Bulldog boys not new to state-meet heat

The Bulldogs were a bit overwhelmed by the pressure of their semifinal match, but put up an awfully good fight.

This time, Centennial knows better what to expect and brings arguably a deeper and more talented team to its second state appearance.

The Bulldogs (11-2) will face Sunrise Region champion Coronado (13-0) Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at Darling Tennis Center in a rematch of the 2009 semifinal that the Cougars won 10-8.

“Two years ago we did what we could, but we weren’t ready really,” senior Travis Beck said. “This year we’re ready. A lot of our players are playing well, they know more about tennis. We’re better prepared.”

In 2009, the Bulldogs were just excited to be at state after winning a play-in match against Foothill.

Not a lot was expected from a team that was still in the building stages.

A loss to Palo Verde in the Sunset Region final last year derailed the chance for a return to trip to state, but still showed progress. While the Bulldogs’ only two losses this season have come to Palo Verde, Centennial is narrowing the gap and becoming one of the elite programs in Southern Nevada.

“The experience has definitely helped them,” second-year coach Jeff Noa said. “Travis and Lucas (Lee) and Greg (Madsen) have gotten more confident in their game, and that sets the tone for the younger players. They want to be competitive.”

Ten of Centennial’s 11 wins were by 10 or more points. The losses to Palo Verde were by scores of 10-8 and 11-7. A few breaks in either match could’ve resulted in a Centennial win.

Beck, Lee and Madsen have been Centennial’s singles starters most of the season. The doubles teams of Brandon Fish and Casey Moses, and Dallan Johnson and Dakota Trombley have been solid contributors.

“We’re not just a singles-based team,” Lee said. “We have good doubles. We’ve been here before, so we know how to react now.”

But so does Coronado, which won its seventh straight Sunrise crown and is hoping to finally secure its first state title.

“They just have to go out there and do their job; that’s what got us here,” Noa said. “The skill level is only about five or 10 percent of the game. It’s what sits on top of your shoulders that really determines what the game is all about. They just have to believe they can do it.”

Two-time defending state champion Palo Verde (13-0) will face Northern champion Reno in the other semifinal at 5:30 p.m. The two winners meet for the title at noon Friday.

The girls semifinals are also Thursday at Darling Tennis Center.

Sunset champ Bishop Gorman (12-1) faces Northern champ Reno at 8:30 a.m., and Sunrise winner Coronado (13-0)  plays Palo Verde (13-1) at 11:30 a.m. The girls winners meet for the state crown at 9 a.m Friday.