Cope, Icardo hold own at 2A state tennis tourney
—Photo by ERIC PLUMMER Clark Fork senior James Cope ended his season on a high note, teaming with Niko Icardo to win two matches at state tennis.
BOISE — Clark Fork seniors James Cope and Niko Icardo more than held their own competing against larger schools last weekend at the 2A state tennis tournament in Boise.
Because of rain, all matches were shortened to eight game pro sets with no-ad scoring, which increases the urgency and nerves to do well early.
Cope and Icardo lost their first match 8-2 to a very good Fruitland team that ended up taking second place in boys doubles. The Wampus Cat seniors then bounced back to blank district rival Clearwater Valley 8-0.
Needing a win to extend the tournament, Cope and Icardo played their best match of the season, winning a thrilling 8-7 (8-6) win over Sugar Salem. Despite losing 8-1 to district champion Coeur d’Alene Charter, the tournament was deemed a huge success by head coach Jeff Emmer.
“The highlight of their trip was the match against Sugar Salem. They were down in the tie break 4-2 and dug deep to pull it out,” described Emmer. “Being seniors, this was their final state tournament so that win will be a great memory that they will take with them as they move on.”