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MIDDLETOWN — Patrick Hamning and Michael Cole pulled off a surprising run to the Division I state doubles championship last season.

One thing is certain for the Middletown High School teammates as they prepare for the 2008 postseason: Nobody will be overlooking them this time.

"Everybody knows who they are now, but they don't have to try to be special," Middies coach Tyrone Turner said. "They've just got to play smart tennis and do the things they're capable of doing."

Hamning, a senior, and Cole, a junior, are seeded first in the Dayton tennis sectional, which will be played at Centerville. They have a first-round bye and will begin play this morning, May 16.

Like last year, Hamning and Cole have turned their focus toward doubles after a regular season of singles competition. Hamning is 16-8 at No. 1 singles, while Cole is 20-4 at No. 2.

"I'm feeling a little bit of everything," Hamning said. "I'm excited to compete again, but I'm also nervous. With the fact that we're the defending state champions, everybody's going to want to raise their game up a couple notches. That's going to drive me and Mike to play even better."

The duo lost just one match last season (in the sectional finals). They defeated St. Xavier's John Drosick and Jonathan Gaffney 6-2, 7-5 to win the championship.

"We didn't even realize we were going to be a good doubles team last year until districts," Cole said. "When we won districts, it was just like it all clicked.

"But it's going to be difficult to do it again this year. We have to work just as hard as last year because we're going to face some really good players."

Hamning said he considered playing singles in this year's tournament after beating St. X's Patrick Bandy, the 2007 state singles runner-up.

Yet the thought of playing without Cole made Hamning return to doubles.

"I really can't see myself competing in the state tournament without Mike because we play so well together," Hamning said. "Doubles is really where I shine."

Hamning and Cole are cerebral, athletic communicators on the court, Turner said.

"They talk between every point, even after they lose a point," Turner said. "They're very smart and feed off each other. And they play well in any condition. Sun, wind ... they adapt to the situation."

Hamning and Cole have contrasting personalities. Hamning is Mr. Intensity, loud and emotional. Cole is calm, steady, consistent.

"Sometimes I have to try to bring him down emotionally," Cole said. "We usually end up finding the balance we need."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2194

or rcassano@coxohio.com.

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