Center Grove, Franklin Renew Longstanding Girls Tennis Rivalry

Two Johnson County powerhouses set to battle for sectional supremacy

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:37pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a girls' tennis match, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, green, and orange conveying the intensity and competitive spirit of the rivalry.The longstanding rivalry between Center Grove and Franklin girls' tennis teams is set to continue, with the two Johnson County powerhouses poised for another hard-fought battle on the courts.Franklin Today

Weather permitting, the Center Grove and Franklin girls' tennis teams will square off later this month on the Grizzly Cubs' home courts, continuing a longstanding rivalry that has seen the Trojans win 32 sectional championships compared to Franklin's 8, though the gap has narrowed in recent years.

Why it matters

The Center Grove-Franklin girls' tennis rivalry is one of the most storied in Johnson County, with the two programs combining for 40 sectional titles. While Center Grove has historically held the upper hand, the recent parity between the teams has made their matchups must-see events for local tennis fans.

The details

Both teams open the season with matches on Tuesday, with Center Grove hosting Columbus North and Franklin welcoming Mid-State Conference rival Plainfield. They'll renew their rivalry on April 21, and if history is any indication, they'll meet again during the Center Grove sectional scheduled for May 19-23. Last season, Center Grove scored a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Franklin in the sectional final before advancing to the state quarterfinals.

  • The teams will meet on April 21.
  • The Center Grove sectional is scheduled for May 19-23.

The players

Debby Burton

Center Grove's head coach, now in her 29th season.

Rusty Hughes

Franklin's head coach.

Sloane Small

Center Grove senior, returning at No. 1 singles.

Kenna Harbin

Center Grove senior, returning at No. 2 singles.

Alejandra Arriz

Center Grove sophomore, returning at No. 3 singles.

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What they’re saying

“I think anytime you have two teams in Johnson County that are competitive, that's a good thing. You've got to be on your toes ready to play. I always tell my girls that on any given day, anyone can win.”

— Debby Burton, Center Grove head coach

“Center Grove is a tennis powerhouse, boys and girls. You're looking at two schools with two different philosophies, and I'm not saying one is better than the other. It works really well for Center Grove with what they do, and it works really well for Franklin with what we do. That's just my perspective, but I have nothing but respect for Center Grove.”

— Rusty Hughes, Franklin head coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.