JB sweeps first half of division play
The target on James Buchanan's back just keeps getting bigger and bigger.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Rockets completed the first half of their Mid Penn Colonial Division boys tennis schedule with a 4-1 defeat of Camp Hill.
Now, James Buchanan enters the second half of the season with a 10-0 record and have beaten all six of their division foes once.
"It feels great to be 10-0, but now we have a target on our backs," JB No. 1 doubles player Micah Wise said. "Everyone is going to be coming after us the second time around, but we're ready for it. Beegs (coach Terri Beegle) always has us ready."
Heading into Wednesday's match, Beegle was probably more nervous than any of her players, worried about a potential trap match. But the Rockets delivered a hard-fought victory.
Chance Wishard, JB's No. 1 singles player, had Beegle biting her nails early, but after winning a long 6-2 first set, Wishard rolled through his second set, 6-0.
"I typically start slow, but eventually I get going," Wishard said. "I guess I just have to get used to match play, and not just practicing. It feels good winning any time, but it doesn't matter who we're playing."
Also picking up a dominating victory was No. 3 singles Hunter Sowers, who lost only one game against Camp Hill's Alex Landis.
"Hunter is aggressive, and when you're (6-foot-3) and you get to the net, you're an imposing factor," Beegle said. "He moved his feet well, and he used the wind to his advantage. He was lobbing the ball up when the wind was in his face, and (Landis) didn't know what to do about."
JB's doubles teams were challenged a bit more, but the No. 2 doubles team of Jalen Ayers and Luke Leidy earned a 6-2, 6-2 victory for the magical third point that ensure the victory.
"They are the unknown heroes," Beegle said. "Those two work well together. That's the big key with doubles teams is communication, and they pick each other up."
Josh Summers and Wise won 6-3, 6-4 at No. 1 doubles.
With a strong start under their belts, the Rockets are now setting their sets on repeating the undefeated Colonial Division streak.
"I think it's probably easier to play teams (a second time) because you know what they're going to have and you know what you have to do," Wise said. "But they know what you do also, so that makes it harder as well."