RHS tennis sweeps sectional

By Staff
Rebecca James, Franklin County Times
The Russellville tennis team recently swept away all nine sectional crowns at the 5A Section 6 tournament.
The Tigers earned six singles and three doubles titles.
Junior T.J. Drake defeated Muscle Shoals' Aaron Lockhart 6-1, 6-0 on court 1. He also earned a doubles title, as he and Jacob Hill defeated Muscle Shoals in a come from behind victory to win 6-4. 6-3. and 7-5.
Hill later added his own singles title as he defeated Muscle Shoals 6-0, 6-0.
Freshman Kiefer Rea defeated Muscle Shoals' Carlon Wilson 6-4. 6-2 in court 2, and also took home a doubles title with Tyler Malone, defeating Decatur 6-1, 6-0.
Malone added his own sectional's title with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Decatur.
Anthony Turner defeated Muscle Shoals 6-2, 6-1 and earned a doubles title with John Tyler Hardin defeating Muscle Shoals 6-0, 6-0.
"We scored 63 points at sectionals, which is the maximum amount of points you can get," said Coach Jimmy Rea. "Muscle Shoals came in second with 27 points."
With their win in the sectional tournament, the Golden Tigers made their way to the state play-offs in Mobile.
Junior T.J. Drake once again stepped up for the Golden Tigers, earning a state title in singles tennis.
"T.J. is the first athlete from Russellville High School to win a state title since the 1982 basketball team," said Rea.
Although his team didn't perform as well as Coach Rea had planned, he is still optimistic for next season.
"None of my players are graduating this year," said Rea. "We're optimistic for next year. This was a learning experience for us, and we'll work a lot harder and take the state title next year."