HIGHLAND RAMS

Coach: Ron Osborn, 11th season

Girls 2018 finish: 2nd in 5A District 5-6, 8th place at state

Boys 2018 finish: 2nd in 5A District 5-6; 10th place at state

Key losses (girls): Kymball Ellis, Sabrina Wathne

Key returners (girls): Chloe Stoddard, sr.; Nichole Harrison, sr.; Paige Rasmussen, sr.

Current record: 5-0

Girls 2019 outlook: Highland’s three-year streak as 5A District 5-6 champion ended last season, and the Rams reloaded. The Rams have started off red hot in 2019 with freshman Cassie Stoddard pacing them at No. 1 singles, while Nicole Harrison and Madi Bray are a strong duo at No. 1 doubles. Chloe Stoddard moved from No. 1 singles to No. 1 mixed doubles after winning a 5A District 5-6 singles championship in 2018. Coach Ron Osborn has high expectations for a team filled with a mix of experience and youth.

Key losses (boys): Marcus Harmon, Marcus Wood

Key returners (boys): Carter Fellows, sr., Brynoch Rammell, sr.

Current record: 4-0-1

Boys 2019 outlook: Highland is led by mixed doubles star Carter Fellows. The senior is paired with Chloe Stoddard after he finished third at state last season with Sabrina Wathne. The Rams’ top boys doubles pair from last season graduated, but No. 1 singles player Brynoch Rammell returned. Fellows is the only player on the boys team with state experience. The rest of the squad is gunning for its first chance at state glory. “I want us to grab some qualifying spots for state,” Highland coach Ron Osborn said. “I’m excited for the challenge. This group is hungry.”

CENTURY DIAMONDBACKS

Coach: Sean Kane, 13th season

Girls 2018 finish: 4A state champion, 4A District 5-6 champion

Boys 2018 finish: 4A state champion, 4A District 5-6 champion

Key losses (girls): Adriene Pavek, Rachel Forest

Key returners (girls): Ellie Surmelis, sr.; Aubrey Sutton, sr.; Grace Neilsen, sr.

Current record: 3-0

Girls 2019 outlook: The three-time defending 4A state champion must overcome roster turnover this season. The Diamondbacks lost three-time 4A singles state champion Adriene Pavek to graduation, but return Ellie Surmelis and Aubrey Sutton, the runner-up doubles pair at state last season. The Diamondbacks have seven seniors on this season’s team as it transitions to 4A District 4-5 this season after winning six consecutive titles in District 5-6. “We’ve got a senior-heavy group of girls,” Century coach Sean Kane said. “We have a ton of experience coming back.”

Key losses (boys): Brian Zhu, Arne Klutsch, Jens Klutsch

Key returners (boys): Aidan Horrocks, soph.; Joe Murray, soph.; Hunter Ordyna, jr.; Roman Horrocks, sr.

Current record: 3-0

Boys 2019 outlook: Century’s boys team is also introducing new players this season, but is not starting over. The Diamondbacks lost their top singles player (Brian Zhu) and their top doubles pair (Arne Klutsch and Jens Klutsch). The three players were integral parts of a squad that won a 4A District 5-6 title and a state championship. Century has no returning players with state experience, but its roster is filled with varsity experience despite only having one senior. Coach Sean Kane feels his team will be competitive this season. “Everybody is going to compete,” Kane said. “People are going to step up.” Century has won three state titles since 2012.

POCATELLO INDIANS

Coach: Aldo Cordova, fourth season

Girls 2018 finish: Fourth in 4A District 5-6

Boys 2018 finish: Fifth in 4A District 5-6

Key losses (girls): McKenzie Chatterton, Emma Horrocks

Key returners (girls): Janessa England, sr.; Lynea Nye, sr.

Current record: 2-2

Girls 2019 outlook: Senior singles players Janessa England and Lynea Nye lead Pocatello’s girls team. Pocatello coach Aldo Cordova said each player has become more consistent on the court. “Lynea’s style of play is a lot more aggressive than Janessa,” Cordova said. “While Janessa focuses on control, Lynea focuses on power.” Cordova said he is excited about this year’s girls team, which has a lot of newcomers and potential.

Key losses (boys): Kade Packer

Key returners (boys): Josh Halverson, sr.; Jordon Michaelson, sr.; Logan Wrigley, jr.; Bryce Johnson, jr.

Current record: 2-2

Boys 2019 outlook: Cordova said this season’s boys team could be the best in his four-year tenure as Pocatello head coach. “We’re far stronger than we’ve ever been,” Cordova said. “Looking forward to all the opportunities we may have in the future. But right now, I’m focusing on one day at a time.” He said singles players Jordon Michaelson and Josh Halverson have the potential to make a state tournament appearance. “I know they can make it happen,” Cordova said. “Jordon, overall, has matured on the court mentally-wise, which was his biggest struggle before. … Josh’s play style is definitely threatening to any player. … He’s definitely composed at critical points.” Cordova echoed similar thoughts about Logan Wrigley and Bryce Johnson, who also have the potential to make it to state on their respective doubles team.