ROCKINGHAM — Senior tennis player Ethan McDonald has been named the Official Richmond County Male Athlete of the Week presented by HWY 55.
In a pair of Sandhills Athletic Conference matches last week, McDonald helped the Raiders stay undefeated with wins over Lee County and Union Pines high schools.
A four-year player, McDonald earned his second career recognition after earning wins in each of his four matches last week.
Athletic Profile
Year: Senior
Spring Sport: Tennis
Position: No. 3 Singles
Years on Varsity: 4 years
Other Sports: Soccer
“UNDEFEATED” WITH ETHAN McDONALD
The Richmond boys’ tennis team has rolled out to a 3-0 start this season, picking up a pair of Sandhills Athletic Conference wins last week.
Starting on Tuesday on the road at Lee County, Richmond cruised to an 8-1 win over the Yellow Jackets. One of five Raiders to win in singles play, No. 3 McDonald didn’t allow opponent Connor Bush to register a game win, shutting him out 8-0.
Working with partner sophomore Jordan Jacobs in the No. 2 doubles match, McDonald helped add to the big win with an 8-1 victory against Bush and Ayden Rhoney.
Making up a postponement match against Union Pines at home a day later, McDonald secured another singles and doubles win as part of a 6-3 victory for the Raiders.
One of three Raiders to earn a singles win, No. 3 McDonald bested Joey Tortoro 8-1, the second best score behind Will Whitley’s 8-0 shutout of Jackson Baker.
Needing to win two of the three doubles matches to clinch the match win, Richmond swept partner play. Again, McDonald and Jacobs dominated in the No. 2 pairing, resulting in an 8-6 win over Baker and Jackson Carmichael.
Through three matches this spring, McDonald is undefeated in both singles (3-0) and doubles play (3-0).
The Raiders (3-0, 3-0 SAC) will get back on the court on Tuesday at home against Scotland High School. Singles matches will begin at 4 p.m.
RAPID RESPONSE VIDEO WITH ETHAN McDONALD In his interview, McDonald explains his and the team’s successful start to the season, talks about chemistry in doubles play and shares which professional athlete he'd like to meet. The Richmond Observer will publish two more Official Richmond County Athletes of the Week next week.
