Eight high school tennis players to watch this spring

High school tennis in the Treasure Valley served as the Bianca Mok show for the past four years, as Boise’s unbeatable girls singles player won four straight district and state titles.

But Mok graduated and is off to the University of Denver, opening the door for a host of girls talent battling to take her throne.

The boys race also remains open, with an Eagle sophomore who’s yet to lose a match and a Nampa senior who’s emerged as a threat representing the early favorites.

SKYLAR SCHOSSBERGER, EAGLE

The Middlebury College commit switches back to singles after going undefeated to win a state doubles title last season. She placed second in singles as a sophomore and fourth as a freshman.

SYDNIE BINDER, BORAH

The sophomore caught the tail end of Mok’s career. But with Mok graduated, the reigning district and state runner-up could mount a three-year run of her own.

ELLIE GAMBLE, CENTENNIAL

The Patriots’ senior looks to break through after taking third at state for three straight years — in singles in 2015 and ’13, and in mixed doubles in 2014.

NOEL SIMMONS, MIDDLETON

The undefeated reigning 4A district and state champ returns for her senior year. She wears down her opponents with superior fitness and by returning everything hit to her, Middleton coach Mila Wood said.

ADAM TZENG, EAGLE

The sophomore teamed with his brother Andrew to go undefeated last season on their way to a doubles title. He’s moved to the top singles spot for the Mustangs, where he’s 3-0 and hasn’t dropped a set to start the season.

KYLE GONELLI, NAMPA

The senior made a name for himself during the winter, dedicating himself to 20-plus hours of practice a week and topping players he struggled to beat in recent years. He’s drawing NAIA and Division III interest, Nampa coach Lloyd Williamson said.

NOAH AUSTIN, BISHOP KELLY

Austin won the state singles title as a freshman. And Bishop Kelly coach John Armstrong said he’s grown four inches and added 15 pounds as a sophomore, making him a stronger, more dynamic player.

TANNER KRAMER, PARMA

The state’s 3A All-Idaho boys basketball player of the year led the Panthers to their first basketball title in March. But he’s dominated on the tennis court for years, winning a state singles championship in 2014 and taking third in ’15 and ’13 as Parma has swept the boys and girls team titles the past two years.

This story was originally published April 1, 2016 at 11:51 PM with the headline "Eight high school tennis players to watch this spring."