Conference: Mississippi Valley
Coach: Mitch Gross
Twitter Handle: @ICWestTennis
2017: 19-0, Team State Champs, Singles & Doubles State Champs
Year end ranking: 1
Home of the 2017 triple crown, West is coming off of one of the most prolific high school tennis seasons in state history. Back to back state championships, and five of the last seven, West has established themselves as a title contender each and every year. The departures of two of the best players in the state last season, 3x singles state champ Jiung Jung and doubles state champ Cole Schneider, leaves a younger group for the Trojans. With the loss of two dependable points in the lineup, juniors Jack Wenzel and Sam Shin will take over the top 2 singles spots. Wenzel was a 1st team MVC selection last season and Shin received 2nd team honors. Other returning starters include senior Brad DiLeo (Central College commit) and junior Sasha Chackalackal. West opens the season as the #2 ranked team in the state, and it will be a battle with the Lions of Linn-Mar for the MVC title, and potentially the team title come May.
Schedule Analysis:
The Trojans start off the season with three away meets against tough CIML competition in #10 Dowling Catholic, #8 Waukee and #4 West Des Moines Valley. Valley may be a tricky meet as they will use the CIML format (6 singles and 5 doubles matches) and this will test the depth of the Trojans. From there on out, the Trojans will complete their conference schedule which should give them little trouble unless your name is CR Washington and/or Linn-Mar. West will have to play @ #2 Linn-Mar and vs #3 CR Wash back to back in late April. The results from these three teams may very well determine who is ranked #1 in the state heading into postseason play.
Realistic Best Case Scenario: West wins its 3rd consecutive state title and establishes themselves as the best program of the decade, and in discussion for best program in state history.
Realistic Worst Case Scenario: Loses to Linn-Mar during the regular season and falls short in the state title rematch with the Lions.
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