By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Pitman, Turlock tennis teams look for another league title
This year, they dont want to share
tennis pic2
Turlock High's Scott Gray is the returning Central California Conference singles champion. - photo by CHHUN SUN / The Journal

BOYS TENNIS SCHEDULES

Turlock High Bulldogs

Nonconference

Today: at California High Tennis Classic at Clovis West High, all day Central California Conference

Monday: vs. Buhach Colony, 3 p.m.

Thursday: at Atwater, 3 p.m.

March 15: at Golden Valley, 3 p.m.

March 17: vs. Merced, 3 p.m.

March 22: at Pitman, 3 p.m.

March 24: at Buhach Colony, 3 p.m.

March 29: vs. Atwater, 3 p.m.

March 31: vs. Golden Valley, 3 p.m.

April 5: vs. Merced, 3 p.m.

April 12: vs. Pitman, 3 p.m.

April 19: CCC Singles Tournament

April 21: CCC Doubles Tournament

  

Pitman High Pride

Nonconference

Today: at California High Tennis Classic at Clovis West High, all day April 6: vs. Manteca, 3 p.m.

Central California Conference

March 10: vs. Merced, 3 p.m.

March 15: vs. Atwater, 3 p.m.

March 17: at Buhach Colony, 3 p.m.

March 22: vs. Turlock, 3 p.m.

March 24: vs. Golden Valley, 3 p.m.

March 29: at Merced, 3 p.m.

March 31: at Atwater, 3 p.m.

April 5: vs. Buhach Colony, 3 p.m.

April 12: at Turlock, 3 p.m.

April 19: CCC Singles Tournament

April 21: CCC Doubles Tournament

The Pitman High and Turlock High boys tennis teams know how to make life in the Central California Conference exciting. Last season is a prime example, seeing how the teams finished with a share of the league title.

The same could happen this season, though the crosstown rivals wouldn‘t mind earning an outright trophy.

Both teams have deep rosters that include experienced singles players and reliable doubles teams. So it’ll be interesting to see what will happen when it comes to the top of the league standings. But one thing is certain: Both teams will battle the entire way.

“This is one of my better teams,” sixth-year Pitman coach Jeff Hayes said. “They might be able to go as far as any team I’ve had.”

Two years ago in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I Tournament, the Pride reached the finals. Hayes believes the competition has improved and that his players are prepared for that challenge.

The Bulldogs also believe they’re ready for this season.

“Pitman will be tough,” Turlock coach Juan Alaniz said. “We should be able to compete for the second spot (in the league). If we can compete for the second spot and play in the playoffs, that’d be good.”

Both teams welcome back an abundance of veterans.

Pitman’s top three singles players are juniors Michael Davis, Mike Lazar and Morcos Boutros, who, Hayes said, all have the potential to be No. 1. And all of them are juniors who will return next season to make the Pride that much stronger.

Turlock’s top guys are also returners, with that list including juniors Kemi Asgill, Bryce Brenda and Scott Gray and senior Alex Wolski. Gray is the defending league champion in singles who experienced one loss last season, which came against Pitman’s Davis. Scott then went on to win a first-round match at the Section tournament.

The crosstown rivals will meet twice this season, with the first meeting on March 22 at 3 p.m. at the Pitman tennis courts. The second time will be the season finale on April 12 at Turlock High.

To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.

Big-time plays by big-time players
Local stars take to Tracy for 49th Lions All-Star Game
Colton Taylor
Hughson’s Colton Taylor fights through North blockers to put pressure on the quarterback in Saturday’s 49th Lions All-Star Game in Tracy. He finished with four rushes and contributed on four tackled (CANDY PADILLA/The Journal).
TRACY — Football stars from across the Central Valley came together at Tracy High’s Wayne Schneider Stadium on Saturday for the unofficial end of the 2024-25 prep sports season with the playing of the 49th annual Lions All-Star Football Game.
Would you like to keep reading?
You have 1 free view remaining. Use your last view to read more.