Wildcat tennis coach Jeff Graham is predicting region championships for both the RHHS boys and girls teams. He said the boys should go far at state.

Last year, the boys made it all the way to the Elite 8 round at state. Graham said they would’ve gone further, but they faced Woodward Academy in the Elite 8 round, who Graham said is the toughest team in the state.

"We have a really strong boys team this year," Graham said. "It’s a rebuilding year for the girls, but the good thing is I only have one senior. I look for great things for them in the future."

On Feb. 10, the RHHS boys beat Camden County 3-2. The girls lost 5-0, but the game was much closer than what it appears on the surface as the Lady ‘Cats won several first sets before dropping the tie-breakers.

Savannah Country Day overpowered the Lady ‘Cats Feb. 17 in Savannah. The boys tied 2-2, but the last match could not go on due to it getting too dark. A tie-breaking game will take place March 31, just prior to the SCD-RHHS rematch at home.

On Thursday, the boys lost 3-2 to Benedictine while the girls won 3-2. Winning their matches were Breanna Cota, Emily Li and the following doubles teams: Minh Phan and Charles Zhu, Justin Almanza and Daniel Ames, and Lauren Bickes and Bailee Croy.

The Noonberg brothers, who Graham said have shown tremendous improvement since last season, top the roster for the boys this year. Chris Noonberg nabbed the No. 1 singles spot while younger brother Ted Noonberg is No. 2. Charles Zhu and Thomas Capocasale are both contenders for the No. 3 singles spot. The boys doubles position is fluctuating at the moment.

The girls roster features some new blood as several are making their debut in the sport this season. Topping the female roster is Paige Ward in the No. 1 singles slot, followed by No. 2 Breanna Cota and No. 3 Emily Li. Alsia Blaine and Kristen Quan nabbed the No. 1 doubles spot while seasoned junior Lauren Bickes and freshman Bailee Croy are No. 2.

"There’s a learning curve, but I expect the girls to be a lot better by the time the region tournament comes around," said Graham, who is in his second year as RHHS head tennis coach.

Non-region matchups against Savannah Arts and Effingham take place before the region schedule begins Feb. 27, against Thomson at home.