Polson boys tennis team showcases team leadership at state meet

Last year at the Montana High School Class A state tournament, Johnny Moore got a lot of valuable experience playing as the No. 4 player and playing against one of the top-ranked players in the state.

Determined to position himself better at State, Moore continued to work on improving his game with his good friend Kaiden Forman Webster.

“He and Kaiden took hours of lessons and lived on the court during the summer,” Hislop said. “The played each other and they kept asking me when is the snow going to be off so we can get on the court? That is just a perfect example of how hard they worked and wanted to get better.”

Moore modified his game and this year he was able to generate a No. 3 seed as a singles player. He won his first match of the tournament until falling to No. 1 seeded Dillon player Brad Rakich in the second round.

Hislop said when Moore made the switch from a two-handed back hand to a one-handed backhand, it really allowed him to elevate his level of play.

Moore was also paired with a doubles partner late in the season. Carson McDaniel, who is headed on his way to South Dakota School of Mines and Technology on a golf scholarship, showcased his tennis skills as a tandem with Joe McDonald, according to Hislop.

McDonald and McDaniel won three consecutive matches in the loser’s bracket, although they didn’t end placing, Hislop said the doubles team really showcased their skills at State.

Hislop credited Moore and Foreman Webster with their work ethic they demonstrated.

“They really adore tennis and they both deserve kudos for the time they put in,” Hislop said. “Some kids put their rackets down (in the off season) and other kids absolutely can’t get enough of tennis. Moore and Foreman Webster were definitely two of those kids.”