Several Bossier Parish players will try to contend for titles in the Walk-On’s Independence Bowl Junior Tennis Classic, which begins Friday.
The tournament is being hosted by Pierremont Oaks Tennis Club but some matches will be played at Southern Hills Tennis Center.
It is classified as a Level 2 tournament, the second highest ability level in the USTA Southern Section, which comprises nine states.
As of press time, 190 players had entered. Events are boys’ and girls’ 12s, 14s, 16s and 18s singles and doubles.
Loyola College Prep rising junior Tiffani Nash and Parkway rising sophomore Paris Washington are among the top parish players competing.
Nash was the runner-up in Division III singles last spring and helped Loyola win the state title.
She was ranked No. 2 in girls’ 16s singles and No. 5 in 18s in the Louisiana Standings posted July 24. She is competing in the 18s singles and doubles.
Nash’s sister, Taylor, is competing in the 14s doubles.
Washington reached the singles finals of the Division I state tournament last spring. She is competing in the 16s singles and doubles.
Washington’s sister, Jasmin, who reached the Division I doubles quarterfinals, is competing in the 18s singles.
Other Bossier Parish entrants at press time were Bossier City’s Drew Kolniak (boys’ 12 singles and doubles), CJ Thames (boys’ 18s singles and doubles), Avery Young (girls’ 12s singles and doubles), Isabella Young (girls’ 14s singles and doubles), Morgan Young (girls’ 14s singles and doubles), Sydney Young (girls’ 14s singles and doubles) and Haughton’s Zach Haley (boys’ 14 singles).
Morgan Young and Isabella Young were ranked 11th and 12th, respectively, in the most recent girls’ 14s Louisiana Standings. Taylor Nash was 15th and Sydney Young 17th.
Avery Young was ranked No. 3 in girls’ 10s singles.
Kolniak (No. 23, boys 12s), Thames (No. 19 boys 18s) and Haley (No. 18, boys’ 14s) all own Louisiana rankings.
— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com
