North Lenoir Tennis Celebrates Coach Alston's 100th Win with Victory Over Clinton
In a momentous day for North Lenoir High School tennis, the team not only secured a resounding 7-2 victory over Clinton but also celebrated a significant milestone for their esteemed coach, Scott Alston, marking his 100th career win. Alston, who has been a pivotal figure in nurturing tennis in Lenoir County and ensuring its presence in recreational sports, has dedicated 13 seasons to coaching the boys' team, amassing a commendable 100-60 record.
The match against Clinton showcased the depth and prowess of the North Lenoir team across both singles and doubles play. Despite a strong start from Clinton with Brandt Sumner defeating North Lenoir's Casey Alston 6-4, 6-3 in a display of athleticism and tactical finesse, North Lenoir swiftly countered. Maddox Smith, Austin Williams, Zachary Yarus, and Ahmad Zayyad each secured wins in their singles matches, demonstrating their skill and determination. Smith's 6-4, 6-2 victory over Camden Parker and Williams' commanding 6-3, 6-0 win against Will Johnson were particularly noteworthy, alongside Yarus's and Zayyad’s dominant performances.
The doubles matches further highlighted North Lenoir's team strength, with Alston/Williams, Smith/Yarus, and Jones/Zayyad all achieving 8-4 victories, underscoring the cohesive and strategic play that Coach Alston has instilled in his team.
Reflecting on the match and his 100th win, Coach Alston shared, “This was the second match of the season. Clinton is very athletic. Our number one, Casey, lost to a solid number one, Brandt Sumner, who is very athletic and made Casey hit a lot of extra shots. Chipped the ball very well.” Alston's humility and focus on team effort shone through as he attributed his success to the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes he has coached. “I’ve been very lucky to coach some of the best student-athletes and individuals over the years. Their hard work is what made this program achieve great success,” he remarked, also noting the special joy of having his son on the team during this landmark achievement.
Coach Alston’s impact extends beyond the high school courts, having played a crucial role in ensuring tennis remains a vibrant part of Lenoir County's recreational scene. His commitment to the sport and to developing young talent has not only led to competitive success but has also fostered a love for tennis among countless youths.
The victory over Clinton and Coach Alston's 100th win are not just a testament to North Lenoir's talent and perseverance but also a celebration of Alston's enduring legacy in high school tennis and his contribution to the sport within the community. As the season unfolds, the team, inspired by their coach's milestone, looks to continue their winning ways and uphold the high standards of excellence that Coach Alston has set.
