2015-16 GIRLS PRESEASON RANKINGS

The 2015-16 National High School Tennis Girls Rankings have been released. The top of the rankings have certainly been shuffled and girls tennis in the Lone Star State should be exciting with the nation's top two team's residing in Texas. Highland Park who finished last year ranked second in the nation will be led by senior All-American Chandler Carter and a trio classmates that are looking to claim the school's eighth straight state championship. The only thing standing between the Fighting Scots and a state championship will be the nation's second ranked New Braunfels Unicorns. The Unicorns led by senior TJ Fumagalli return four players with rated four-star recruits or higher. Defending Illinois State Champion Hinsdale Central moved up one spot in the rankings and look to continue their recent streak on dominance. The Red Devils are led by junior All-American Bella Lorenzini. Boca Raton is the top ranked team from Florida which has five teams ranked in the Preseason Top 25. The Bobcats are led by senior All-American Clare McKee. Peninsula, the nation's top ranked team last season, must replace a pair of key players but return National Girls Player of the Year Ena Shibahara. 

No.	School	State	Rating
1	Highland Park	TX	46.94
2	New Braunfels	TX	46.05
3	Hinsdale Central	IL	45.22
4	Boca Raton	FL	45.18
5	Peninsula	CA	44.82
6	Panther Creek	NC	44.09
7	Cypress Bay	FL	43.00
8	American Heritage	FL	42.74
9	Torrey Pines	CA	42.73
10	Wando	SC	41.21
11	Lyons	IL	41.17
12	Beacon	NY	40.80
13	Pine Crest	FL	40.49
14	Plano West	TX	39.78
15	Cherry Creek	CO	39.72
16	Carmel	IN	37.71
17	Webb School of Knoxville	TN	37.66
18	Palo Verde	CA	37.63
19	Edina	MN	37.42
20	North Alleghany	PA	37.13
21	Baylor	TN	37.04
22	Etowah	GA	36.17
23	Upper Arlington	OH	35.84
24	Blue Valley North	KS	35.47
25	Countryside	FL	35.01

NHSTA FEATURED ON PARENTINGACES RADIO SHOW

We are honored to have been featured on the ParentingAces Radio Show today. We are excited about the changes that our organization can hopefully bring to high school tennis throughout the country!

Some of the topics covered include:

• What made us decide to begin the National High School Tennis Association?
• Why did we do the National Rankings/All-American honors and what were the criteria?
• What can be done to improve the game of high school tennis?
• Why should elite junior players play high school tennis?
• Have their been any discussions of partnerships with the ITA or USTA?
• My experience as the Tournament Director of the DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships
• The growth of the New Balance High School Tennis Championships
• Is there any possibility of developing a high school tennis tournament circuit?
• What can be done to improve the level of coaching in high school tennis?
• What can a coach do to get more sponsors for their team?

PREVIEW -- 2015 NEW BALANCE HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

In less than a week some of the nation's top high school tennis players will be traveling to Boston, Massachusetts and the campus of Harvard University for the 2nd Annual New Balance High School Tennis Championships presented by USTA. The event, which will take place July 20-23, was developed by New Balance with the goal of supporting and recognizing all high school tennis players and coaches and the dedication they bring to the game.

The event is presented by the United Stated Tennis Association (USTA) because of the strong alignment of both organizations’ goals to promote and develop the sport of tennis, as well as the USTA’s extensive experience managing tennis events. “The USTA is proud to support this extraordinary event and we recognize that the high school tennis experience leaves a lasting impact for so many,” said Dave Haggerty, Immediate Past President of the USTA. “These efforts and contributions aim to help raise the profile of high school tennis – and the sport as a whole.”

The tournament features a 64-player non-elimination compass draw for both the boys' and girls' singles events with all participants guaranteed four matches in tournament play. Winners of the New Balance High School Tennis Championship are awarded wildcard spots to the ITF International Hard Court Championships held in College Park, Maryland.

In 2015, players will not only experience playing against some of the nation’s best players at Harvard University’s Beren Tennis Center, but will have loads of fun during the event. "We have put a lot of work and are very excited about the social activities we have planned for the players throughout the tournament week," said Evan Zeder, Sports Marketing Manager for Tennis at New Balance. Each participant will receive a premium player’s package featuring New Balance shoes and apparel. Players will also get to experience free on-site lunch at the Harvard Business School Café, a Welcome Dinner at Harvard University's Hall of History, pizza parties, a performance by the world renowned Blue Man Group, and a trip to famous Fenway Park.

Zeder said "I can promise that every player who is selected into the event will have an incredible and memorable experience!"

BOYS PREVIEW
Defending Champion: Matt Kuhar (Smithfield HS, Smithfield, RI)

Top Players: Michael Chen (Holmdel HS, Holmdel, NJ); Chambers Easterling (Spartanburg HS, Spartanburg, SC); Galen Lee (Etowah HS, Woodstock, GA); Jackson Suh (Issaquah HS, Bellevue, WA); Jeremy Yuan (Northview HS, John Creek, GA)

By the Numbers:
Average UTR - 11.73
UTR Above 12.0 - 25
UTR 11.0 - 12.0 - 34
UTR Below 11.0 - 5

Players by State: Alaska (1), Alabama (1), California (3), Connecticut (3), Florida (3), Georgia (8), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (10), Maryland (1), Maine (1), Minnesota (1), North Carolina (3), North Dakota (1), New Jersey (7), New York (6), Oklahoma (1), Pennsylvania (2), Rhode Island (1), South Carolina (2), Texas (1), Utah (1), Virginia (4) Washington (2)

GIRLS PREVIEW
Defending Champion: Madison Clark (Xavier College Prep School, Phoenix, AZ)

Top Players: Anna Li (North Allegheny HS, Wexford, PA); Allison McCann (Amherst HS, Amherst, MA); Jenna Moustafa (Harvard-Westlake HS, Los Angeles, CA); Sarah Rahman (Bronx School of Science, East Elmhurst, NY); Nina Sorkin (Deep Run HS, Glen Allen, VA)

By the Numbers:
Average UTR - 8.91
UTR Above 10.0 - 3
UTR 9.0 - 10.0 - 26
UTR Below 9.0 - 35

Players by State: Alabama (1), Arizona (2), California (4), Connecticut (3), District of Columbia (1), Delaware (1), Georgia (2), Kansas (1), Massachusetts (7), Maryland (5), Maine (1), Michigan (2), North Carolina (1), New Jersey (3), New Mexico (1), New York (5), Ohio (2), Oklahoma (1), Pennsylvania (6), Rhode Island (1), South Carolina (1), Texas (4), Utah (1), Virginia (7), Vermont (1)

For more information on the New Balance High School Tennis Championships please visit their website at http://www.nbtennischampionship.com/.

HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS PLAYERS ADVANCE TO US OPEN NATIONAL PLAYOFFS

The 2015 US Open National Playoff Sectional Qualifying events have seen a recent surge in success by high school tennis stars across the country. By winning the 15 Sectional Qualifying tournaments players advance to the US Open National Playoffs Championship events to be held during the Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies. The US Open National Playoffs men’s and women’s singles champions earn a wild card into the US Open Qualifying Tournament, held the week prior to the US Open. The US Open National Playoffs men’s, women’s and mixed doubles champions receive a wild card into the main draw of the 2015 US Open. 

FLORIDA

Women's Doubles -- Lauren Proctor - The Lakewood Ranch senior competed in her first year of high school tennis this spring and was a key component of the Mustangs Florida Class 3A State Championship team. Proctor, a Winthrop signee, said “Winning the state title as a team was incredible," The five-star recruit went on to claim her spot in the US Open National Playoffs Women's Doubles division winning the Florida Sectional Qualifier with Wyoming signee Miranda Talbert. The duo defeated Heather Kaiser and Sheronda Thompson of Gainesville 6-1, 6-0 in the women's doubles final. Proctor narrowly missed qualifying for the US Open Nation Playoffs in the Women's Singles tournament, falling 7-6 (4), 6-2 to Yukako Noi of Japan in the final.

MID-ATLANTIC
Women's Doubles -- Lizzie Baker - The National Cathedral School sophomore was dominant in the first year of the DCSSAA Tennis Championships claiming the Girl's Singles Championship without dropping a set. Baker teamed with Blue-chip recruit and Junior Tennis Champions Center training partner Mackenzie Clark to defeat former George Mason University player Catherine Crisostomo and Manhattan College alum Lindsey Keeler, 6-2 6-1.

MIDDLE STATES

Women's Doubles -- Kate Fahey - The Fair Haven senior and University of Michigan signee sat out her junior year of high school to focus on USTA events and improving her record. Fahey saw her national ranking rocket from 50th in the country to 5th and committed to play her college tennis with the Wolverines. With pressure off her back Fahey returned to the high school team winning the New Jersey Singles State Championship she desired so much. Her outstanding performance earned her NHSCA Girls Tennis Athlete of the Year honors. Fahey claimed her spot in the US Open National Playoff by winning the Middle States Sectional Qualifier with fellow New Jersey junior star Rima Asatrian. The duo defeated Rutgers freshman Chloe Lee and Rutgers junior Gina Li 6-4, 6-1 in the finals.

MIDWEST

Men's Singles -- Martin Joyce - The Hinsdale Central senior and Ohio State signee was awarded the top overall seed for the US Open National Playoff Midwest Qualifier. Following an outstanding high school tennis season that concluded with Joyce's second Illinois Singles State Championship. Joyce was selected as an All-American and the 2014-15 National High School Tennis Association Player of the Year. The former Red Devil defeated Indiana University Sophomore Matthew McCoy 6-4; 7-5 in the final. “It was a lot of fun and I was really happy with how I played,” Joyce said. “It was very cool. There are a lot of really good guys out here; a lot of college guys I haven’t seen before, so it was a lot of fun,” he said.

Women's Singles & Doubles -- Sara Daavettila - The Williamston junior and North Carolina commit has quickly risen to become one of the nation's top junior tennis prospects. The high school junior is the only high school player to qualify for the US Open National Playoffs in both singles and doubles. Daavettila won her second straight Michigan Division 3 Singles Sate Championship this spring. She finished her season with a 24-0 record without dropping a single game in any of her matches. The University of North Carolina commit has currently won 295 straight games in her high school career. Daavettila claimed her championship in the Women's Singles division with a thrilling 6-7(5); 6-3; 6-2 victory over junior tennis star and doubles teammate Alyvia Jones. Following the singles battle the pair partnered to claim the Women’s Doubles competition with a 7-6, 6-2 victory over University of Illinois sophomore Jerricka Boone and Stony Brook sophomore Adesuwa Osabuohien.

MISSOURI VALLEY

Women's Doubles -- Josephine Cao - The Shawnee Mission West junior has found great success at the high school level. The four-star recruit went 20-1 this fall winning the Kansas Class 6A Doubles State Championship with her sister Katherine. Cao partnered with fellow Kansas junior Dilara Spicer to take down Edmond Memorial High freshman Isabella Dunlap and Edmonth North High freshman Kinsey Fields 6-2, 7-5 claiming the US Open National Playoff Missouri Valley Qualifying spot for Women's Doubles.

NEW ENGLAND

Women's Singles -- Emma Davis - The Cohasset senior and Wake Forest signee stamped her ticket to the US Open National Playoff with a dominant performance defeating Yale freshman Carol Finke 6-1, 6-1 in the championship match. “Davis displayed beautiful, clean groundstrokes that allowed her to create an overwhelming offensive attack, said Woody Freeman, USTA New England Tournament and Rankings Manager. Nearly a week after winning the New England Sectional Qualifier Davis won her fourth straight Massachusetts Singles State Championship to finish her high school career 84-0. Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that Davis never dropped a set in her high school career.

NORTHERN

Men's Doubles -- Jackson Allen - The Shakopee sophomore captured third place in Minnesota's Class AA Singles State Championship this spring. Allen played the No. 1 singles position for the Sabers who spent most of the season ranked No. 2 in the Minnesota Coaches Association Class 2A poll. Allen partnered with Forest Lake senior Toby Boyer to claim their spot in the US Open National Playoff. It was a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Wayzata High junior Nick Beaty and Minneapolis South High senior Jesse Sprinkel that stamped the duo ticket to the US Open National Playoff.

Men's Doubles -- Toby Boyer - The Forest Lake senior capped off quite a high school career this spring. Boyer, a Nebraska signee, won the Minnesota's Class AA Singles State Championship this spring following back-to-back runner-up finishes. The future Cornhusker is the top ranked senior in the state of Minnesota. Boyer partnered with Shakopee sophomore Jackson Allen to win the Northern Sectional Qualifier of the US Open National Playoff in the Men's Doubles Division. The pair defeated Wayzata High junior Nick Beaty and Minneapolis South High senior Jesse Sprinkel 6-3, 6-4 for the title.

Women's Doubles -- Jessie Aney - The Rochester Century senior put on quite a show this spring as she played high school tennis for the first time since her freshman. Aney, a University of North Carolina signee, made her impact playing for the Panther's boys team. The senior who won a pair of girls state titles as an eighth grader and freshman finished the regular season as the undefeated Section 1 champion. Aney eventually lost in the Minnesota Class AA Singles State Semifinals to State Champion Toby Boyer of Forest Lake. Aney who narrowly missed qualifying for the Women's Singles Division with a loss in the championship to Alexis Nelson. Aney went on to partner with Nelson to claim the Women's Doubles title with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Chanhassen High junior Hayley Haakenstad and Edina High senior Caitlyn Merzbacher.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Men's Singles -- Victor Pham - The Menlo senior and Columbia signee already had already completed an All-American season prior to his Sectional Qualifying victory. Pham who played the No. 1 Singles spot for the Knights was selected to the All-Tournament team at the prestigious National Invitational Boys High School Team Tennis Tournament . Pham's success helped lead Menlo to a record tying 7th consecutive Central Coast Section Team Tournament title. Pham qualified for the US Open National Playoff by winning the NorCal Sectional Qualifier. Despite a number of three set challenges throughout the event, Pham rose to the occasion defeating Northwestern freshman Logan Staggs, 6-3, 6-3 in the championship.

HEAD OF THE CLASS -- 2014-15 GIRLS TOP 5 TEAMS

The 2014-15 National High School Tennis Association Girls Post Season Tennis Rankings are out. We are pleased to announce that these five outstanding teams made our Top 5.

Left to Right: Ena Shibahara, Ryan Peus, Risa Nakagawa, Kenadi Hance, and Sara Khattab
the big five from Peninsula High School. Photo by: Thomas R. Cordova/Press-Telegram/Daily Breeze

1. Peninsula (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA) 50.56 

The Peninsula girls turned in perhaps the most impressive resume of any girls team in 2014-15. The Panthers lineup included was led by 2014-15 National High School Tennis Association Girls Player of the Year Ena Shibahara, a UCLA commit. The blue-chip junior finished her season unbeaten claiming her second straight California Southern Section Individual Singles title while leading the Panthers to back-to-back Bay League, California Southern Section Division I and Southern California Regional championships. The Panthers lineup also included California Southern Section Individual Doubles Champions Risa Nakagawa and Sara Khattab. University of Washington signee Kenadi Hance returned to the lineup for Peninsula after sitting out two season to focus on individual tournaments to bolster the Panthers lineup. Perhaps the biggest boost came from freshman phenom Ryan Peus, a blue-chip recruit, who went undefeated all the way until the CIF Southern Section Individual semifinals earning Daily Breeze Newcomer of the Year honors. Peninsula will carry a 52 match winning streak into the 2015-16 season.

2. Highland Park (Dallas, TX) 47.77

Everything is bigger in the Lone Star State including high school tennis. The Fighting Scots didn't let a jump to Texas' largest class last fall stop their run as the most storied high school tennis team in the state as they won their seventh straight team title. Highland Park senior Margo Taylor, a Tennessee signee, finished her career with the Fighting Scots with a record tying seven state titles falling just short of breaking the record this spring. Taylor was joined by a quartet of juniors in Elizabeth Porter, Chandler Carter, Elizabeth Tedford and Madison Tedford. Chandler Carter, a Wake Forest commit and All-American selection, paired with fellow five-star recruit Elizabeth Porter this spring to win the Texas Class 6A Doubles State Title this spring. The Scots who finished 22-0 this season in team play have won 151 straight matches. With four starters returning Highland Park looks like the likely top ranked girls team in 2015-16.

3. New Braunfels (New Braunfels, TX) 46.35

In Texas high school tennis the only school that can compete with Highland Park's domination in the Unicorns of New Braunfels. The Unicorns are the dominant team in South Central Texas having won six consecutive Texas State Titles prior to their state championship loss to Highland Park this year. Despite not having a single All-American on their roster New Braunfels continued their dominant ways this spring rolling off 24 straight wins behind junior TJ Fumagalli, who partnered with boys teammate Henry Gordon to win the Texas Class 6A Mixed Doubles State Title. Fumagalli was joined in the lineup by fellow four-star junior recruit Hunter Bleser. Five-Star underclassman Sarah Adams, a sophomore, and Samantha Gillas, a freshman, added depth for the Unicorns. New Braunfels lone girls senior was Elisa Guillen who signed to play collegiate tennis at NCAA Division II St. Edwards University.

4. Hinsdale Central (Hinsdale, IL) 46.17

Hinsdale Central continued to make history this spring winning their second straight Illinois State Title, their record fifteenth in school history. The Red Devils fell just one point shy of their own state tournament record scoring a total of of 49 points. Hinsdale Central was led by All-American sophomore Bella Lorenzini. The five-star recruit finished as Illinois State Finalist for the second straight season this fall. Junior Sophia Haleas achieved a career best State performance, placing 9th overall. Sophomores Erika Oku and Stephanie Dolehide narrowly lost in the Doubles State Championship. Army commit Rugile Valiunaite and teammate Sandra Keta finished in third place in the state. The Red Devils resume included a perfect 8-0 record in dual meets, their 21st straight West Suburban Conference Silver title and championships at the Mustang Invitational, Red Devil Invitational and Lake Forest Invitational.

5. Torrey Pines (San Diego, CA) 44.82

Another dominant force in Southern California girls tennis has been the Torrey Pines Falcons. The Falcons who won their 25th consecutive San Diego Section team championship this year finished the season with a 22-1 record. Their lone loss came in the Southern California Regional championship to top ranked Peninsula. Freshman phenom Hannah Zhao, an All-American selection, added a huge boost to the Falcons roster this fall playing in the top position. The addition allowed senior captain Kelsey Chen, an Amhert commit, to flourish at the No. 2 singles position. Senior CC Schwab paired with freshman Kathy Wang to claim the San Diego Section doubles title. Four-star sophomore Alexa Meyer rounded our the lineup for the Falcons.

Please note that all of our rankings were compiled using a Power 5 formula based on the Universal Tennis Rating system to determine the most talented teams in America. Also our list of teams include only teams that are sanctioned members of their state high school athletic association. To view the entire Top 75 Boys Rankings click here.

HEAD OF THE CLASS -- 2014-15 BOYS TOP 5 TEAMS

The 2014-15 National High School Tennis Association Boys Post Season Tennis Rankings are out. We are pleased to announce that these five outstanding teams made our Top 5.

1. San Marino (San Marino, CA) 61.61

San Marino, a 2015 California Southern Regional semifinalist, ranks atop our 2014-15 National High School Tennis Association Rankings. San Marino's lineup was led by the duo of junior All-American selection Ryan Cheng and UCLA signee Daniel Gealer. Sophomore Bryce Pereira and junior Derek Chen led the charge for the Titans in doubles capturing the teams first California Southern Sectional doubles title since 1972. Junior Connor Lee, a four-star recruit, capped off the Titans Power 5 lineup. San Marino's accomplishments also include a seventh place finish at the 2015 National Invitational Boys High School Team Tennis Tournament.

2. Menlo (Atherton, CA) 60.99

Menlo has long been a power at both the state and national level and things were no different this spring as the Knights won their seventh consecutive Central Coast Section and Northern California Regional Titles. Senior All-American Victor Pham, a Columbia signee, led the way for the Knights at the top singles position. California commit Gunther Matta played the No. 2 singles position for Menlo. Siddharth Chari marked the only freshman in Menlo's Power 5 playing the No.3 singles position. The Knights doubles lineup was led by Vanderbilt signee Vikram Chari and junior Lane Leschly. The Knights achievements also include a Runner-Up finish at the 2015 National Invitational Boys High School Team Tennis Tournament.

3. Chattahoochee (Johns Creek, GA) 59.27

Chattahoochee High School has long been among the top teams in the state of Georgia. But this year's boys tennis team rose to the top 5 of the national rankings without a single All-American on their roster. Widespread talent was the theme for the Cougars this year. However, despite a roster that included collegiate signees Colton Phillips (Abraham Baldwin) and Alvaro Godroy (Air Force) the Cougars fell to eventual state champion Walton, ranked sixth in the country, in the Georgia Class 6A quarterfinals. The Hooch's top 5 also included a trio of four-star recruits in sophomores Daniel Li, Kevin Huynh and Steven Huynh. The Cougars 2015 resume includes a regional championship over the nation's 11th ranked Johns Creek. 

4. Hinsdale Central (Hinsdale, IL) 58.51

The Red Devils won their fourth consecutive Illinois High School State Championship this spring, the first team in more than 40 years to accomplish the feat. Hinsdale Central was led by Ohio State signee Martin Joyce, Dartmouth signee Eddie Grabill and Wisconsin signee Lope Adelakun. Joyce, an All-American selection, win his second career Illinois High School Singles State Championship after joining the team late this spring. All-American selection Eddie Grabill, finished the season fourth in the state in singles. Lope Adelakun partnered with four-star junior Michael Czlonka to take fifth place in the state in doubles. Red Devil freshman Zach Elliott was half of the doubles team that advanced to the consolation quarterfinals of the state tournament. Among Hinsdale Central's accomplishments are a third place finish at the 2015 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships.

5. Spartanburg (Spartanburg, SC) 58.31

Spartanburg captured their second straight South Carolina Class 4A State Championship this spring to cap off their second straight season with an undefeated record against in state opponents. Led by sophomore All-American Chambers Easterling the Vikings outscored their opponents 29-1 in state tournament play. Easterling also captured his second straight South Carolina Class 4A/3A Singles State Championship. Junior Noah Nawabi was a singles state semifinalist, eventually falling to Easterling. Three-star sophomore Omar Williams joined his teammates in the singles state tournament advancing to the consolation quarterfinals. The Vikings roster also includes five-star recruit Phillip Jordan, 8th grader, and four-star recruit Bryce Keim, a freshman. The Vikings finished fourth at the 2015 DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships.

Please note that all of our rankings were compiled using a Power 5 formula based on the Universal Tennis Rating system to determine the most talented teams in America. Also our list of teams include only teams that are sanctioned members of their state high school athletic association. To view the entire Top 75 Boys Rankings click here.