BELLINGHAM

RED RAIDERS

Coach: Steve Chronister

Last year: Finished first in the Class 2A Northwest Conference standings with a league record of 8-0. ... Placed in a tie for fourth at the Class 2A State Tournament and finished 14-0 overall. ... Reed Welch and E.J. Troutman placed third in state doubles. ... Steve Chronister was selected All-Whatcom County Coach of the Year. ... Shane Miller, E.J. Troutman and Reed Welch were All-Whatcom County selections.

Players to watch: E.J. Troutman (sr.); Shane Miller (sr.); Brad Dale (sr.); Auden Schilder (sr.); Emile Diffley (sr.)

Outlook: One year removed from snapping Sehome's reign as conference champions, Bellingham is now the NWC team with a bulls'-eye on its back. The Red Raiders certainly have the depth and talent in the top singles and doubles positions to defend their title. Reed Welch is gone, but his state doubles partner, E.J. Troutman, returns for his senior season. Shane Miller, Brad Dale and Auden Schilder give Bellingham additional veteran talent. Chad Cheldelin and Sam Ferguson, as well as sophomores Charlie Carmichael and Connor Thompson, are all players coach Steve Chronister expects to contribute to the varsity club. "We've got a lot of pretty good players," Chronister said. "I like to believe, because of the way they're battling, that they are making each other better. I'm excited about our depth."

2012 SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 Burlington-Edison* 3:45 p.m.

Sept. 10 at Sehome* 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 12 at Sedro-Woolley* 3:45 p.m.

Sept. 14 Anacortes* 3:45 p.m.

Sept. 17 at Ferndale* 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 Lynden* 3:45 p.m.

Sept. 21 Squalicum* 3:45 p.m.

Sept. 24 at Burlington-Edison* 3:45 p.m.

Sept. 26 Sehome* 3:45 p.m.

Sept. 28 Sedro-Woolley* 3:45 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Anacortes* 3:45 p.m.

Oct. 3 Ferndale* 3:45 p.m.

Oct. 5 at South Whidbey TBD

Oct. 8 at Lynden* 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Squalicum* 3:45 p.m.

* NWC game

Reach ANDREW LANG at andrew.lang@bellinghamherald.com or call ext. 862.