Panther tennis team recognizes members at awards night

Posted 11/1/16

Earning most improved for the boys was junior Nathaniel Whitham. After playing through the intrasquad tournament at the start of the season, Whitham did not make the varsity squad.

“But Nathaniel took advantage of the challenge process and …

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Panther tennis team recognizes members at awards night

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The Powell High School tennis team recently handed out awards to its most improved, most inspirational and most valuable players of the fall season. Letter winners were also recognized at the Oct. 18 event.

Earning most improved for the boys was junior Nathaniel Whitham. After playing through the intrasquad tournament at the start of the season, Whitham did not make the varsity squad.

“But Nathaniel took advantage of the challenge process and ended up earning a spot on the varsity team with another junior, Wade Musso, playing in the No. 2 doubles spot,” said head coach Joe Asay.

Nicole Sanders was voted most improved for the girls team. One of two seniors on the varsity squad, this was Sanders’ first year on the varsity team.

“She played No. 2 doubles with her cousin, sophomore Sierra Sanders,” said Asay. “They were one match away from playing on Saturday in the consolation finals for third and fourth place.”

Most inspirational was awarded to juniors James Sheets and Lauren Asher for the boys and girls team.

Sheets, playing in his second year on the varsity team, wasn’t able to play as much tennis this summer as he would have liked due to a wrist injury, Asay  said.

“One of the biggest goals for these athletes is the opportunity to play in one of the two singles spots,” said Asay. “(Sheets) worked through his injury and, although he did not have a chance to play in one of two singles spots, he and his partner, Aaron Jacobsen, played great tennis this year.”

Last year as a sophomore, Asher and her partner Tessa Eller, played in the consolation final for the No. 2 doubles team. They placed third last year at state after having lost a three set match.

“(Asher) has worked very hard at the game of tennis,” said Asay. “She earned the No. 2 singles position this year and, although she did not have the results she would have liked, she always had the best attitude.”

Most valuable on the boys team went to freshman Jesse Brown. Brown lost only two matches during the regular season. One of those losses was to an undefeated senior from Gillette in the final match of the regular season.

“(Brown) had the perfect opportunity for redemption beating that same kid for the No. 2 singles state title,” said Asay. “(Brown’s) state title gave the boys team enough points for a fifth-place finish out of 16 teams.”

Brown also made all-conference and all-state honors.

Junior Hattie Pimentel was voted most valuable for the girl’s team. Pimentel has played on the varsity tennis team since her freshman year.

As a freshman, Pimentel and her partner Maddie Morrow placed fourth as the No. 3 doubles team. Last year, as a sophomore, Pimentel earned the No. 2 singles spot.

“This year, Pimentel, earned the No. 1 singles spot,” said Asay. “Her record during the season was seven wins out (of) 10 matches.”

The awards for most improved, inspirational and valuable are all voted on by the players.

“The players did a good job recognizing their teammates that set themselves apart within each of the categories,” coach Asay said.

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