe it will come down to doubles play,” says Henderson. “Our doubles players have a lot of experience and have bought in to the importance of double play in tournaments.”

On the girl’s side, they have never in the history of the program made it to the state tournament. This year would be the year to do it.

“The girls have five starters back which will be very beneficial to making our goals of winning county and earning a spot in the state tournament,” Henderson said. “We do have two teams in our way for both goals. Arab and Guntersville are traditional powers in the county tournament and will make it difficult. As far as the section goes, Cullman along with Arab will make it tough.”

“A big difference in this year’s team from years past is depth. We have a lot more girls out than we have had in a long time.”

The returning five players from last year’s top six are Courtney Moore, Sara Grace Wilks, Mary Catherine Mitchell, LeAnna Flemming and Madeline Mitchell. None of which are seniors.

Expect some tough competition for the one and two spots in singles.

“Last year, Moore and Wilks were our one and two, but this year could be different with the solid improvement of Mary Catherine and Madeline,” Henderson said. “They have had a very strong offseason with workouts at Lifepoint tennis academy and competing in tournaments across the state.”

This will be Albertville’s last year competing in class 5A as they are moving up to 6A next year.

Albertville’s first match for boys and girls will be at home against DAR on February 23.

The county tournament will be held at the Albertville courts on April 5.

The section tournament for both, the boys and girls will be at the Albertville courts on April 16 and 17.