Albany Herald

Photo by Danny Aller

2011 ALL-AREA BOYS TENNIS TEAM:

David Cowan, Jr., Americus-Sumter

WHY HE'S HERE: Runner-up for Player of the Year. Played No. 2 singles, finished 16-1 for the Region 1-AAA champion Panthers, who were also 16-1 as a team; helped Panthers reach GHSA Class AAA Elite 8.

Jake Kotter, Sr., Westwood

WHY HE'S HERE: Played No. 1 singles for the Wildcats, went 14-3, finished as state runner-up in GISA Class A.

Robert Newsome (So.)/Reid Wright (Fr.), Deerfield

WHY THEY'RE HERE: Knights' No. 1 doubles duo who won first individual or state team title for DWS boys tennis in GISA Class AAA since 1998, despite not being paired up until midseason; finished 10-1.

Billy Grimsley (Jr.)/Adam Lowe (Jr.), SGA

WHY THEY'RE HERE: Went undefeated in region and state playoffs at 8-0, won GISA Class AA State Championship at No. 1 doubles, despite not playing together all season until thestate tournament; both finished region play in singles unbeaten also (Grimsley at No. 1, Lowe at No. 2).

Braden Anglin, Sr., Baconton Charter

WHY HE'S HERE: Played No. 1 singles for the Blazers, went undefeated entire career in region play, finished 2011 season 16-1, led Blazers to GHSA Class A Elite 8, signed with ABAC.

Briggs Wheeler, Sr., Baconton Charter

WHY HE'S HERE: Played No. 2 singles for the Blazers, went undefeated entire career in region play, finished 2011 season 16-1, led Blazers to Elite 8.

Matthew Hays, Sr., Baconton Charter

WHY HE'S HERE: Played No. 3 singles for the Blazers, had just one loss his entire career in region play, finished 2011 season 16-1, led Blazers to Elite 8.

Beau Sinyard, Sr., Deerfield

WHY HE'S HERE: No. 1 singles players for Knights, team captain, made it to GISA Class AAA state quarterfinals, finished 10-5.

Ryan Singley (Sr.)/Sachin Kothari (Jr.), Southland

WHY THEY'RE HERE: No. 1 doubles team, lost in GISA Class AAA state finals, finished 14-2.