Greene Central Tennis Continues Its Dominance at 2A East Regional Tournament
Greene Central Tennis Continues Its Dominance at 2A East Regional Tournament
Greene Central’s tennis program is no stranger to success, and this past weekend, they solidified their legendary status at the 2A East Regional Tournament under the guidance of Coach Tim Medlin. Known for producing champions year after year, the Rams once again made major moves, earning top finishes in both singles and doubles play.
Singles Brilliance
Leading the charge for Greene Central was senior Anna Katherine Medlin, who capped off an extraordinary career with her second 2A East Regional singles title. Medlin, now 22-1 on the season, dominated the field, defeating Northeastern’s Jada Simpson in the championship match 6-2, 6-1. This win marks Medlin’s fourth consecutive appearance in the regional finals, an accomplishment unmatched by any other female player in the region. With her latest triumph, she cemented her place as arguably the greatest female tennis player in 2A East history, boasting an undefeated conference record of 68-0 throughout her career.
Medlin's impressive journey to the title included straight-set victories in every round, showcasing her unmatched poise and adaptability. Reflecting on her performance, Coach Medlin said, "Anna Katherine took on all challengers and handled them with remarkable composure. Her titles and stats speak for themselves, and it's been a privilege to witness her growth both on and off the court."
Also joining Medlin in qualifying for the state tournament was junior teammate Grace Baggett, who finished third after a hard-fought victory over Kaitlyn Wood of Ayden-Grifton. Baggett, now 15-3 on the season, showcased her resilience, battling through tough matches to secure her spot at states.
Dominating Doubles
Greene Central’s dominance extended beyond singles as Rylee Greene and Aubree Smith powered their way to the doubles championship. The dynamic duo, now 19-1, defended their regional title with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Washington’s Addie Gibbs and Avery Thomas in the final. For Greene, this marked her third straight regional doubles title, making her one of the most decorated players in the program's storied history.
"Rylee is a relentless competitor," Coach Medlin said. "She finds a way to win, no matter the situation. To win the conference and regional titles three years in a row speaks volumes about her consistency and determination."
The win for Greene and Smith further underscores Greene Central's incredible doubles tradition, as the school continues to dominate both singles and doubles in postseason play.
Coach Medlin’s Legacy
In his 11th season at the helm, Coach Tim Medlin has built an undeniable tennis dynasty at Greene Central. This year’s regional tournament results mark the fourth straight season that his teams have captured both singles and doubles titles at the conference and regional levels—an accomplishment that is virtually unheard of.
"I’m simply overwhelmed by the accomplishments of our players," Coach Medlin said. "Despite the obstacles we faced this year, our girls stayed focused and delivered when it mattered most. It’s a testament to their hard work and dedication."
Medlin’s coaching legacy is defined by consistent success, with at least one regional champion emerging from Greene Central each year under his leadership. The team will now look ahead to the NCHSAA State Championships, where they aim to add even more hardware to the trophy case. The tournament will be held at Ting Park in Holly Springs on October 25-26, with play beginning at 9:00 am.
As Greene Central continues its tennis dominance, the Rams show no signs of slowing down. With Medlin at the helm and players like Anna Katherine Medlin and Rylee Greene leading the charge, the future remains bright for this legendary program.
2A East Regional Tournament Results
Singles State Qualifiers:
Anna Katherine Medlin (22-1), Greene Central
Jada Simpson (15-2), Northeastern
Grace Baggett (15-3), Greene Central
Kaitlyn Wood (13-10), Ayden Grifton
Doubles State Qualifiers:
Rylee Greene / Aubree Smith (19-1), Greene Central
Addie Gibbs / Avery Thomas (19-5), Washington
Natalia Buchta / Cora Walker (11-1), Manteo
Sidney Daughtry / Camden Ford (16-4), North Johnston
Looking Ahead
With both singles and doubles champions advancing to the state tournament, Greene Central will once again be well-represented at the highest level of competition. The Rams’ players are poised to add more accolades to an already historic season, as they continue to uphold the winning tradition that has made Greene Central synonymous with tennis excellence.
As Coach Medlin aptly put it, "Our girls rose to the occasion, and now, we’re ready to take on the best in the state."
