The spring season may be in its final stages, but the tennis courts of Lamar Consolidated ISD are buzzing with excitement as the district tournaments approach.
The George Ranch Longhorns will host the District 20-6A tourney on April 22-23, while Lamar Consolidated, Terry, Randle, Fulshear, and Foster will compete in the District 24-5A meet at Randle and Fulshear high schools on April 25-26.
Last season was special for the Foster Falcons, as they entered their first mixed doubles team in the state tournament since 2011. Now, in the final year of the Delgado siblings taking the court together, head coach Arron Arlo is hoping to end his coaching career on a high note.
Arlo has made it clear that this will be his final season coaching the Falcon tennis team after being at the helm for the past decade.
Andrea Delgado is undergoing her final season, leaving her last legacy before heading to Dallas Baptist University.
Her brother Sebastian, her mixed doubles partner, became the first freshman Falcon to make the state tournament last season. The pair lost in the opening round, but the experience has made them into better athletes.
“Andrea has yet to lose a district match in all four years,” Arlo said. “I expect her and her brother will win the districts and the regionals. We will be competitive and believe we have a great chance to get back to state. It’s been a coach’s dream.”
Arlo also believes it could be a big year for Brock Callahan and Tanner Wilson’s senior team. While not the most technically sound, the pair’s chemistry has continually evolved over their four years of teaming.
“Because they have been together so long, you won’t find too many teams with more chemistry at this level,” Arlo said. “They act as if they are in each other’s skin and know exactly where the other is going to be on the court at all times. They’ve ended up in the right places at the right time for a lot this season.”
Foster will compete on Friday and Saturday at Kingwood High School for the Dwyer Invitational.
Last spring was a historic season for the Longhorns, as they made their first trip to the Region III-6A tournament. With a veteran-led roster, the team is poised for a return.
Santiago Allub saw his season end last year as part of the first mixed doubles Longhorn pair to qualify for the regionals. However, in his final season, he looks to return with a new partner in the boys’ doubles, Darren Cheng.
Clay Watson and Sebastian Johnson are in their third year in the program, have upped their game, and consistently qualified for the quarter or semifinals of their respective boys’ doubles tournaments this season.
Maddie Sams and Zane Smith are Rivera’s top mixed doubles team, followed closely behind by Claire Schilling and Christian Lee.
In his first season at George Ranch, head coach Luis Rivera is ready to build on last year’s success.
“This was an established 6A program before I got here,” Rivera said. “My seniors have helped me get comfortable here since I do not have an assistant, and we’ve been adjusting as we go along. I’m not here to just be a tennis coach; I want to be a championship tennis coach. We are pushing each other to reach our potential.”
George Ranch ends its regular season at Humble Stadium for a Friday meet before districts.
The winning culture of Randle High School has trickled to the tennis courts, with the program looking to take its next step after making the postseason in its inaugural UIL year.
After qualifying for the team tennis postseason in the fall, head coach Adrian Escobar has continually seen the team’s improvements in the spring.
“We are having our best tournament season to date,” Escobar said. “We have seen a lot of improvements from our players. We are looking to make waves. We have had improved court awareness, and leaders are developing out there. We started at ground zero, and we are seeing the chances.”
Players Escobar is relying on to build a steady future include freshman Adam Roman, freshman Arianna Roman, sophomore Obie Samuel, and junior Alexis Cruz.
The Lions end the spring season at Angleton High School on Friday before heading to the districts.
Mustang head coach Brandon Strother is leading a program renaissance on the court by ending what will likely be a historic season.
“We are getting close to passing our program medal (72) and win total (212) from last season, which was our best spring in a decade,” Strother said.
A bulk of the help includes the addition of two-time state champion from Fort Bend Kempner Noey Do.
The Mustangs also feature excellent stability with the girls’ doubles team of senior Idara Apaffiong and sophomore Courtney Onuoha. The pair was a regional quarterfinalist last season and has begun the season 24-1 with five tournaments.
“We are excited about the district but know it is a tough district to get out of,” Strother said. “We are eager to push hard and win our first-round matchups to set ourselves up for a shot at semifinals in every draw.”
A first-team team has also made waves for the Mustangs, with the boys’ doubles team of juniors Franklin Fisher and Nathaniel William posting a 19-6 record in the spring. Strother says they are playing as well as ever in their fight for their first regional appearance.
Senior Aaron Torres will hope to make a nice last go-around at state in his singles bracket, while senior Jordan Maningat enters his final district meet with his partner, Nishant Rami.
Lamar ends its 2024 regular season at Angleton High School on Friday.
The Chargers wrapped up their regular season on Friday at the Chancellors Family Center Spring Invitational Tournament in Houston.
Head coach Victoria Firor did not respond to comments.
The Rangers conclude their spring season with a Friday meet at Angleton High School.
Head coach Robert Escamilla did not respond to comments.
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