Neely earns NWC men’s tennis ‘Player of the Year’ honors, seven Pioneers gain individual recognition

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — With an 11-6 overall record and 10-1 in Northwestern Conference play, Watauga men’s tennis team finished as “Co-Champions”  of NWC, alongside South Caldwell with whom the two 4A rivals split the two league matches.

Watauga’s No. 1 tennis player, Steele Neely, was named “Player of the Year.” Including Neely, five Pioneers were named to the all-conference team and two Watauga netters received honorable mention recognition.

Co-Champions – Watauga and South Caldwell
Player of the Year – Steele Neeley – Watauga
Coach of the Year – Travis Richardson – Ashe County

All Conference Selections

WATAUGA

• Steele Neeley
• Cody Talton
• Bryant Carroll
• Jaxon Marsh
• Sullivan Trexler
• Honorable Mention – Stryker Ward, Harrison Gantt

SOUTH CALDWELL

• Blane Beam
• Spencer Richard
• Eli Speagle
• Ian Johnson
• Honorable Mention – Keegan O’Donnell, Troy Speagle

HIBRITEN

• Shane Stevens
• Ben Waechter
• Honorable Mention – Logan Clark, Wade VanHorne

ALEXANDER CENTRAL

• Carson Davis
• Eli Kerley
• Honorable Mention – Sam Law, Will Teague 

FREEDOM

• Noah Hawkins
• Bryan Gonzalez
• Honorable Mention – Chase Whitaker

ASHE COUNTY

• Jackson Keith
• Tristan Fogger
• Honorable Mention – Bryce Little

FINAL TEAM STANDINGS

1. Watauga 9-1
2. South Caldwell 9-1
3. Hibriten 6-4
4. Alexander 4-6
5. Freedom 2-8
6. Ashe Co 0-10