It was a big day Friday for the Madison County netters at the region tournament.
During the tourney, the Red Raiders tore through the brackets, winning their fifth region title, the first since the 2006 season, insuring the team’s third consecutive state tournament appearance.
Madison County’s Lady Red Raiders fell in a heart-breaker consolation round to claim the fourth seed, advancing to their 14th consecutive playoff appearance.
RED RAIDERS
The boys improved to 17-3 on the season as the Red Raiders were victorious in each round of the region tournament, earning the number one seed in Region 8.
“This boy's team has the talent to go deep into the state tournament,” said coach Keith Strickland.
The first challenge for Madison County is Chamblee High School. The Red Raider netters will host the 6-AAAA, fourth seeded team this week. At press time, match time and date were unset. According to GHSA rules the match must be completed by Friday. Chamblee is the next step as Madison County looks to advance into the playoffs and a shot for the state title.
Madison County’s boys handily advanced through last week’s region tournament, winning 3-0 over each competitor.
Singles’ number one Trey Morris remained undefeated, improving to 17-0 on the season, while number two Ben Strickland improved to 14-2 in region play.
Number two doubles team of Josh Dooley and Jared Osborne improved to 19-1 on the season. The players all went 3-0 in the tourney, and only dropped nine games throughout. Number three singles Blaise Bolemon, and number one doubles team Jeffrey Branson and Zach Peneguy were each suspended as the wins were secured by the other positions.
The Red Raiders took a first round bye as the sub-region champions and in the quarterfinals blanked Loganville, 3-0.
One singles, Morris decisively won 6-0, 6-0; two singles, B. Strickland won 6-2, 6-1; two doubles, Dooley/ Osborne won 6-1, 6-1. Play for three singles was suspended Bolemon at 4-1; and one doubles, Branson/Peneguy at 6-1, 5-4.
Advancing into the semifinals, Madison County defeated Winder-Barrow, 3-0.
Morris won 6-0, 6-1; B. Strickland 6-0, 6-2; Dooley/Osborne 6-2, 6-0. Branson/Peneguy suspended 5-4; Bolemon play suspended.
The finals came down to the Red Raiders and Rockdale County. Madison County remained consistent and won the match 3-0.
Morris won 6-0, 6-1; B. Strickland 6-2, 6-2; Dooley/Osborne 6-1, 6-1. Bolemon and Branson/Peneguy were suspended before completing any sets.
