SEATTLE — Strange scheduling had Janson Pederson qualify for state almost seven months to the day before it begins.
The Class 2A state boys and girls tennis championships are today and Saturday at Nordstrom Tennis Center on the campus of the University of Washington.
Pederson, a junior at Port Angeles, will compete in the boys singles bracket, while Sequim senior Cheyenne Sokkappa and junior Karen Chan made state in girls doubles.
While Sokkappa and Chan have been playing regular season and postseason matches for the past few months and qualified for state just last week, Pederson last competed officially at the district tournament Oct. 31, 2014.
“I think it’s pretty weird just because I haven’t really gotten too many real matches in, just a lot of practice, so that makes it a little more difficult,” Pederson said of the gap between districts and state.
Since qualifying for state in tennis, Pederson has played basketball and baseball for the Roughriders.
When not playing or practicing for those two sports or doing school work, and in between rain storms, Pederson did find time to pick up his racket.
“I’ve been playing a lot these last couple months,” Pederson said during a break in practice earlier this week.
“I’d probably say three to four days a week. Still been able to get some tennis in.”
Pederson admits to not knowing much about his first-round opponent — and how could he? — but he does know his name: Jared Keiser of Selah.
Keiser likely is as clueless about Pederson. Even if he had tape on Pederson or seen him play in the fall, his scouting report probably is outdated.
“I feel like it’s actually at a better point that it was last year,” Pederson said of his tennis game.
Port Angeles coach Gil Stockton agrees that there has been improvement since districts six months and 29 days ago.
“I personally think it is [better]. He’s made some adjustments,” Stockton said.
“He’s one of the rewarding players for a coach because he’s learning all the time and he’s constantly improving.
“He’s taking what people say and modifying that swing a little bit and hitting a better ball.
“He’s a cerebral player and a good athlete.”
Like Pederson, Keiser is making his first state appearance. But in Keiser’s case, it is because he is a freshman.
And considering Pederson claimed the District 2/3 tournament’s sixth and final state berth, Keiser, though young, must be pretty good.
“I know I’m going to be up against some stiff competition,” Pederson said. “I’m probably one of the lower seeds in the tournament.
“But, you know, I think I’ve prepared well and I’m ready for the challenge to go up against those opponents, and we’ll see what happens.”
Pederson said the key will be to limit his mistakes and be aggressive at the right moments.
Stockton said Pederson’s ranking belies his ability and potential to advance in the double-elimination tournament.
“I think Janson’s going to surprise a lot of people,” Stockton said.
“He improved all through the year last [fall]. And I think he surprised a lot of people by getting to the state championship in singles.
“It’s great experience as a junior. Terrific experience. And then next year, who knows?”
‘Tough draw’
Sokkappa and Chan also open state against stellar competition. Theirs, however, are more of state-proven.
Sokkappa and Chan open against Sehome’s Taylor Harris and Simone Hall this morning.
Simone Hall won the 2A doubles state championship in 2014 playing alongside Lizzie Friesen.
In the state championship match, Hall and Friesen outdueled Madison and Taylor Harris.
It was the second year in a row that Sehome has claimed the doubles title.
Now Hall and Taylor Harris are trying to team up to claim the school’s third straight doubles title.
“Cheyenne and Karen have a tough draw, lining up to play last year state champs — one of the doubles players with a new partner,” Sequim coach Justine Wagner said.
“However, they are constantly improving as a team, and I feel that they can do anything they focus on and set their minds to.”
Sokkappa spent much of the season playing singles, but has meshed well with Chan in her switch to doubles play, and the pair have used their strengths to advance through the postseason.
“Communication,” Wagner said. “You cannot have a successful doubles team if you do not communicate.
“Also movement on the court, being offensive and having confidence.”
Wagner said Sokkappa and Chan should be able to win some matches in the first trip to state for each of them.
“My goal for them is to make it to day two,” Wagner said.
“I am so excited for them and so proud of them.”
________
Sports Editor Lee Horton can be reached at 360-417-3525 or at lhorton@peninsuladailynews.com.
