The Indians open the 2024 season as the favorites to once again win the Region Championship. That’s no surprise after going 15-1, falling only in the Sweet 16 on the home court, and returning the entire singles lineup and nearly every player that notched a win.
Leading the charge will be the historic 1-2 punch of juniors Tanner Davis and TJ Cox. Both went a perfect 15-0 last season, with the former winning Region Singles Player of the Year honors. The 15-win mark ties the known school record in a single season. Davis (24 career wins) and Cox (23) will be anchoring the team. A few players could position themselves as the 3-singles player, with Zach Carringer (2) getting time there last year along with Jake Owensby. Carringer and Owensby won 10 matches together at 1-doubles for the second straight season, winning Region Doubles Team of the Year honors. Sophomore Glad Puscasu got some experience last year and stands to have a bigger role this time around.
“Our guys have been committed all year long in preparation for the 2024 season,” says coach Anthony Cox. “We are anchored by four juniors who play at a high level. They are competitive and really push each other to be the best they can be every day.”
With the historic season now in the rearview mirror, the Indians have put together a tougher non-region schedule in order to prepare for the bigger matches in the region and beyond. Cox, who was the Region Coach of the Year for both boys and girls, has the recipe for TFS to make another deep playoff run and stand atop the region.
“Our boys had a tremendous season in 2023, but they are not satisfied,” adds Cox. “After back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, our sights are set on advancing past that round in the state tournament.”
“With both the boys and girls teams, once we get all the pieces of the lineup in place, we hope to get comfortable in our roles and play some high-level tennis,” exclaims Cox. “Tennis is a great sport to learn life principles, how to deal with pressure situations and overcome challenges, and how to persevere when things are tough. My goal for this group of young ladies and gentlemen is that they represent themselves, their families, and their school well and that they grow and mature as individuals during the course of the season.”
Tallulah Falls’s first serve is set for January 25 at Gainesville, and the first home match is slated for February 6 while hosting Cherokee Bluff.
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