Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Through the first two tournaments of the year, it's hard to tell where the Steamboat Springs High School boys tennis team stands in the state.

The Sailors are 2-0 after downing Montrose, 7-0, and Colorado Academy, 5-2. But those two teams aren't expected to challenge at regional or state competitions the way the young Sailors are.

Steamboat should find out just how good the team is today, when the Sailors play at the Western Slope Tournament in Grand Junction.

The tournament - which doubles as a mini state tournament because of the quality of teams expected - brings in a horde of Class 4A and 5A teams to do battle on the courts.

Top teams like Cherry Creek (No. 1 in 5A), Fairview (No. 2 in 5A) and Cheyenne Mountain (No. 1 in 4A) are expected to be part of the tournament.

"It's going to be a really tough tournament," said Steamboat coach John Aragon, whose team is ranked No. 3 in 4A, just behind Kent Denver. "I'm interested to see how our kids match up."

Maybe the most intriguing matchup will take place at No. 1 singles, where Steamboat's Ramsey Bernard is expected to see his first top-level competition of the year.

Depending on how the draws play out, Bernard could see Cherry Creek's Chris Cooprider and Cheyenne Mountain's Brad Young.

Last year Young beat Bernard in the state championship match at No. 2 singles.

"This is really big for Ramsey," Aragon said. "He's playing really well now and I think he has a shot to beat anyone. For him this is what he needs but for the rest of our team it is equally important."

While the Sailors played their last tournament on Aug. 25, the team had a warm-up match with Fruita Monument on Wednesday.

Aragon said the match with Fruita will be good for Steamboat heading into the biggest - and most competitive - tournament of the year.

"The big indicator is how well the team will do on team points," Aragon said. "If this team can be in the top five at this tournament, it would be a real success."