Pony tennis teams ready to fight for Central A hardware

The Havre High tennis season began with their courts buried under piles and piles of snow. Now, just a little over a month later, the Blue Ponies are nearing the end.

And the beginning of the end starts with this week’s Central A Divisional tournament, which has been moved up to today and Thursday, ironically, because of impending bad weather. Havre will get started battling Belgrade, Livingston and Lewistown at the Central A, which will be played in Bozeman.

“We’re excited,” HHS head coach George Ferguson said. “This is what it’s all about. This is why the kids work so hard. It’s for these two days because this is where all of their goals they’ve set for themselves can be achieved. It’s an exciting time, and we’re ready to go.”

Havre’s boys are seeking yet another team title, something they’ve done 16 times in the last 17 years, and for the past nine straight. Havre certainly has the firepower to make it 10 years in a row, too, with the senior duo of Trey Murphy and Kennedy McKay heavy favorites this week, along with singles standout Tommy Brown. But Ferguson notes that, he is taking five players who haven’t seen postseason tennis before, and with Livingston fielding a strong team this year, he expects his Ponies to have a fight on their hands.

“We have a pretty inexperienced boys team this year,” Ferguson said. “They are all quality tennis players, and they’ve really improved a ton, especially the last three weeks. But divisionals is a different animal, and Livingston has come on really strong this season, so we’re going to have to play really well, and have a few breaks go our way. But I also know, these boys are very competitive. They’ll fight hard, and they’ll battle. They’ve done that all year. And with great effort, success comes. So expect our boys to do very well this week.”

Havre is especially strong once again in doubles. The Ponies have Jake Huston and Reese Bulkley at the No. 2 spot, while senior Brady Ophus and sophomore Tyrel Kjersem are a strong No. 3. Ferguson said both of those teams have a chance to go far this weekend. In singles, however, Havre doesn’t have a single returner from last year’s lineup, as Brown played doubles a year ago. Freshman Josh Warp, and seniors Vander Swensen and Kendall Holden are making their first divisional tournament appearance, but Ferguson again said, all three have made big strides as the season has gone on.

Experience, though, isn’t something the Pony girls are lacking. Havre returns all 10 of its players from last year’s Central A squad, and while Livingston and Belgrade are favored in Bozeman, Ferguson said his Ponies shouldn’t be overlooked.

“We have a deep girls team,” Ferguson said. “All 10 of them have been here before, they’ve played a ton of tennis, and they have improved a ton this season. They are ready to break out. I know they are ready to take it to the next level. So I wouldn’t overlook us this weekend, that’s for sure.”

Havre’s depth in singles is led by senior Paige Nelson, a two-time All-Conference performer and the top seed this week in Bozeman. Cassidy Acor, Kadyn Acor and Mckenzie Tommerup all had success a year ago at the Central A, and should all score big points for the Ponies this week.

Havre’s doubles teams are also veteran standouts. Seniors Megan Lindbloom and Baylee Miller are a top seed this week, while the junior tandem of Devyn Solomon and Marcee Murphy and seniors Alex and Katie Donaldson both made deep runs at last year’s Central A.

“I fully expect our girls team to be in the hunt for the team title,” Ferguson said. “These girls have worked hard, they are really dedicated to this sport, and that’s going to pay off for them. They’re going to be in the battle for that trophy this week. I truly believe that.”

And battling is what Ferguson wants to see the most from his Blue Ponies. The top four singles players and top four doubles teams from the Central A will advance to next week’s state tourney in Polson, and that’s the ultimate goal for the Ponies this week, but, it’s also about team titles, too, and Ferguson said, his teams should certainly have a chance to bring trophies home from Bozeman Thursday night.

“Nothing about divisional tennis is easy,” Ferguson said. “It’s stressful, and there’s a lot of pressure. But I feel like our kids are very mentally tough, especially this season, with all the things we’ve gone through with weather and all of that. Our kids know how to handle adversity, and on top of that, they’ve all become very strong tennis players.

“So those things are going to pay off for them,” he continued. “If we go down to Bozeman and give our very best effort, and if we just battle our hearts out like I know these kids will, then we’re going to be successful, no matter what. I’m already very proud of these kids. They’ve been through a lot this season. So I’m excited for the opportunity they have in Bozeman and I’m looking forward to going down there and watching them all do great things.”

The Central A Divisonal begins today and runs through Thursday evening at Bozeman High School. The Class A state tournament is slated for next Thursday and Friday in Polson and Ronan.