EIGHT of the region's best junior tennis players have teamed up to take on some of the state's best during the under-12 NSW state state teams championships in Bathurst.
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Tamworth's Connor Guest, Aiden Purvis and Seamus Sheppard took to the courts alongside Gunnedah's Anna Bishop, Lacy Bourke, Caitlin Bourke, Mia Wilkinson and Mason Louis during the carnival.
The boy's side played well throughout the carnival, playing off for fourth position, while the girls secured a ninth-place finish overall.
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Girls team coach Craig Louis told the Namoi Valley Independent, Bishop was a "stand out performer" during the carnival.
"All of the kids played exceptionally well throughout the tournament," Louis said.
"I think they will all take a lot of positives away from the experience but I think Anna's efforts deserve some recognition."
Bishop finished the tournament as the top-ranked girls player, only losing one of her singles matches during the carnival.
"It was a fantastic effort by Anna," Louis said.
"This carnival challenged the kids techniques, tactics and really helped build their mental strength.
"So to finish the tournament with the number one ranking, with so many great players playing, really goes to show how well Anna played."
The players will now focus their attention on the ongoing Junior Development Series (JDS) singles competition.
"The JDS is really allowing these kids to take their game to the next level," Louis said.
"Each round they learn something new about their own singles game.
"While that is important, carnivals like the one in Bathurst, which includes a doubles section are invaluable.
"They do teach the kids to play in a team, work on their techniques and game play.
"So from that perspective it was very beneficial for all of them."