Hanahan tennis transforms, enters the week undefeated

Just a few years ago at Hanahan High School, it might have been a case of “Tennis, anyone? Please!”
But times have changed. Coach Glenn Cobb is in his fifth year as coach of the boys’ team, and he has turned the program around, building interest, which has yielded great success.
The Hawks were 6-0 heading into action this week. The team already has victories over Hilton Head and Beaufort, teams that placed 1 and 2 respectively in Region 8-AAA last spring. Hanahan placed third, but just might be No. 1 in the Lower State in 2016.
“Up until last couple of years, we had kids from Hanahan who played tennis during the high school season only,” Cobb said. “Now, we have kids who play year round and compete in the big tournaments. We have a true 1-5 in singles. In the past, our Nos. 1, 2 and 3 players should have played at 3-4 and 5. Having a true 1-5 makes a big difference when you play the tough competition.”
Last spring, Hanahan reached the third round of the Class AAA playoffs. The Hawks defeated Manning in the first round and Brookland-Cayce in the second. They lost to Wilson, a team that reached the Lower State championship against Hilton Head.
This year’s team seems to have the talent to contend for a Lower State championship. The team is young, but talented with only one senior. Nick Briggs is the senior, and he holds down the No. 5 position.
Newcomer Chad Nash is playing No. 1 despite being only a freshman. He is currently ranked No. 10 in the SC boys 16 age group.
Kerim Hyatt, who is a sophomore, is the Hawks’ No. 2 singles player. He is currently ranked number 13 in the SC boys 16s.
Mark Jones is a 9th grader and is playing No. 3 and is ranked 95 in the Boys 16.
Another freshman, Bradley Upshaw, is the No. 4 singles player. He is ranked 53rd in the Boys 16. Eighth-grader J.T. Ramey and freshman John Miavez, make a good doubles team.
One of the Hawks’ strengths is the team chemistry.
“They play well together and they like each other, which is very important,” Cobb said. “They cheer each other. When one does well, it sort of sets the tone for the other players.
The team’s success doesn’t surprise Cobb.
“To be honest with you, when we started getting more kids to come out, especially those who play year round, I knew we could have a good team. But I have been pleasantly surprised with what we have been able to accomplish.”
The tennis season is in high gear with the playoffs set to commence next month. Where will the Hawks be when the postseason begins?
“I hope we can win the Lower State championship,” Cobb said. “I haven’t seen any of the better teams in the Upstate, but I know we can compete in the Lower State. I just tell the players to go out and play the best they can. They usually put up a good fight.”