Junior Branson Smith is 12-1 on the season, with his only loss to the reigning 3A state champion.

In the last match against T.C. Roberson, Smith beat Senior Noah Dohle twice, 6-4, 7-5, in both matches. Dohle is a top five player in the state.

Smith isn’t new to the spotlight; he’s been the one seed on the team since freshman year. After going to the state tournament as an individual both years of his career, he said he is seeking the title.

“It would mean a lot to me and my family to win the state championship,” Smith said. “It’s been a goal of mine my whole life.”

Not often does a day go by where you won’t find Smith on the court, and he attributes that to his success this season.

“I’ve been practicing a lot more with the people I work with, and I’ve changed my workouts as well,” Smith said. “I feel like it’s really showing this season. My personal coach, Lawson Duncan, works with me quite a bit and pushes me to succeed.”

By: Wyatt Hughes, Feature Writer