Park Hill South tennis team looks strong again

Park Hill South boys’ tennis is on their way to what they hope is the formation of a top-notch tennis program in the Kansas City area. The key word is ‘program’ which requires success year after year and by the looks of it the Panthers are moving forward to build off their 2010 finish. Returning from a state qualifying team after going 12-2 including an undefeated team conference championship is state qualifier Griffin Smith and Zack Royle. Smith was 13-1 individually last season and won three tournaments while Royle was an impressive 9-2.

In her second full season as head coach, Glynis Chambers says she thinks it is a benefit to have the same coaching staff back in order to have consistency and for the players to have a familiarity with their approach.

“We are looking forward to a strong season,” Chambers said. “Our goals are the complete the regular season undefeated, win conference, and qualify as a team for state.”

Even though the Panthers return their top two players, they graduated five seniors and filling those spots will be challenge in order to make sure they’re able to step up while keeping the team goals within reach. Freshman Justin Geary and older brother Bob Geary along with seniors Justin Dixon and Josh Lukens appear to be the four players who have separated themselves from the rest of the competition to fill the remaining varsity spots.

While the Panthers’ newcomers adjust to playing at the varsity level, Smith and Royle will contribute immediately as examples to their teammates. In addition to being two of the most skilled players in the Northland, they bring a competitive edge which won’t just give themselves an advantage, but give their teammates sturdy competition to play against in practice. There’s no surprise both want to win state and eventually play tennis in college.

“Both Griffin and Zack lead by examples. They are always positive, ready to work, and believe in the process we play by,” Chambers said. “Griffin wants to get every ball back every time and never give in. Zack wants to hit the ball as hard as he can, over and over again.”

With Smith and Royle’s performance on the court as the anchor, the play of those around them could make the difference for the Panthers as they head down the stretch. Park Hill South will start the season off with three road competitions against North Kansas City, Park Hill, and Fort Osage before competing in the Cameron Invitational on April 1.