Mitchell Boys Tennis Returns Experienced Roster, Aims for State Success

The Kernels look to build on last year's sixth-place finish at the Class AA state tournament, the program's best result since 2022.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:04pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a high school boys tennis match, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and golden yellow, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.Mitchell's boys tennis team aims to build on its momentum from last season's strong state tournament finish.Mitchell Today

The Mitchell High School boys tennis team returns nine letterwinners from last season's squad that tied for sixth place at the Class AA state championships, the program's best finish since 2022. Second-year head coach Tyler McEntee is optimistic about the Kernels' chances this spring, with senior leaders Matthew Mauszycki and Dawson Adams leading the way and a mix of experienced underclassmen providing depth.

Why it matters

Mitchell's boys tennis program has been on an upward trajectory, and this experienced roster gives the Kernels a chance to build on last year's success and potentially challenge for a higher finish at the state tournament. The team's strong culture and blend of veteran leadership and young talent could make them a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern South Dakota Conference and beyond.

The details

The Kernels return nine letterwinners, including three seniors in Mauszycki, Adams, and Talon Fenski, as well as key juniors Dayton Adams and Asher Dannenbring. Mauszycki and Dawson Adams, the team's top singles players, will look to lead the way after strong showings at last year's state tournament. Sophomore Cooper Star, the Flight 4 consolation champion at state in 2025, also returns to the varsity lineup.

  • The Kernels open their season with a dual against Rapid City Stevens on April 10 at Hitchcock Park in Mitchell.
  • Last season, Mitchell tied for sixth place at the Class AA state championships, the program's best finish since 2022.

The players

Tyler McEntee

The Kernels' second-year head coach, who is looking to build on the team's success from last season.

Matthew Mauszycki

A senior and the team's No. 1 singles player, Mauszycki reached the consolation semifinals in Flight 1 at last year's state tournament.

Dawson Adams

A senior who placed fifth in Flight 5 singles and fourth in Flight 3 doubles at last year's state tournament.

Cooper Star

A sophomore who won the Flight 4 consolation championship at last year's state tournament as a freshman.

Asher Dannenbring

A junior who finished fifth in Flight 3 singles and fourth in Flight 3 doubles at last year's state tournament.

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What they’re saying

“I am really looking forward to iterating on what we built last year, and as a first-year head coach we definitely exceeded my expectations.”

— Tyler McEntee, Head Coach

“I am looking forward to seeing them build on their experience, as it was their first year on varsity in their respective spots and they handled it really well.”

— Tyler McEntee, Head Coach

What’s next

The Kernels will look to carry their momentum from last season into the 2026 campaign, with the goal of improving on their sixth-place finish at the Class AA state tournament.

The takeaway

Mitchell's boys tennis team has the experience and talent to make a push for a top-five finish at the state tournament this season. The Kernels' blend of veteran leadership and young contributors gives them the versatility to excel in both singles and doubles play, setting the stage for a potentially breakthrough year.