HURON — Another strong finish looks to be in the works for the Huron Tigers as they prepare for the Class A State Boys’ Tennis Tournament, which is scheduled Monday and Tuesday in Rapid City.

The Tigers finished fourth in the 11-team field a year ago and will be looking to at least match that finish this season.

“We are a top-4 team if we play the way we are capable of playing,” Huron coach Tim Hedblom said. “We have done some things really well at times this year in both singles and doubles. If we do those things we should have a strong tournament.”

Play will begin at 8 a.m. MT on Monday with the doubles competition at Sioux Park. Singles competition will begin at 1:30 p.m. Monday, with flights 1-3 playing at Sioux Park and flights 4-6 playing at Parkview.

Despite having just two singles player with a winning record entering the state tourney, the Tigers have been very competitive in their matches against Class A opponents.

“The boys have worked hard all season,” Hedblom said. “They strive to be their best, they don’t quit and they have continued to get better as the season has gone on.”

Dah Christ Moo, who is one of three seniors on the roster for Huron turned in a 13-9 record this season in No. 1 singles. He finished second last season in the second flights.

Freshman Maner Htoo turned in a 9-8 record this season for the Tigers in No. 6 singles.

The rest of the singles lineup for Huron hovered around the .500 mark.

Freshman Matthew Thin was 9-14 this season at No. 2 after finishing second at No. 6 a year ago.

Senior Lah Doh Soe was fourth last year at No. 4. He went 9-13 this sason at No. 3

Senior Hser Wah finished 11-12 this season at No. 4, while freshman Say Poe was 10-12 this season at No. 5 after finished fourth at No. 5 last season.

Huron’s No. 3 doubles team of Thin and Poe weent 12-11 this season to bring the best record into the state tournament.
Moo and Htoo combined to go 10-11 in No. 1 doubles, while Doh and Wah were 9-13 in second flight doubles.

“This season has had its highs and lows, but this team is so much fun to coach.  They come to practice every day with a great attitude and they work hard,” Hedblom said. “They give their best effort every time they take the court. Each one of them has improved and I look forward to us having a successful state tournament.”

Rapid City Christian is the defending Class A champion and will be looking to become the first two-time Class A champion. Yankton won the Class A title in 2022, while Sioux Falls Christian claimed the top spot in 2021.

“The favorites will be Sioux Falls Christian and Rapid City Christian,” Hedblom said. “I do believe if we play the way we are capable of playing, we can have a strong tournament and be in contention."

All play during the second day of the tournament on Tuesday will be held at Sioux Park. The placing matches for doubles will begin at 8 a.m. MT, with singles play to follow beginning at 9:15 a.m. MT.