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Tennis: Mera, Shim lead the way
By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published February 12, 2008
Tennis preview
Top gun: girls
Jamie Mera, Chamberlain, Sr.
Since the day she arrived at Chamberlain, Mera has been a force in Hillsborough County. After each of her previous three seasons, she earned all-county honors. A year ago, Mera, who will play for the University of Missouri, was good enough to defeat two-time state champion Megan Broderick of Alonso during the regular season. Now, she appears primed to push for her own state title.
Top gun: boys
Brian Shim, Berkeley Prep, Jr.
Last year, Shim had a sophomore season to remember. Teaming with senior Justin Herzig, he was a state doubles runnerup. This spring, Shim will play No. 1 singles for the Buccaneers, who figure to have a solid squad. Shim is a strong baseline player who takes advantage of his quickness to wear down the opposition. He's also pretty smart. Shim is a national debate champion.
10 other girls to watch
Jaime Ayers, Berkeley Prep, Sr.
Racquel Hylton, Alonso, Jr.
Alyssa Lafita, Newsome, Sr.
Solange LaPuente, Plant, Jr.
Amber Li, Plant, Fr.
Jennifer Miller, Chamberlain, Jr.
Melissa Narzissenfeld, Holy Names, Jr.
Kelly Palmer, Tampa Prep, Jr.
Erin Snook, Alonso, So.
Meghan Sullivan, Tampa Catholic, Jr.
10 other boys to watch Michael Alford, Wharton, So.
Zack Bandes, Berkeley Prep, Fr.
Michael Broderick, Alonso, Jr.
Alex Hallenbeck, Tampa Prep, Jr.
Andy Herch, Newsome, Jr.
Chase Merlin, Jesuit, Jr.
Joel Samaha, Plant, Sr.
Tyler Snook, Alonso, Jr.
Josh Wynne, Jesuit, Sr.
Mitch Wong, Wharton, Sr.
Singles state champs
Girls
Saskia Hermans, East Bay 1987
Saras Arasu, Tampa Prep 2000
Miranda Gutierrez, Tampa Catholic 2003
Megan Broderick, Alonso 2006, '07
Boys
Bob Doll, Plant 1944
Armistead Neely, Plant, 1965
Andrew Laflin, Jesuit 1998
Ryler DeHeart, Jesuit 2000, '02
Shaun Young, Durant 2003
George Navas, Tampa Prep 2005
Key dates April 9-10: District tournaments
April 15, 18: Region matches
April 21-26: State tournament
[Last modified February 11, 2008, 23:50:06]
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