One of the few certainties regarding the upcoming boys tennis season is that no definitive No. 1 player exists in Johnson County.
This isn’t to suggest there aren’t worthy candidates.
Whiteland’s Quinten Gillespie and Greenwood’s Ethan Gray, four-year starters who were both all-state selections as seniors, now play collegiate tennis at Southern Indiana and Indiana Wesleyan, respectively.
The void left behind by these two, who together won 153 high school matches, could in time be filled by any number of players.
“There is a lot of parity,” said Whiteland coach Mike Gillespie, who brings back his No. 2 singles player in junior Ty McCullars, as well as last year’s No. 3 during sectional competition, senior Dylan Gross. One of those two is likely to slide into Quinten Gillespie’s old spot.
“I love parity, and it gives everyone a chance, obviously. I think both Dylan and Ty are capable of beating anyone they play.”
McCullars returns after posting a 22-2 record as a sophomore; Gross, too, proved consistent by going 20-4. Their styles are different, with McCullars relying more on ball placement and Gross possessing a bit more power to his shots.
Regardless of who plays where in the Warriors’ lineup, Gross knows the ultimate beneficiary is the Whiteland team, which has two of the county’s better players competing in singles.
“It’s a battle between me and Ty right now. We’re pretty close in skill level, so we’ll wait and see,” said Gross, who teamed with since-graduated Christian Felker at No. 1 doubles most of last season before going 2-0 at the third singles position at sectional.
“I don’t have a problem playing (1 or 2 singles) as long as it helps our team win matches.”
At Center Grove, freshman Tyler Lane is a player who could work his way to the front of coach Ivan Smith’s lineup. Franklin’s Silas Smith returns for his senior season after going 9-11 at No. 1 singles a year ago.
Those two, along with McCullars and Gross appear as though they’ll be the top forces to contend with, though other county players could step up their game as the season progresses.
“Center Grove and Whiteland probably have the most depth, and I think we’re getting there,” Greenwood coach Jeremy Runge said. “Everything is right there, and it’s whoever puts in the work and wants it the most.”
