May 19, 2024

Savannah's Cole Horton wins state title in singles, Benton's Ridge Stagner makes history

Posted May 19, 2024 9:59 PM
Cole Horton is a 2024 state champion in Class 1 singles. He went undefeated in his senior season. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.
Cole Horton is a 2024 state champion in Class 1 singles. He went undefeated in his senior season. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.

By TOMMY REZAC

St. Joseph Post

In his last high school tennis match, Savannah senior Cole Horton finally summitted the MSHSAA mountain.

Hortin defeated Spencer Pompian, a junior from Clayton, 6-2, 6-0 Saturday afternoon at the Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield to secure the state title in Class 1 singles.

Cole defeated all four of his opponents soundly, never giving up more than three games in a match, and only surrendering six games total through four matches. He finishes his senior season a perfect 31-0 in singles. 

Cole placed fourth his freshman year, third his sophomore year, second his junior year and first as a senior.

The Savages' doubles team of seniors Noah Gould and Brighton Kurre, meanwhile, placed seventh at state. In the consolation bracket, they defeated Dexter and Osage soundly to advance to Saturday’s consolations semifinals, where they beat Father Tolton, 6-3, 6-1.

Also in Class 1, Benton's Ridge Stagner placed third in singles with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Daden Deaver of Clayton.

It markes the highest ever finish by an individual singles player in Benton history.

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