Apex and Green Hope were the tops of the Tri-Eight Conference last year, with each advancing to the second round of the NCHSAA playoffs. This year they're joined by Holly Springs, who went 13-3 and was the Greater Neuse conference champ in 2009.

The Cougars went 13-5 while Green Hope went 17-2.

Apex's Wesley Barrett leads all returners after winning the award last year and enters this season ranked No. 1 in the state, No. 27 in the South and No. 92 in the nation. He is committed to Elon. Sophomore Graham Duncan missed last season with injuries but is ranked No. 11 in North Carolina amongst sophomores.

Cougars junior Gibson Smith played No. 2 in 2009 and finished 11-4.

Green Hope senior Jake Bowling reached the NCHSAA 4-A singles championship after winning the Mideast 4-A title. The South Carolina commitment is one of five starters back. Taylor Elliott, who plays No. 2, may set the school record for matches played.

Athens Drive's Roman Cacha, a junior, has won each of the last two 4-A singles championships and is ranked the 11th best of his class in the state. Sophomore Matt Stachowiak of Middle Creek moved up to No. 10 in the state rankings amongst those in his class after an impressive summer. He finished runner-up in last year's Tri-Nine singles.