HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS: Carter, Abingdon Rack Up The Hits At State

BLACKSBURG, Va. — The hits just kept on coming for Randall Carter.

In fact, the Abingdon sophomore slammed seven balls over the fence Friday at Virginia Tech. It was that kind of day for Abingdon in the Group AA tennis doubles semifinals.

Carter and senior Adam Henderson posted a 6-2, 6-1 decision over Joey Manilla and Ben Fitts from Western Albemarle. The defending state champs will try to push their two-year record to 34-0 in today’s finals at noon in Blacksburg.

While some athletes in the Virginia High School League Spring Jubilee wilted in the 95-degree heat, the AHS combo became even more aggressive.

Henderson supplied his usual dose of power and emotion, while the left-handed Carter mixed in touch volleys and quickness.

“Yeah, we didn’t let up at all,” said Henderson, who hopes to play quarterback at Bridgewater College this fall. “We wanted to take care of business.
“Our overall level of play is pretty good right now. Hopefully, we can carry that into the finals.“

The Falcons survived a three-set thriller against Salem in the Region IV semifinals. According to Henderson, that close call was enlightening and motivational.

“We were getting worried, but that [Salem] match showed that we can come back from a deficit by playing together as a team,” Henderson said.

After Western Albemarle held serve to open Friday’s test, the Falcons cruised behind Henderson’s booming serve and Carter’s quick reflexes.

“The Salem match was good for us,” Carter said. “Adam and I always stay positive and maintain confidence. We know that if we stick to our game, we will be tough.”

Abingdon became tougher after the 6-foot Carter grew seven inches in just one year.

“That size has made a difference,” Henderson said. “Randall is serving a lot better this season and playing really good at the net.”

The only downside to that rapid growth spurt has been the inflamed growth plates in both heels for Carter. Abingdon’s trainer was courtside Friday.

“I undergo ice treatments in around 20 minute spans before about every match,” Carter said. “I’m a little sore, but it’s getting better.”

The AHS sophomore exorcised out any lingering pain Friday with his commanding smashes which cleared the fence with ease.

“I like hitting them over like that,” Carter said. “Adam and I have a competition in some matches to see who can hit the most balls over the fence. I got three balls over in two games earlier this season.”

The smashes, serves and deft passing shots added up to another passing grade for Abingdon coach Adam Smith.

“That was pretty much an A performance,” Smith said. “It’s hot, but both guys played really well. They just need to shore up on their double-faults in the finals because it will be a much tougher match.”

Abingdon’s coach said his star pupils have all the essentials for a historic repeat.

“Adam and Randall complement each other very well,” Smith said. “When they play together, they are hard to beat. And those two have got it down to a science. When you only lose one set in two years, that’s says a lot.

“To win anything at this level is an achievement. To be in the mix for a state title two years in a row is a real achievement. I’m a proud coach.”

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