BOYS TENNIS NOTES - MARCH 26, 2010

Luke Thompson has probably lost track of the number of tennis tournaments he's entered in his young but well-traveled career.

Certainly, he'll always remember his first as a 7-year-old in Walla Walla.

"I lost both matches really badly, but it was a fun experience," said Thompson, now a sophomore at Hanford. "I guess I kind of expected it. I've gotten more used to it as I've gotten older."

To illustrate just how far Thompson has come on the court, Falcons coach Bill Fletcher recalled an episode from last Saturday's championship match against Seattle Prep senior Taylor Hunt at the Coke Classic prep tournament in Yakima.

"Luke hit four aces in a row and the guy couldn't even move. That just doesn't happen at the same-caliber level in high school," Fletcher said, noting that Hunt is one of the Pacific Northwest's top junior players. "(Thompson) moved him around. He hit one out wide, one in the middle, one into the body and one was a second serve. (Hunt) didn't even touch the ball."

Thompson won the match 7-5, 6-2, by the way -- just one of many victories he hopes to claim this season.

The lanky, 6-foot right-hander possesses a powerful serve and a strong forehand to go with a strong court sense. That combination should earn him a return trip to the 3A state tournament, where he finished sixth as a freshman last season.

"It's always cool to be able to say to your friends that you can serve 110-120 mph, but what's more important is that your serve actually goes in," said Thompson, who first picked up a racket at the age of 2. "I'm hoping to go undefeated this season, but we're going to have some really tough matches against Wenatchee and Richland is always tough.

"I want to do at least as well or better than last year. I'd rather get first or second."

Before joining the Hanford program, Thompson was already one of the best doubles players in the nation, teaming with Clint Vidano of Wenatchee as the No. 1 ranked U-14 doubles team in the country. He still plays with Vidano at occasional tournaments, but Fletcher recognizes his value as a high school singles player.

"Wherever the team can win is where we'll put him," said Fletcher, who is also the director of racquet sports at Columbia Basin Racquet Club in Richland. "He's got technique already, so we're working on match strategy and set up of points. I don't think he's reached his full potential."

As talented as Thompson is, you wouldn't know it by the way he carries himself. Fletcher said some players of his caliber might ask for special treatment, but Thompson never does and likely never will. His easy-going nature isn't lost on his teammates, either.

"I've seen him down in a game and be so even-tempered against someone who was screaming and yelling. He came back from that. It was really impressive," said Falcons senior Becky Sharpe, a doubles player who hits with Thompson at CBRC. "Some of the shots that come off his racquet are incredible. He hits drop shots off of moon balls. I've seen some crazy things from him."

Thompson enjoys fishing with his family as a time-out from tennis, but he appreciates the time he spends with his teammates. But this year he's focusing on improving his all-around game.

"(Practice) can be fun, but one thing I learned is you've got to balance the fun with discipline," he said. "If you don't practice hard, things start going downhill."

BOYS TENNIS NOTES - MARCH 19, 2010

Here is a look at the 2010 preview for CBBN 4A/3A high school tennis:

Boys -- Defending state champion Richland gets good news and bad news, and both are named Zuroske.

Good news first: Freshman Travis Zuroske should make an immediate impact in boys singles. The bad news is his senior brother, Troy, decided to run track this year after placing third at the 4A state singles tournament last year. The Bombers are still loaded, however.

But Kamiakin will make a run as well behind a talented group of seniors led by Josh Thornton. Hanford returns Luke Thompson, who finished sixth in 3A singles last season, and he will boost the Falcons' chances at state.

Wenatchee is a strong favorite for the league title with the return of 4A doubles champs Hudson Barnart and Clint Vidano.

Girls -- Kamiakin won its second straight state title last season -- third overall -- and returns team catalysts Demie Warner and Ali Welch, the defending 4A doubles champs. The Braves should repeat as league champs with a strong base of young talent.

Hanford also has a pair of returning state qualifiers in Sam Merry and Becky Sharpe.

Watch for West Valley senior Alex Filiol, who won a 3A state singles title as a freshman and finished sixth last season, to anchor the Rams. Walla Walla's hopes will be boosted by Presley Peck.