Ellie Hammond (Prospect) just became the first Kentucky junior player elevated to #1 in the Southern section for 2017. Hammond had steadily risen in the rankings over the last 2 years and recently had excellent performances at the Southern Closed Championships and Southern 10's Playoff to vault her to the top spot. Hammond's recent results have been spectacular:
-Southern Closed Championship Singles Runner-Up
-Southern Closed Championship Doubles Champion
-Creason KY State Qualifier Singles Champion
-Creason KY State Qualifier Doubles Champion
-Kentucky Junior Open Singles Runner-Up (12's division)
-Georgia St. Junior Spring Open Singles Champion
-Georgia St. Junior Spring Open Doubles Champion
Hammond also represented Team Kentucky on the 10U group at the Memphis Open Team Championships, going 4-1 in that event.
Overall, Hammond has compiled a 28-7 singles record this year, including 3 wins over the #2 ranked player in the Southern section.