Vestavia Hills, Huntsville, Saint James, and LAMP Shine in AHSAA Tennis Championships

MOBILE, AL – The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Tennis Championships are underway at the Mobile Tennis Center, with several teams already claiming titles in their respective divisions. The competition has seen standout performances from Vestavia Hills, Huntsville, Saint James, and LAMP, as they secured victories in Class 7A and 4A/5A categories. Meanwhile, anticipation builds for the upcoming Class 1A/3A and 6A tournaments, promising more thrilling action on the courts.

Class 7A: Dominance and Redemption

The Vestavia Hills High School boys’ team continued their reign, clinching their fifth consecutive state title and 11th overall. Coached by Oliver Aaron, the Rebels amassed 35 points, outpacing Hoover and Montgomery Academy, who tied for second with 29 points each. Senior standout Andrew Pipkin played a pivotal role, winning the No. 1 singles championship and teaming up with John Brooks Harris to secure the No. 2 doubles title.

On the girls’ side, Huntsville High School emerged victorious, claiming their fifth state title and first since 2015. The Panthers, led by coach Chris Shearburn, dethroned defending champions Vestavia Hills with a strong final-day performance. Huntsville’s dominance in singles was evident, with four players—Madison Letterle, Sophie Shearburn, Caroline Stapler, and Ali Meko—securing individual titles.

Class 4A/5A: Nail-Biting Finishes

The Class 4A/5A girls’ championship came down to the wire, with Saint James narrowly edging out Briarwood Christian by a single point. Olivia Willis and Davis Wilsford’s decisive victory in the No. 3 doubles final sealed the Trojans’ second state title, their first since 2003. Saint James also celebrated individual wins by Willis and Bailey Woods in singles.

For the boys, LAMP claimed their second state title since 2023, finishing with 49 points. Eric Lin and Eric Yun delivered standout performances, winning the No. 3 and No. 6 singles titles, respectively. Deshler’s Everette Minshew capped off an undefeated season with his third consecutive individual championship, solidifying his legacy in AHSAA tennis history.

Individual Brilliance

The tournament highlighted remarkable individual achievements, including Hoover’s Hannah Hwangpo, who triumphed in the Class 7A No. 1 singles final, and St. Paul’s sophomore Pearce Graf, who completed an undefeated season with victories in both singles and doubles.

Looking Ahead

As the Class 1A/3A and 6A tournaments approach, the excitement continues to build. The AHSAA State Tennis Championships not only celebrate athletic excellence but also underscore the dedication and sportsmanship of Alabama’s young athletes.

FEATURED IMAGE: Deshler High School senior Everette Minshew achieved a remarkable milestone by securing his third AHSAA state tennis championship at the Class 4A/5A State Tennis Tournament, held at the Mobile Tennis Center on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. (AHSAA Photo)