On Friday, October 25, 2024, Mill Creek hosted the Coastal Empire Region Championship, where the William James Lady Knights triumphed over Ebenezer 3-0 in the semifinals, thanks to victories by Ivy Lacienski, Brynn Harrison, and Ilah Simpkins in their singles matches.
In the championship, the Lady Knights faced SEB in a rematch, having previously edged them 3-2 in the regular season via a tiebreak. Brynn Harrison, after overcoming an early deficit, showcased her skills to secure an 8-3 win at second singles, giving the Knights a 1-0 lead. SEB quickly equalized with a win at first doubles, but Ivy Lacienski delivered her strongest performance of the year, winning 8-1 at first singles to restore the Knights' lead at 2-1.
Meanwhile, Ilah Simpkins fought hard at third singles, leading 6-5, but it was Riley Hudson and Elizabeth Avret who clinched the championship for William James with an impressive 8-3 victory at second doubles, winning five of the last six games.
With this victory, the Lady Knights extended their remarkable streak to four consecutive championships and six of the last seven, finishing the season undefeated at 14-0 and marking an astonishing 51 straight match wins.
In boys' action, the William James Knights cruised past South Effingham in the semifinals with a decisive 3-0 victory. Corbin Lin secured a win in singles, while the doubles teams of Riley Cates/Jackson Hall and Chandler Collins/Mason Salter also triumphed. Will Ruhland and Burke Hall were leading in their matches when the match was called.
In the championship, the Knights faced the defending region champions, Richmond Hill. Chandler Collins and Mason Salter delivered an impressive performance, winning 8-2 to give William James an early 1-0 lead. Riley Cates and Jackson Hall were in a tightly contested match, trailing 5-4, but they rallied with three of their best games to clinch an 8-4 victory, putting the Knights up 2-0.
As Will and Burke battled in second and third singles, Corbin Lin sealed the championship with a commanding 8-2 win at first singles. The boys finished their season undefeated at 14-0, claiming eight of the last nine championships.
