HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS DIGEST : AN EARLY GLANCE AT TOP TEAMS AND PLAYERS : Tennis : Canyon Players Learn Their Lessons in Classroom as Well as on the Court

The tennis players at Canyon might not get too much attention at a school that is renowned for its football program, but it’s hard to overlook their academic prowess. Four Canyon seniors had grade-point averages of 4.0 or better last semester. Extra points are awarded in advanced placement courses.

Duayne McKenzie has a 4.2. His doubles partner, Trevor Doyle, has a 4.0. No. 2 singles player Dave Castelblanco has a 4.17 and Kevin Mattson has a 4.0. “I’m impressed with the way they schedule their time that they can do so well academically and still participate in athletics,” Coach Bob Gravett said.

When Chatsworth finished 17-1 and won the West Valley League championship last year, it was the first time in the 1980s that a team other than Taft or El Camino Real won the title. Taft Coach Marvin Jones said it will be at least one more year before his Toreadors get back on top. Six of his 10 starters are either freshmen or sophomores. “This year, it would be a miracle, like the hockey team in the Olympics in ‘80,” Jones said.