Prep tennis preview

Mission

Coach: Kimimi Ashley (boys), Sara Ison (girls)

The Bulldogs return Western B champ Briar Ahlborn on the girls side, along with third-placer Kayla Billette, so the senior leadership is there. Coach Sara Ison’s other returner is sophomore Daisie VandenBos.

For the boys, coach Kimimi Ashley is expecting big things from senior Karl Daniels, who had a disappointing early end to last season. Daniels should get some help from junior Jamie Mullins and sophomore Andrew Esslinger.

Polson

Coach: Bob Hislop

The Pirate boys will look to defend their state title, and they’re poised to do so with the return of second-placer Dylan McCrumb and third-placer Brady Hislop, both seniors.

Hislop has accepted a preferred walk-on spot at Eastern Washington University next year.

The Pirates also have doubles state placer Layne Zimmerman back from last year, though he lost partner Hayden Congdon. Tyler Dupuis, Tommy Mercer, Thomas Crosby and Quaid Harlan round out the boys varsity returners.

On the girls side, coach Bob Hislop said the Pirates have a wealth of experience. Mollybeth Hendrix, Karly Rochin and Shannon Oakley all placed at divisionals. Lauren Dupuis, Shawna Oakley and Taylor Rost all have varsity experience as well.