Clinton High School Boys Tennis Claims AA/AAA Upper State Title, Advances to State Championship
May 6, 2026
The Clinton High School boys tennis team punched its ticket to the SCHSL State Championship on Thursday, May 6, defeating St. Joseph’s Catholic School 4-2 in the AA/AAA Upper State Finals.
The Red Devils won four of five singles matches to secure the team victory. Matthew King opened play at No. 1 singles, defeating Whit Wilkins 6-4, 6-2. Edwin Orr followed with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Jeremiah Adams at No. 2 singles, and Jacob King dominated at No. 3 singles, blanking Hampton Norwood 6-0, 6-2. Jake Meyerholtz added another Red Devil point at No. 4 singles with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Charlie Walters.
Cooper Stinson dropped a close three-set match at No. 5 singles, falling to Alexander Millener 6-2, 2-6 (10-5). In doubles play, the No. 1 doubles position did not play, and the team of Malakye Brewer and Ethan Wargo fell to Brodie Miller and Byron Webb 6-0, 6-3 at No. 2 doubles.
Notably, Clinton was the only AA school competing in the combined AA/AAA Upper State bracket and defeated all AAA opponents along the way, including Broome, BHP, No. 1 seed Christ Church, and St. Joseph’s.
Head coach Clovis Simmons said the outcome was a reflection of the work his players have put in all season.
“I could not be more proud of these young men,” Simmons said. “They have trained hard day in and day out, and they competed with tremendous heart today. To be the only AA school in this bracket and come out on top against AAA programs is a real testament to their dedication and character. They work for each other and with each other each match.”
The victory marks back-to-back State Finals appearances for the Red Devils.
Clinton will face the winner of the Oceanside Collegiate vs. Waccamaw High School matchup in the SCHSL A/AA/AAA State Championship on Saturday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m. at the Cayce Tennis Center in Cayce, S.C.
