Bulldogs aiming high in 2010

SANDPOINT — It’s a dilemma any coach would love to have: being forced to choose a No. 1 player among a host of talented players.

Sandpoint head coach Kent Anderson will have some tough decisions to make this year when he fills out his line-up sheet for the boys team, picking from seniors Mikka Nostdahl and Ben Hardy, and sophomore Kevin Kirby.

“I have three No. 1’s,” said Anderson, in his second year stewarding the program. “They’ve all been playing all winter and all three are stronger. The top of the boys team is far superior to last year.”

That’s high praise considering the same three formed the backbone of a district champion team that finished fourth at state. In fact, 12 of the Bulldogs played all winter long in a Spokane league, and have made use of gorgeous March weather to get an early jump on the season.

Anderson said Nostdahl is playing better than ever and is starting the season in top form. Kirby, who won a district singles title as a freshman, has a consistent and mentally tough game not often found in sophomores. As good as they’re playing, they’ll have to compete with Hardy for the No. 1 spot, no small order.

“Ben is the fastest kid on the team, and he doesn’t stop hustling,” described Anderson. “He’s more powerful than last year and on his game.”

Rounding out the boys team will be Steven Gavin, Dash Kamp, Drew Buckmiller, Carson Nyberg and newcomer Stefan Buratto.

Leading the girls team will be senior Piper Wahlin, who is also hitting as strong as ever and will probably play No. 1 singles until districts, when Anderson plans to pair her with Nostdahl for a run at a state mixed doubles title.

After Wahlin is a log jam of solid players, most of whom could be put anywhere in the lineup, in Meranda Carter, Susan Williams, Sophia Meulenberg, Crystal Clark, Brittany Claffey, Dannette Mauck, Azumi Smith and Mica Wolcott. Anderson called them all dedicated players, and had high praise for the improvement of Wolcott.

“Mica is the surprise,” said Anderson. “She’s right near the top of the team out of nowhere.”

It’s the first time in the short history of the Bulldog tennis program that the season started outdoors, and is a far cry from last year, when the courts still had snow in April. Coupled with the off-season work, hopes are understandably high for another team trophy at state.

“If things fall into place, yeah,” said Anderson of placing in the top three. “We’re so far ahead, and I really think we’re better than last year.”

The Bulldogs are at Lewiston today in the season opener.