The Newport Knights boys tennis team will be well represented at the Class 4A state tennis tournament this May in Richland.

Newport No. 1 singles player Austin Gu, No. 2 singles player Edwin Carlos, the doubles team of Alex Namba/Payton Namba and the doubles duo of Travis Kayahara/Derek Huang clinched berths at the state tournament with dominating performances at the KingCo/district meets in late October. Newport head coach Ron Coleman believes Gu absolutely possesses the skill-set to win a state title in singles action.

“I’ve watched Austin’s game mature over the past four years. A couple of things that come to mind is Austin’s determination to win, fight and grind for every point,” Coleman said. “His serve has improved so much. All great players have weapons and Austin’s serve is one of his best weapons.”

Coleman said the doubles team of Alex Namba/Payton Namba is the team to beat at the state competition.

“Their chemistry on the court is undeniable. If one brother is struggling, the other brother steps up his game and takes control,” he said. “They practice together all the time. They know each others game inside and out and know exactly what the other brother will do in any given situation.”

Coleman said the doubles team of Kayahara/Huang have a healthy rivalry with the Namba brothers.

“There is a rivalry. It is both friendly and competitive. It is all over the map,” Coleman said. “Both teams are driven, they both want bragging rights and they both want to be No. 1. They may not agree with what I just said but from where I’m standing sometimes its more friendly than competitive and other times its more competitive than friendly. In the end, it’s all about bringing home a state team title for Newport High School. The rivalry will be decided at state.”

Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com