Johnsonville girls tennis looks to continue winning ways

By David Shelton

Senior Writer

Johnsonville – Johnsonville High girls tennis coach Brian Welch works hard to foster a competitive environment while also building strong team chemistry.

Welch has been successful in both goals over the years as the Johnsonville program continues to compete well among its peers in Class A. While winning the state championship is the ultimate goal, Welch feels developing the overall student-athlete is his primary role as a teacher and coach.

“We try not to focus very much on results, but on the journey that we are taking. If we work hard, do things the right way and treat everyone with respect, then the results will take care of themselves,” Welch said during last season. “Results will not define you years from now. People forget accomplishments and awards. We want to focus on representing our program, school and families the right way. “

The 2024 Johnsonville team is again among the top Class A programs in the Lower State. The road, however, has not been an easy ride this fall. Welch has put his team through a very competitive non-region slate of matches in hopes of building for a strong playoff run.

“The team has played a tough non-region schedule to prepare for the region and playoffs,” Welch reports. “We played Aynor, Georgetown, East Clarendon and Carolina Academy in non-region. These are all very talented teams and playing this great competition hopefully has helped us to grow and improve as a team.”

Welch says the team also has had a few injuries to deal with this season, including an injury to junior Lexi Hanna, who would have been a key contributor in the singles lineup. Hanna has missed most of the 2024 season.

“Not having her as certainly impacted the team,” Welch said.

Nonetheless, the rest of the roster is putting in the work and showing improvement with every contest. Many of the top performers are underclassmen so the future looks strong.

The lone two seniors on the team this fall are Lauren Newell and Ansley Wise, who are seeded seventh and eighth respectively in the team singles order.

Junior Lilly Margaret Driggers plays No.1 singles, with freshman Juliana Owens working at No. 2 singles. Driggers played No. 2 singles last season while Owens played five singles.

Junior Ada Howell sits in the third singles spot and sophomore Sophia Cook plays No.4 singles. Rounding out the top six are junior Lucy Truesdale and sophomore Mallory Prosser.

Junior Maddie Windham, eighth-grader Haidyn Carter, and seventh-grader Sara Boyd round out the 2024 roster.

“This is a great group of young ladies who are putting in the work and effort that it takes to excel,” Welch said. “I am very proud of what they have accomplished thus far and equally excited for what they are going to do.” 

Football Update

The early part of the 2024 season has been a roller coaster ride for the Johnsonville football team. After playing in the last two Class A state championship games, the Flashes are going through a rebuilding season this fall.

Injuries to key performers and a lot of inexperience at some positions has led to a 3-4 overall record this season. The Flashes won one of their first three region games as they look to fight for a state playoff berth down the stretch.

Offensively, the top returning rusher, sophomore Zaghe Davis, has not been able to get going this season. The leading rushers early on have included Jay McFadden, Bricen Howell and Ja’Mere Ross.

Sophomore quarterback Larkin Powell is a first-year starter and has experienced the growing pains that come with being a new varsity quarterback. But he is improving as he gains confidence.

When healthy and available, the offensive line can be a team strength. Senior Bubba Tapia is a third-year starter at left tackle. Juniors Jason Brigham and Brayden Baxley are returning starters and sophomore Daniel Ortiz gained experience as a freshman. KC Davis is the first-year starter at center.

Tight end Dylan Smith and guard Chase McDaniel also have starting experience.

Defensively leaders include linebacker Landyn Cribb, Howell at linebacker, and Tayshawn Brown at safety.