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By Brian Pitts
Enterprise Record

Davie’s tennis team ran into a well-oiled machine in the first round of the state playoffs, losing 6-0 at Northwest Guilford on April 28.
The War Eagles were the No. 23 seed in the West Region. The 15th-seeded Vikings, who have outscored opponents 121-25, ran their record to 15-2.
After finishing fourth in the CPC, Davie closed with an 8-8 record.
Later in the week, Davie sent two doubles teams to the Midwest Regional. Senior Grayson Busse and freshman Chris Samet lost 6-2, 6-3 in the first round. Sophomore Brady Carter and freshman Riley Mallory was quickly eliminated 6-1, 6-0. The regional was held at UNC Greensboro on May 2.
Although the four War Eagles didn’t have any answers in the regional tournament, coach Shane Nixon said it was utterly fulfilling and satisfying to watch them grow during the 2025 season.
“I said it earlier, but one month ago, having two doubles teams in the regional was a joke,” he said. “Well, nobody was laughing today. Our teams played well and represented our school and county in a way that should make us all proud.
“I am a firm believer that context is important in everything you do. The context here is that a senior, a sophomore and two freshmen were our entries. They played against three seniors and a junior. If you just think about the difference between a young 15 year old and an older 18 year old, you see where I’m headed here. Physically we were outmatched. NWG is among the best teams in the state. Their No. 1 might be the best player in the state. My guys played hard, but we were simply overmatched. Our guys played really hard, and I am ever so proud of them.”
Busse/Samet went 9-6 as doubles partners this season, while Carter/Mallory went 7-4.
“Grayson was the leader on the trip,” Nixon said. “His maturity and focus helped these younger guys see this as a learning experience. Grayson played as well today as he has in his entire career. He will have a chance to play college tennis next year, if he wishes. What a good career at Davie.
“I like to say of the sophomore (Carter) that I never get cheated when he plays. I get all he’s got in the tank. He empties it every time we toss a ball up. As a coach, that is what you ask. Today was no exception.
“Chris was the youngest guy on the court he played on by more than three years. It would be fair to call his match a boy among men. And yet he played in a fashion I’ve come to expect – unfazed. There are big things in store for Chris in our program.
“The Lake Norman team Riley and Brady played were the No. 2 seed for a reason, but Riley didn’t back down. He played really well. His game is growing and growing and I can’t wait to see how he comes into the season next year.”