As the HHS boys tennis team approaches the postseason, they are on a run of success that none of the players have experienced during their time on the varsity team. They are ranked as the third best team in the State, and have received the number one seed in the section.

“It’s really neat being a competitive team that can beat the best teams in the Lake Conference. We have never been able to do that during my years on the team,” said Jackson Diedrich, senior.

If the Royals live up to their seeding and qualify for the State tournament, they would be making HHS history. They would become the first boys tennis team to qualify for the State tournament, which has become the team’s goal for the season.

“Being ranked third in the state means that we are getting closer to our goal of being the best team in the state, but it doesn’t really mean anything. We still have to win matches in sections to make it to State,” said Manfred Barrios, senior.

While they are the favorite to qualify for State, the Royals are not taking their seed for granted.

“We need to stay focused and practice harder.  Everyone gets more competitive during sections and we need to be fired up.  We can definitely beat all the teams in our section,” Diedrich said.