After placing third last year, a more experienced Grand Junction team enters the state tournament beginning today at the Gates Tennis Center in Denver with a legitimate shot at winning it. We're very confident we got them prepared with tough competition. It's up to the kids. They have to believe in themselves and overcome adversity in a match. Hopefully as coaches, we got them prepared enough to handle that.
Cherry Creek is the favorite.
Heritage, Arapahoe and Fort Collins, which finished in the top five at state last year, are not as strong this year, leaving the door open for Grand Junction to overtake the Bruins. It rubs off on the other kids. Burford and Ashley Hunt have not lost a match all year at No. 1 doubles. They are 21-0 this season, with wins over some high quality teams, including three over defending state champions, Cherry Creek, Heritage and Fairview. They walk on the court with a lot of confidence.