Clark Fork tennis heading to state tourney

It's quality, not quantity that defines the Clark Fork tennis team as they head to state this weekend looking to improve upon last year's third place team finish.

While boasting potential state champs in boys and girls singles, as well as boys doubles, the Cats simply don't have the numbers to compete with some of the bigger 3A teams at state, held this Friday and Saturday in Nampa.

Leading the way will be defending singles champion Rayna Allen, who returns as the No. 1 seed and heavy favorite to repeat. Her combination of speed and power are as good as there is in the state, on any level.

Mike Martin and Thomas McMahon will be one of the favorites in boys doubles. Cats' co-coach Mary Jo Lambert says first serves will be the key for the duo.

"They're tough and they just keep getting tougher everyday," said Lambert of the two juniors. "They play really well together and I know they're going to compete."

Frederico Moreira will be gunning for the boys singles title. The exchange student plays a heavy top-spin game conducive to the clay courts of South America, and will rely on his years of tennis experience.

"He has a nice way of figuring it out," said Lambert. "He plays smartly, and usually can fight it out."

While the Cats have the talent to bring home some individual titles, Lambert said the key for the team score will be how well freshman Chelsea Macumber does in singles, and how Amy Gannon and Brittany Yates fare in doubles.

"All three are going to have to play better than ever for us to have a chance to get a trophy," said Lambert, noting Clark Fork got 8th their first year, 4th the next, 3rd last year and will hopefully finish in the top four for a team trophy this year.

? Hewitt looking to double up in state hurdles

Bailey Hewitt (100 and 300 hurdles), Adam Denham (3,200) and Matt Belville will represent Clark Fork at the Idaho State Track and Field Championships this Firday and Saturday at Boise State University.

Hewitt, who finished second as a freshman last year in the 100 hurdles, is hoping to finish high in both hurdle races this year. Her time of 15.5 in the 100 hurdles is the top time posted in North Idaho this year. She overcame a nagging leg injury to get through districts, and Cats' coach Rich Hannah believes if she can withstand the prelims and make it through to the finals injury free, she has a great shot.

"I'm hoping she can win both of them," said Hannah. "If she doesn't stumble or fall and runs a halfway decent race, she should be all right."

Denham and Belville are making their fist trip to state track, which in and of itself is a tough accomplishment. Denham shaved a remarkable 28 seconds of his personal best at districts, clocking a 10:43 3,200 meters. Belville has improved steadily all year, with a personal best of 48.3 in the 300 hurdles. Hannah said the pair are very excited about state.

"The District 1 and 2 regional meet is really tough," he said. "Just to get there (state) is pretty darn good; it's no cakewalk."