High school tennis: Usual suspects look to repeat

More so than any other sport, when it comes to high school tennis dynasties are the norm.

Brighton is in the midst of five straight titles, Timpview had a seven-year run snapped last year, while Rowland Hall has won four straight.

With the 2011 tennis season at the midway point, the state tournament isn't far off and the usual suspects figure to be in the hunt for state titles once again.

CLASS 5A

With everyone back from last year's state championship team, it's hard to imagine a scenario in which the Brighton Bengals don't win their sixth straight state championship.

Keaton Cullimore, ranked 21st nationally in his age group, anchors things for the Bengals at first singles while nationally ranked teammate Grant Taylor is back at second singles.

A junior, Cullimore will be graduating early to attend BYU. Taylor is a senior and he's committed to Air Force.

Both won individual state titles last year, but the team title is just as important.

"High school tennis is really a weird sport, because tennis is normally an individual sport and this is a chance they can play for their high school so there's different pressure that comes with it," said Brighton tennis coach Natalie Aposhian.

Brighton's Dan Johnston came up short in the third singles championship match last year, but the player who beat him graduated.

Both of Brighton's doubles teams are returning state champs as well, with Troy Benson and Colin Holyoak prevailing at first doubles and Daniel Egan and Cody Crandall winning second doubles.

"I just tell my boys, whoever you play just go out and give it your best shot. Do what you need to do and if you win you win, and if you don't you don't. That's all you can ask," said Aposhian.

Perhaps the only drama at state this year will be if Brighton can sweep all five individual titles, something the school has done twice before. The race for second place should be pretty exciting with Skyline, Lone Peak and Bingham all likely in the hunt.

Lone Peak junior Scott Bohne and Cottonwood senior Matt Sweet are both solid players who hope to make things interesting at first singles this year.

CLASS 4A