The Brantley County tennis teams once again had a pair of impressive seasons. Together the Herons and Lady Herons swept through their region competition, going 6-0 in conference play, and both teams won the region 2-AAA tennis championships. This was the first time in program history that both the boys and girls won their region championships in the same year.
Brantley County also made history at the Coastal Empire Tennis Classic in Savannah, Georgia. Both the Herons and Lady Herons won the tournament, becoming the first school ever to sweep both the boys and girls tournament championships. The Herons defeated Richmond Hill, Benedictine, and Savannah Country Day in the finals to win the title. The Lady Herons defeated St. Vincent’s Academy, Screven, and West Laurens in the championship.
For the Herons, this year’s region championship was their third consecutive title and their eighth championship in the last 12 years. Over the last seven years, the Herons’ region record is 60 wins and only two losses. Despite losing two starters from last year’s Final Four tennis team, this year’s Herons went 16-7 and advanced to the Elite Eight before losing to Greater Atlanta Christian.
This year’s Lady Herons were led by Region 2-AAA Player of the Year Caitlyn Morgan. With an impressive 19-4 record, the girls from Brantley won their first region title in many years. They also advanced to the Elite Eight beating Jackson High School and then Jackson County High School in the first two rounds of the state playoffs. The Lady Herons lost to North Hall High School by only a few points for a chance to advance to their second Final Four appearance.
“This was a very special year for our seniors,” Matt Thrift, Brantley head coach, said. “For both our boys and girls teams to have the success that they did this year really meant a lot to our players. These seniors have put in a lot of time and energy to get us where we are today, and they will be greatly missed.”
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Written by Matt Thrift
Photography by Tom Boyd
