Lamar County High School’s boys and girls tennis teams played last week in the first round of the GHSA state playoffs in what can be called two days of mixed fortunes, with the boys concluding their season and the girls advancing to the sweet sixteen round for the first time in school history.
On Tuesday, April 16, the Trojan boys faced a tough opponent in the Bacon County High School Red Raiders in Alma, Georgia. Despite a strong effort, the Trojans were defeated, marking the end of their season. However, boys senior and singles player, Ethan Tyson, was a standout performer. His reliable serve throughout the day made for a very competitive match against his Bacon County counterpart.
The outcome was much more favorable for the Trojan girls who hosted the Pelham High School Hornets on Wednesday, April 17 at the LCHS tennis complex. With Pelham being shorthanded, the Trojans secured an early advantage by winning both doubles matches by forfeit. Needing just one victory in the singles matches to advance, the Trojans won two. Sophomore Sydney Bacon and Senior Autumn Hinkley delivered stellar performances, dominating their matches and effectively securing the team’s progress to the next round. Addie Williams also contributed significantly with her spirited play. Needless to say, the matches were over fairly quickly, and the Trojans sent the Hornets back home to southwest Georgia in a hurry.
With this victory, the Trojan girls have not only advanced to the sweet sixteen of the GHSA A Division 1 Playoffs but have also made school history as the first girls’ tennis team from LCHS to reach this round. Lamar County, a 2-seed from Region 4, is set to face the top-seeded Screven County Gamecocks from Region 3 in Sylvania, Georgia, in their next matchup. The Gamecocks come off a strong first-round win against the Dublin Fighting Irish. The Trojans and Gamecocks are set to compete on Tuesday.
As the Trojans prepare for their historic match, the Lamar County community congratulates these remarkable young ladies whose passionate play and determination continue to lead them onward.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
