Linn-Mar Lions
Conference: Mississippi Valley
Coach: Chris Wundram
Twitter Handle: @linnmartennis
2017: 16-3, Team State Runner-up
Year end ranking: 2
The Lions of Linn-Mar are once again hungry to overthrow the team down south off of I-380, Iowa City West. Linn-Mar took over as the top dogs in 2015 when they ended the Trojans historic winning streak, and then again defeated West in the state finals, and claiming their second state title in school history. Last season proved to be a successful one for the Lions. Last seasons losses came at the hands of CR Wash and the Trojans (twice). In addition to being runner-up as a team a season ago, Lucas Huffman and Ben Hediger placed 5th in the state doubles tournament, and Luke Van Donslear placed 6th in state singles as a freshman. The Lions return all of their starting lineup from last season including seniors Huffman and Hediger along with sophomore Van Donslear, who form one of the best top 3 in the state. Huffman and Hediger have each committed to continue their tennis careers at the collegiate level at Wartburg College and Coe College respectively. I would project Van Donslear to take over the 1 spot this season with Hediger and Huffman holding down the 2 and 3 spots. Linn-Mar is the favorite to claim the state title this season.
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| Sophomore Sensation |
Linn-Mar opens the season with a trip out west to take on CIML teams of #8 Waukee and #10 Dowling Catholic. These meets should provide little trouble for the Lions, but it is always great to see some of the schools on the east side of the state compete against schools from the west side of the state. Bettendorf is a notable matchup where two of the top singles players in the state in Van Donslear and Jacob Panjwani (Bett.) could have a tight match. Van Donslear came out victorious last year in a super tiebreaker at 2 singles. Mid-April, the Lions travel to the Muscatine invite where they have competed the last few years, and claimed a 1st place finish last season. This is a good event to get the team more matches against a variety of different people. Finally, as mentioned in the West preview, the matches with CR Wash and Iowa City West are of importance to the Lions this year. The Lions will be looking to avenge their losses from last year, and these matches could potentially determine which team is ranked #1 in the state heading into postseason play.
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| State Doubles title contenders? |
Realistic Best Case Scenario: The Lions avenge their losses to Iowa City West and CR Wash, goes on to beat one of those teams in the state final to claim their 3rd team title in program history.
Realistic Worst Case Scenario: Cannot defeat Iowa City West and takes home runner-up or 3rd place at Ankeny. Still completing a successful season.
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