Senior spotlight: Huge senior class departs Bogue Chitto tennis
Published 4:15 pm Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Bogue Chitto tennis coach Chase Wallace has a big hole to fill in his roster going forward as the 2020 class made up a large part of the Bobcat roster.
Wallace lost eight seniors to graduation and it’s a mix of newcomers to the sport and some of his most veteran, accomplished players.
In his fifth-year coaching tennis for his alma mater, Wallace offers high praise for a group that saw COVID-19 strike down their season just as it was getting started.
“They are a special group of young people and have always been hardworking and respectful, the kind of traits that are symbolic of the Bogue Chitto community,” said Wallace. “As they leave our campus, I know each of them are destined for greatness. I appreciate all they have done for my program.”
Brandon Black
The son of Chris Black and Sandra Graham, Brandon is undecided in his future plans but hopes to pursue a career in either teaching or the ministry. A first-year member of the team who played mixed doubles, Black was also a member of the Bogue Chitto football team.
Lincoln Collins
The son of Lincoln and Yolanda Collins, Lincoln plans to attend Copiah-Lincoln Community College and then Mississippi State University while pursuing a major in architecture. A first-year member of the team who played boys’ doubles, Collins also played football and basketball for the Bobcats.
DeAnna Edwards
The daughter of Damon and Anastacia Edwards, DeAnna plans to attend Copiah-Lincoln Community College and major in nursing. A strong baseline player who was in her second year with the team, Edwards was also a starting guard for the Lady Bobcat basketball team.
Tabetha Edwards
The daughter of Damon and Anastacia Edwards, Tabetha plans to attend Copiah-Lincoln Community College and study early childcare education. A first-year member of the team, Edwards paired with Reagan Smith at No. 2 girls’ doubles and the duo was unbeaten in 2020.
Ja’Taryah Ferguson
The daughter of Joy Ferguson and Zetonnia Sims, Ja’Taryah plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi while majoring in forensics. An outstanding singles player who is a tireless worker according to her coach, Ferguson made it to the quarterfinals of the 1A/2A state tournament last year in Oxford.
Katelynn Palmer
The daughter of Henry Palmer and Mandy Sykes, Katelynn plans to attend Copiah-Lincoln Community College and major in psychology. A second-year member of the team who played No. 1 girls’ doubles, Palmer was a basketball standout who was selected for the Daily Leader All-Area hoops team.
Reagan Smith
The daughter of Roland and Jessica Herrin, Reagan plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi where she’ll major in kinesiotherapy with plans to then apply for occupational therapy school. A hard worker who has improved her game greatly over the years, Smith played three years of tennis for the Bobcats.
Zach Upkins
The son of Melissa Singleton, Zach plans to attend Copiah-Lincoln Community College and then Mississippi State while majoring in mechanical engineering. He also plans on joining the National Guard while in college. A first-year tennis player, the uber-athletic Upkins was a Daily Leader All-Area selection in both football and basketball.