Siblings lead Wolfpack tennis

Blaire and Parker LaSure don't engage in much sibling rivalry.

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They rarely play each other on the tennis court. They cheer each other on at tournaments throughout the state.

And both are leading Greenbrier's tennis program to the top of Region 2-AAAAA.

Blaire, a freshman, plays No. 1 singles for the girls team. Parker, a senior, plays No. 1 for the boys.

Blaire is undefeated. Parker had lost once in nine matches through March 26.

"We've played really well," Parker said. "All our matches."

There is a third member of the tennis family.

Drew LaSure played for the Wolfpack as a senior last season and now attends Augusta State. But he doesn't share his younger siblings' drive for tennis.

The younger two started playing when Blaire was 6 and Parker was in fifth grade. Their coach has been Mark Rearden, who was a longtime pro at West Lake before moving to Petersburg Racquet Club in 2005.

The LaSures spend several days each week in the academy program at Petersburg and receive private instruction from Rearden.

"I've been working with both of them since they were serious about tennis," Rearden said. "They're great kids."

Parker's work earned him a scholarship to play for North Georgia College and State University.

Rearden and Parker spend much of their time in lessons working on Parker's volley. Rearden said his pupil's forehand was fine but the backhand could use work in preparation for next year's competition.

Parker doesn't have a problem putting in the work. Rearden said any deficiencies in the senior's game are overshadowed by his drive and ability to battle back.

"He does a lot of things well," Rearden said. "And nobody fights harder than he does."

Parker said playing at the collegiate level is what he's worked toward since he picked up the sport.

"Ever since I've been playing, I've just wanted to make it to the college level, be able to play for a big team like that," Parker said.

Blaire plans to follow her brother into the college ranks. That is, of course, if she doesn't turn pro first.

"Being unrealistic, I've always wanted to go pro," she said with a laugh. "But that's a really slim chance."

Blaire is ranked in the top 30 in Georgia in girls 14 singles. She and Rearden have been working on creating more topspin on her forehand and backhand and on net clearance.

Rearden said Blaire should benefit from a recent growth spurt.

"She's much stronger and bigger than she was," he said. "It's already helped the last three months."

Blaire and Parker travel extensively to play in United States Tennis Association events, rooting each other on along the way.

Blaire claims the pair rarely face off on the court. When they do, Parker said, it can get heated.

"It gets pretty hostile," Parker said. "None of us like to lose to each other. But we still have fun with it."