Panthers, Trojans sports court similarities

Although Park Hill won Monday’s matchup between against Park Hill South 6-3, the two tennis teams at first glance sport similar records, but both have experienced their share of challenges as they approach the stretch run of their regular season before heading in district play.
Park Hill, at 8-2 on the season coming into Monday’s match, lost to conference opponent Lee’s Summit West earlier in the season, all but assuring their conference title streak would likely end. A loss to a talented Pembroke Hill squad accounted for their second loss. With the absence of one of their top players, Blake Barnard, who suffered a season ending injury before the beginning of the season, Park Hill is dealing with a different lineup than they expected two months ago, giving younger players an opportunity to play up while also embracing an underdog self-image.
“The kids knew they’ve had to work extra hard and use every second of practice time to be as productive as possible,” Park Hill Coach Tim Kalis said. “Kids like the underdog mentality.”
Michael Jones and Max Schoettger have stepped up to solidify themselves as the Trojans’ top two players.
“They’re leading each other,” Kalis said. “They both feel that fire together and have bought into playing together. They complement each other real well.”
The bottom of the lineup has seen healthy competition amongst themselves with Louis Reinmiller and Chris Toe battling for the three and four spots while Noah Higgins-Dunn, Trevin Howerton, and Austin Keberlein have all seen different roles throughout the season.
“I’ll take 8-2 at this point, we beat North Kansas City 6-3, which was big for us,” Kalis said. “Taking this win today is good too, because Park Hill South has a really nice team.”
Park Hill South is facing another set of obstacles. While they have not lost any players to injuries, the Panthers came into this season vastly young and inexperienced with the loss of their top senior Griffin Smith to graduation. Junior Zack Royle has picked up where he left last year and has been unblemished so far as an undefeated top singles player. He’s teamed up in doubles with sophomore Jim Geary, who has been playing through a shoulder injury. When districts come along though, the two will likely try to advance in the singles bracket, which Coach Ian Cunliff says will make them stronger as individual competitiors.
“He (Royle) has been a really good leader, filling the void that Griffin (Smith) left when he graduated,” Cunliff said. “This year they’re going to be playing in singles. Zack is probably a better doubles player because of the energy he brings, but it just works better for our team because everyone is growing into a different role. If they both play singles, they’ll be able to grow more as players.”
Cunliff described this season as a rebuilding year prior to the season and believes the team is coming along, despite their growing pains.

“It’s been a tough season for us so far. We’ve got a lot of young guys coming out to compete,” Cunliff said. “They’re getting better every time they step on the court. It doesn’t always translate to wins immediately, but they’re improving.”
Also contributing for Park Hill South has been freshman Joshua Robaska, who is currently in his first year of competitive tennis, but has come through with some big wins in his inaugural season. Not to mention a number of younger players using this season as a stepping stone towards future success.
“We’ve got some young players who are going to be pretty good players down the road,” Cunliff said.
Both teams will participate in the Northland Invitational next weekend.