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Ponies aim to power past the Central A

Havre High tennis teams hope for continued success at divisionals

For 10 weeks, the Havre Blue Pony tennis teams have been pounding balls and playing in cold, wind and rain. They've worked hard and pushed themselves to the limit.

And it's all been for this week, said HHS head coach George Ferguson.

Havre will head to Bozeman today to start the 2017 Central A Divisional tournament. The tournament, which runs through Saturday, not only has team titles on the line, but also four spots in boys singles, girls singles, boys doubles and girls doubles, to next week's Class A state tournament.

"The kids have worked really hard," Ferguson said. "They have done all we've asked of them, every single day this spring. They've pushed themselves. They've improved every day. Now it's time to make all that pay off. This is going to be a very exciting week. It's divisional week. Enough said."

Divisionals for the Blue Pony boys has always meant trophies. The Havre boys have won 14 of the last 15 Central A titles, including eight in a row. And with a veteran team, Havre is the favorite to win a ninth straight title in a field that includes teams from Belgrade, Lewistown and Livingston.

Havre has the top seeds in both singles, senior Dustin Haas, and doubles, seniors Jake Sedahl and Nate Korb. Haas was a state qualifier a year ago, while Sedahl teamed with Jerod Boles to win the Central A title a year ago. Juniors Trey Murphy and Kennedy McKay are also seeded in this week's tourney.

But as good as Havre's big guns are, Ferguson says it's his depth, Brady Ophus and Tommy Brown in doubles, and seniors Trey Hanson and Bobby Personett, as well as freshman Tyrel Kjersm, that will hopefully push the Ponies to the top of the Central A yet again.

"Our top guys are the top guys in the conference, no doubt," Ferguson said. "I think those five guys have a chance to do great things this weekend. But what's going to make the difference for our boys is our depth. Brady and Tommy have been playing some great tennis the last month, and they have a real shot to go deep in this tournament. And I think all of our singles players can do the same. Guys like Trey Hanson and Bobby P (Personett), they're capable of knocking off just about anybody in the field. So if those guys play up to their capabilities, we'll be pretty tough to beat.

"Having said that," Ferguson continued. "We can't go down there and take anything for granted. Every match, our boys have to bring their A-game. They know Belgrade is right on our heels. Belgrade has a really strong team this season, and we'll have to be at our best to stay ahead of them. But again, when we're at our best, and hopefully we will be this weekend, we're a very strong team one through 10."

While the Havre boys are certainly the favorites in Bozeman, the Blue Pony girls come in as an underdog. Livingston, Belgrade and Lewistown are senior-heavy squads, while the Ponies don't have a single senior and are taking six girls to their first divisional tournament. And yet, Ferguson says his team is one that can't be overlooked.

"I love the position our girls are in," Ferguson said. "They can play loose and relaxed. They're in a position where, they're a brand new divisional team, and they don't have to feel pressure. Our girls have worked so hard to get ready for this tournament, and they are going to be a force. I know they will."

Paige Nelson, a state qualifier a year ago, is just one of four Ponies who played at the Central A last season. Nelson is also one of the favorites in singles this weekend. Kadyn Acor also saw divisional action last season, as did Megan Lindbloom and Alex Donaldson, who played doubles together.

From there however, Havre's lineup is strikingly different. Donaldson now plays with sister Katie Donaldson, while Lindbloom pairs with fellow junior Baylee Miller. Havre's top team, Marcee Murphy and Devyn Solomon, are seeded, playing in their first divisional tourney, as are singles players McKenzie Tommerup and freshman Cassidy Acor.

And while Livingston and Belgrade are likely the favorites this weekend, Ferguson says, his lineup could definitely make a lot of noise in Bozeman.

"No one better overlook any of our girls," Ferguson said. "They are peaking at the perfect time. They are playing their best tennis of the season. And every single one of them is capable of beating anyone in their draw. That is a fact. I'm just super proud of this girls team. Because of their youth and inexperience, they've taken some lumps this spring. But they've never given up. They all have such great attitudes. They all have stayed so positive, and it's going to pay off. It will pay off this weekend and certainly down the road."

And making it all pay off this weekend is the goal for the Blue Ponies. Ferguson's philosophy every year is to use the regular season to be as ready as possible for this one weekend. And he feels his teams are as ready as ever.

"Our kids are hungry to succeed," Ferguson said. "They are fired up and ready to go. It's going to be a tough three days of tennis. Divisionals, in a lot of ways, is harder than state. But I believe in these kids so much, I believe in what they're capable of, and they're going to go to Bozeman and do great things. This is a weekend they'll never forget. There's really nothing like postseason tennis. I'm just so proud of the 20 kids we're taking to Bozeman and it's going to be a very exciting weekend."

The Central A divisional tournament starts this afternoon and is set to run through Saturday in Bozeman. The top four in each bracket will then move on to the Class A state tournament next Thursday and Friday in Kalispell.

 

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