Historic run for East Fairmont tennis wraps after strong season

FAIRMONT — It’s been said that “life’s best moments are fleeting, but their impact lasts a lifetime.”

Despite the 2025 season not ending exactly the way they had initially hoped, the East Fairmont boys’ tennis team certainly will have memories and friendships that will no doubt last them a lifetime.

Following the conclusion of the state tennis tournament in Charleston, where the Bees lost in the team bracket to No. 1 overall seed Charleston Catholic in the semifinal round and fell to the Irish and players from Williamstown in both singles and doubles matches, head coach Scott Reed and several players from his squad took time to reflect on an unforgettable season.

In a two-year span, Reed’s group finished as back-to-back Region I AA/A Champions, with multiple players qualifying for the state tournament after impressive performances in regional play. The team also held a combined record of 26-2 in the regular season, and an overall record of 31-4.

Most notably, the 2025 Bees’ squad finished the year as Big X Conference Champions, while also avenging their only loss on the year against Moorefield in the state tournament. Essentially, the run for this group has been nothing short of impressive. It’s also been a fulfilling and rewarding experience both for Reed and his senior class that will embark on their next adventure following this year’s graduation.

As part of that class and a senior core of talented young men, recipient of both All-State and All-Tournament honors Hunter Bragg will end his career at East Fairmont as one of the most decorated players under Reed’s tenure.

During his four years, Bragg finished as the Big 10 tournament Doubles Champion, the Region I AA/A Doubles Champion, the Region I AA/A Singles Champion, and ultimately donned the gold and blue one last time in the semifinals at this year’s state tournament.

Now looking ahead to the next step in both his academic and potentially athletic careers, Bragg took some time to reflect on his time on the court for East Fairmont, notably mentioning his bond with his teammates and Coach Reed as things he will take with him no matter where he ends up in the future.

“These past four years at East Fairmont have meant everything to me,” Bragg said. “Our core group, along with Coach Reed, built something really special that I think will be hard to replicate. We’ve created lifelong friendships, and I’m confident those bonds will last well beyond high school.”

“Coach Reed has been more than just a coach — he’s been a mentor who has impacted me both on and off the court. His support and leadership helped shape not only the player but the person I’ve become.”

Bragg also mentioned the significance of playing in the W.Va. state tournament consecutive years, calling this year’s tournament “a great experience.”

“Playing in the state tournament for the second year in a row was a great experience,” Bragg said. “I knew I’d be up against tough competition, and many of those players have been in the game longer than I have, but I came in ready to compete and leave it all on the court. I’m proud to have won several state matches this year and earned a spot on the 2025 AA/A All-State team.”

While all of his teammates have played an important part in his life both on and off the court, Bragg specifically mentioned his doubles partner and lifelong friend Haydyn Dudash as someone he felt proud to play alongside in their senior year. To him, despite their season being cut short, being able to compete with one another was a dream come true.

“My final match as a Bee was alongside my doubles partner and best friend, Haydyn Dudash,” Bragg said. “We lost a heartbreaking tiebreaker. While it was emotional, I’m proud of how we competed throughout the tournament. I’ve truly been blessed with an unforgettable high school tennis career.”

Reed also reflected on the 2025 season with nothing but praise for every member of his squad, calling the year, “The stuff you dream about as a coach.” All season long, his players handled adversity, competed at the highest level, and worked tirelessly to achieve both team and individual goals.

For Reed, even without a state title, those goals were still met.

With the offseason now in full swing, the Bees will begin the rebuilding process following the departure of Bragg, Dudash, and the rest of a highly touted senior class. Although there will surely be new faces and new achievements within the program, one thing remains certain.

The 2025 Bees’ tennis squad will be one to remember for a long, long time.



* This article was originally published here

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