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BOYS TENNIS: Male Co-Athletes of the Week: James Buchanan's Isaac Shenton, Josh Summers win Mid Penn doubles title


When the boys tennis season first started, James Buchanan's Isaac Shenton and Josh Summers set a big goal.

They wanted their names hanging on a banner in the Rockets gym. They wanted to win Mid Penns.

"They had it in their mind from the beginning that they were going to win gold," JB coach Terri Beegle said. "And they worked really hard to get there."

On Saturday, the duo accomplished that goal when they won the Mid Penn Conference Class AA No. 1 doubles title. They are the Public Opinion Male Co-Athletes of the Week.

"It was very satisfying," Summers said. "It was the goal we had all year, even from last year, really. (East Pennsboro) beat us last year, so it was kind of nice that we got back at 'em for that. It was great to know we came in and took care of business like everyone thought we might."

Shenton and Summers were seeded No. 1 heading into the weekend's tournament, so they received a bye to the semifinals. They then battled through a dogfight vs. Bishop McDevitt, 7-5, 6-7 (7-3), 6-0, before topping the Panthers in straight sets in the championship match.

"Coming into the weekend, we were pretty confident, and Friday, we felt pretty good," Shenton said. "Saturday morning, when we played McDevitt, we kind of fell apart, especially having to play so many games. But once we won 6-0 in that third game, we really got back our confidence to get the win against East Penn."

Shenton and Summers have racked up a 16-2 record so far this season with a pair of matches left to play.

"I think, first of all, the most important thing for us was communication," Summers said. "When one was doing something wrong or something right, we told each other about it and tried to make each other better."

They also played to each other strengths.

"Josh is definitely a better player at the net, and I do well in the back," Shenton said. "When it's my service game, we're kind of unstoppable. And if we do get into one of those longer rallies, we'll try to shift around so I'm in back and he's up front. That way, we have a better chance to win every point."

That strategy has certainly worked thus far.

JOSH SUMMERS, JAMES BUCHANAN

Sport: Boys tennis

Position: No. 1 doubles

Grade: Sophomore

Parents: Kathy Jones and Mark Summers

Other interests: Josh enjoys playing basketball, hunting and fishing.

Surprising fact: It actually surprises most of the people that Summers knows that he plays competitive tennis.

Favorite pro team: Golden State Warriors

Athlete most admired: Stephen Curry

Three people he'd like to have dinner with: Kobe Bryant, Curry and Tom Brady

ISAAC SHENTON, JAMES BUCHANAN

Sport: Boys tennis

Position: No. 1 doubles

Grade: Sophomore

Parents: Stephanie and Christopher Shenton

Other interests: Isaac enjoys playing soccer and going to church.

Surprising fact: He loves to eat Chinese food, particularly from China Wok at the South Gate Mall

Favorite team: New England Patriots

Athlete most admired: Tim Tebow

Three people he'd like to have dinner with: Bill Gates and his parents