From the coach: “I believe I have a great team, and I’m excited to see them develop and polish their skills as well as seeing how much we can grow throughout the season.” – Kevin Martinez-Ramirez
Outlook: Five members of this year’s version of the Patriots played last season before the pandemic brought things to a halt early in the spring season. Two of those were among Freedom’s top six in the ladder. New coach Martinez-Ramirez is looking to Xiong, Crawford and Vang to lead the way with McCall, Ensley and Hernandez continuing to grow and being able to contribute this season as well.
PATTON PANTHERS
Last year’s record: 1-0
Returning players: Charlie Gessner, Braxton Mull, Ransom Vance, Coley Welch, Om Shah, Kelton Mull, Judge Avery
Other key players: Nick Corn
From the coach: “Hopefully, we have improved. Our goal is to finish in the top half of the conference as a team and hopefully secure a couple spots in regionals.” – Dennis Brittain
Outlook: The Panthers are hoping their experience will take them to big things this spring. Patton has started 2-1 overall, dropping its league opener this week against an always-tough Hibriten squad. Gessner has had to wait a while, but as a senior, hopes to repeat as conference singles champion after winning in ’19 as a sophomore, the same year in which he was also county singles champ.