MARION — Shortly after entering the town of Marion, visitors are greeted with a sign honoring the two-time defending VHSL state champion Marion girls tennis team.
It may be time for another sign.
The Marion boys tennis squad earned its first trip to the state finals since 1987 on Monday with a 5-3 triumph over the Wise County Central Warriors in the VHSL Class 1/2 semifinals.
An overflow crowd turned out for the four-hour showdown.
Marion's Caden Burchett
Marion senior Colton Branson needed just one word to describe the scene,
“Amazing,” Branson said. “I’ve never experienced anything like this before.”
Both Marion teams will gun for state gold on Thursday morning at Liberty University.
“The success of our girls team has been a big motivator for us,” Branson said. “We practice with each other and support each other. It’s a great thing.”
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Marion's Brody White
The 6-foot-1 Branson combined with Xander Gates at 8:30 Monday night to record the clinching point in an emotion-packed second set tiebreaker against Tyler Kiser and Patton Shortt.
Branson and Gates lost to the same duo in last week’s Region 2D championship, but Marion grabbed the team title with a 5-4 decision over Wise Central.
“We tried a strategy that didn’t work in that match, so today we tried to stick with a cross-court plan and it paid off,” Branson said.
Branson collected a single victory on Monday along with top seed Caden Burchett and Brady White. White and Burchett also rolled to a straight win at No. 1 doubles.
Marion's Colton Branson
White is brother of Marion’s girls tennis sensation Parker White.
Burchett, a 6-3 junior, averaged 18 points and seven rebounds for the Marion basketball team this past winter.
“Tennis is a much different atmosphere compared to basketball, and I love it,” Burchett said. “My size helps in chasing down balls and playing with power.”
Along with several of his teammates, Burchett has conducted a little research into the rich history of Marion boys tennis under colorful coach Dallas Brown.
Central's Marshal Dingus
“We know there are boys tennis trophies at the school, and we want to add more,” Burchett said. “The support of our fan base really helps. Tonight was the biggest crowd all season.”
Ford Riley, Shortt and Evan Riley won their singles matches for Wise Central on Monday.
According to Marion boys tennis coach Mac Poe, the Scarlet Hurricanes developed their skills the old-fashioned way.
“We’ve got a great bunch of kids with high character and good work ethic,” Poe said. “Some of the guys have worked with local coaches and pros, but most have just improved on their own.”
Marion's Caden Burchett
Branson is the master of the old-school crew.
“This is my third playing tennis, and I’ve never had a lesson,” Branson said. “We all just pretty much work on our own. We had a practice at 10 this morning and everyone came out.”
The climb for the Marion boys began two years ago with the Southwest District title. The Scarlet Hurricanes defended their SWD crown last year en route to the VHSL quarterfinals.
“Today was another huge step up for our program,” Branson said. “Not many quarterbacks play tennis, so I just try to lead by example and do whatever the team needs me to do.
“Winning a close match like this helps with confidence and motivation. Now, we’re going for the gold.”
