Science Hill girls, University High boys capture state doubles titles

McBride and Reid also were part of the Lady Hilltoppers squad that won the team championship Wednesday. It was the second time it’s happened for McBride, who teamed with Allie Knox to win the state doubles title in 2021 when Science Hill also won the team title.

“That’s quite a feat in itself to be a two-time state team champion and two-time state doubles champion,” Science Hill girls coach Erin Williams said. “Josi and Leah have both been wonderful leaders on our team and they deserve all the accolades for this latest achievement. Being a three-time and four-time state champion is quite a record.”

The duo had no problem in the state championship bracket. They romped to a 6-0, 6-0 victory over McNairy Central’s Abigail Hurst and Caylee Stepp in the quarterfinals and handled Franklin’s Sofia Messier and Aubrey Carper 6-2, 6-3 in the semifinals.

The results weren’t a surprise to their coach.

“They grew up together and have played together for a while over the past two years,” Williams said. “They’ve meshed well together. They came here ready and took care of business. It couldn’t have ended any better.”

CLASS A BOYS DOUBLES

Mefford, a freshman, and Hnatsuko, a junior from Ukraine, weren’t challenged in either the quarterfinal or semifinal round with 6-0, 6-0 victories.

They walloped Meigs County’s Ethan and Easton Meadows in the quarterfinals and Watertown’s Blake Myers and Ben Purnell in the semifinals.

“Kyrylo stepped up in a huge way. It was the best tennis I’ve ever seen him play,” University High coach Matt Trivett said. “I told him when he stepped on the court to show people you’re playing for your whole country of Ukraine. A lot of guys shrink in moments like that, but that kid went head on into that match and took the championship.”

Mefford admitted to being nervous at times. He overcame that and ultimately came through.

“It’s a little intimidating going against two seniors on a big stage,” Trivett said. “There were times he got a little tentative, but he listened to attack and bounced back. I think Graham could be a great tennis player with a bright future.”

It was the first state championship for the University High tennis program, which had been dormant for nearly three decades before this season. Jan Maxey reached the girls’ singles final in 1978, losing to Dobyns-Bennett’s Margie Brown.

Former UH standouts Billy Pike, John Shulman, Todd Smith and Joel Gonzalez played in the state tournament but never captured the championship prize.

“I told the guys to take in the moment; this is historic,” Trivett said. “It’s always going to be in the history books at our school and it’s something nobody can take away from you.”