District Tennis Previews

Play begins Monday-Tuesday. Admission is free.

By BOB PUTNAMN
Published April 11, 2007

Class 4A-5

When/where: Boys and girls start at 9 a.m. at Hillsborough Community College

Teams: Alonso, Countryside, Gaither, Mitchell, Palm Harbor University, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, Sickles

Outlook: St. Petersburg's boys are the defending district champions and are favored to win again. The Green Devils are led by Shay Wali, who remains undefeated. The girls competition should be close. St. Petersburg and PHU are undefeated.

Class 3A-7

When/where: Boys and girls start at 8:30 a.m. at Seminole High.

Teams: Clearwater, Dunedin, East Lake, Osceola, Seminole, Tarpon Springs

Outlook: East Lake's Fabio Pagani and Matt Herrock are solid at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively. The Eagles' toughest competition likely will come from Seminole. The same holds true on the girls side.

Class 3A-8

When/where: Boys and girls start at 8 a.m. at St. Petersburg Country Club.

Teams: Boca Ciega, Dixie Hollins, Gibbs, Lakewood, Largo, Northeast

Outlook: The Spartans' boys have gone 11-2 and should carry that momentum into next week. Largo and Lakewood should battle for the girls title.

Class 2A-10

When/where: Boys and girls start at 9 a.m. at Hillsborough Community College.

Teams: Academy of the Holy Names, Jesuit, Lennard, Newsome, Robinson, St. Petersburg Catholic, Spoto, Tampa Catholic

Outlook: Jesuit (boys) and Academy of the Holy Names (girls) are dominant teams in the district.

Class A-10

When/where: Boys and girls start at 9 a.m. at Seminole Lake Country Club.

Teams: Admiral Farragut, Calvary Christian, Canterbury, Clearwater Central Catholic, Indian Rocks Christian, Keswick Christian, Northside Christian, Shorecrest

Outlook: Shorecrest's boys have won five straight district titles. That streak will be tested by Calvary Christian. The Warriors beat the Chargers last week. On the girls side, Morgan Basil should have no problem leading Shorecrest to a title.

[Last modified April 10, 2007, 23:13:57]