East Fairmont Boys' Tennis Punches Ticket To State After Impressive Regional Performance

FAIRMONT — In a coach’s world, seasons are full of highs and lows. Injuries happen, losses are inevitable, and sometimes, it just isn’t your day even when you want it the most.

Other times, you hit the jackpot and have a season full of highs. That surely must be the way that East Fairmont boys’ tennis coach Scott Reed is feeling heading into next week’s West Virginia state tennis tournament.

Reed, who recently received Big X Conference Coach of the Year honors after his squad finished their regular season campaign with just one loss on their record, took to social media after this week’s Region I AA/A tennis tournament.

His Bees not only earned their second straight team championship, but racked up multiple individual accolades as well in an impressive three-day performance.

“In the past few days, my boys pulled off a dream scenario for me as a head coach, and it still hasn’t fully sunk in,” Reed said. “We knew we had a ton of talent coming back for this season. Pretty much our entire team plus some. We always knew in the back of our minds that we should be the favorites to win just about everything there was to win in our region this season. Maybe even have our No. 1 and No. 2 singles players play each other for the Regional championship.”

“This past week, we wound up winning the team competition. My No. 1 and No. 2 players played each other in the singles championship, and then my No. 1 and No.2 doubles teams played each other in the doubles championship. Dream scenario as a coach. All of my players were in every championship match this season at Regionals.”

As far as individual accolades, Bees’ senior standout Hunter Bragg, currently seeded No. 1, redeemed last year’s singles runner-up finish and placed first overall in this year’s respective competition. His doubles partner, Haydyn Dudash, was the singles runner-up, but both players punched their ticket to next week’s state tournament.

While Bragg’s singles finish certainly was an impressive feat, he and Dudash also placed first in doubles, adding yet another state tournament appearance for the senior duo.

Junior Kollin Maxey finished his regional campaign in singles matches in third place overall, and also qualified for state. Maxey and his doubles partner Isaiah Ferrell also placed second in the doubles competition, and will be competing together next week in Charleston.

Along with Reed’s positive commentary on social media, Bragg also had nothing but praise for his teammates’ efforts throughout the season.

“The Big 10 Tournament was a major highlight, with our team winning the championship title,” Bragg said. “Capping off this incredible run, this week’s Region I AA/A tournament brought a clean sweep: Haydyn and I repeated as doubles champions, and I achieved my long-time goal by winning Region I AA/A singles title.”

“This team had everything it took to be champions — talent, drive, and heart. As we head to Charleston for the state competitions, we know the challenges ahead will be tougher than ever, but we’re ready to give it everything we’ve got.”

Bragg also reflected fondly on his time as a member of East Fairmont’s program, citing that the off-the-court relationships have been just as significant as those on the court during the past four years.

“No matter what happens next week, I’ll always be proud to be part of this team. Beyond the courts, we are like brothers. The friendships we’ve built through countless practices, matches, and memories will last far beyond this season.”

The Bees will now turn their attention to next week’s AAA state tournament, which will be played at the Kanawha City Community Center in Charleston. AA/A will be played at the Charleston Catholic Athletic Complex. While seeding has not yet been determined, it’s almost guaranteed based on their success to date that multiple players from Reed’s squad will fare well in their respective brackets.