Coach Jim McKinney’s Lady Leopards just won their first region title since 2012, and in turn advanced to the state tournament for the second straight season and fifth time in the last six years.

You’d imagine that a team that is now 15-2 overall on the season would be led on the court by a senior. However, it’s Banks County freshman Chloe Smith that’s taken the local tennis scene by storm.

Playing all but one match this season at #1 singles, Smith has forged a 13-4 record, going a near-flawless 7-1 in region play.

“As a freshman, she has shown exceptional poise and maturity,” says McKinney. “She’s great to coach and does everything I ask of her. She is followed by a great group of girls who all had a very good season leading up to the 15-2 record. I couldn’t be more happy for them or proud of their accomplishments.”

Due to Smith’s play, especially in the region tournament, she is named BLITZ Player of the Week, a rarity for freshman (four freshman this year have been named POW, 16 all-time).

Banks County cruised past Elbert 3-0, not dropping a set on any line to claim the region title.