Hillgrove and its stacked lineup brought a swift end to the Madison County boys’ first trip to the Class AAAA postseason in two years.
The Raiders (10-8) lost 5-0 to the Cobb County School in the first round of the state tournament last Wednesday (April 22).
“We knew going in that this was going to be a tough team,” coach Keith Strickland said. “They were loaded with state-ranked players, including the no. 7 singles player in the boys 18s.”
Madison County lost all its matches in straight sets, but Strickland felt the team proved more competitive at several positions in the second sets.
He pointed out that the no. 2 doubles team of Connor Hancock and Josh Dooley led 4-3 in the second set before falling 6-4. Strickland also said Blaise Bolemon played an “excellent second set as well,” before falling 6-4.
“I think the experience of playing such a deep team was very beneficial to my guys,” Strickland said. “I’m hoping that they gained a new sense of what it takes to play at that level and will dedicate themselves over the summer and fall to playing USTA tournaments to build their game and confidence for next season.”
Though it exited quickly at state, Madison County’s season signified a return to the kind of tennis the boys’ program has traditionally enjoyed.
The Raiders finished with a winning record, won the Region 8-AAAA North subregion championship and ended a state tournament drought.
“I’m very proud that the boys’ team reached our season goal of making the state playoffs,” Strickland said.
