The Nation Ford boys’ tennis program hosted the first ever Nation Ford Jamboree Wednesday with four teams participating.
Catawba Ridge, Indian Land and Clover participated along with the host Falcons in the event which saw two teams go head-to-head each playing one doubles set. Nation Ford took on Catawba Ridge, while Indian Land played Clover.
“It is good to have all these guys together and hitting,” said Nation Ford head boys coach Neil Sheehan. “We haven’t had one of these before. I think it is great because coaches get to actually talk to each other.”
Sheehan said it also helps as most of the players know each other already and it is a good tune up for the start of the season, which for Nation Ford begins Saturday at the Florence tournament.
Sheehan’s Nation Ford team is loaded this year with three college level players in different phases of the recruiting process. He feels confident his team should be able to repeat as Region 3-5A champs, but more importantly, he feels this year’s squad could do well in the playoffs.
“We should have a good shot at making a run,” he said.
On the 4A side of things, Catawba Ridge is just as confident when it comes to their schedule. Head coach James Martin said having a smaller region gives them ample opportunity to play a strong non-region schedule.
“There are only three teams in our region, so we have to pick up a lot of non-region matches,” Martin said. “It allows us to play a heavy schedule.”
The Copperheads will have to contend with both Indian Land and York to win the region title this season, as Martin said that Indian Land is an improved squad from last year.
“I feel like we have a sold chance of winning it,” he said.
Catawba Ridge opens their season up hosting Northwestern on Monday, March 7.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
