The Sioux Falls O'Gorman Knights enter into the 2008 South Dakota State AA Tennis Tournament as heavy favorites, after steamrolling through the Greater Dakota Conference tournament.
O'Gorman won all matches by a count of 9-0 except one, beating city-rival Sioux Falls Lincoln, 8-1.
The Knights are also the defending state champions and won six individual state titles last season. But head coach Don Barnes said the tournament is filled with top competition.
"We see ourselves as a good solid team, but we don't see it as a lot of other people think of it as already over and we've already won it. We're the hunted, and we've gone through that for a couple of years. The tournament will never be as smooth as one thinks. We're going to do the old cliché and take it one match at a time."
The Knights come into the tournament with a 24-0 record this season, and all of their players returning from last year's state championship team.
"It is the same team and they're playing in identical positions as last year," said Barnes. "Our top five girls all won titles last year, but it is a new year."
Barnes points to Rapid City Stevens and Sioux Falls Lincoln as the Knights' top competition.
"I think it's a three-team race. I think there is some individuals from around the state that can cause some damage, but as far as teams I think it's Stevens with Lincoln as a darkhorse," Barnes said. "Stevens has the advantage of playing on its home court and sleeping in its own beds. It should be a great tournament."
