SHORELINE — Someone had better tell Wheaties there’s another cuisine endorsed by champions.

Scott Bourne and Steve McCall revealed their success as doubles partners is due to more than teamwork, sizzling serves and pinpoint volleys.

It’s their eating habits.

On match days, the Shorewood seniors never miss a meal at Magic Dragon. Bourne and McCall load up on the spicy specials at the nearby Chinese restaurant.

The teammates started the lunchtime tradition last season and after making it through the entire year without a loss, they’re not about to change up their routine.

Six months after capturing league and district crowns, Bourne and McCall capped their undefeated season with four hard-fought victories at the Class 4A state tournament in May.

It was the first state tennis championship for Shorewood since the Thunderbirds swept the 2A singles and doubles titles in 1988.

“All year before state we were saying, ‘We’re going to win,’” Bourne said. “I seriously didn’t have a doubt we would.”

Except for the occasional fist pump or double high-five ala “Top Gun” fly boys Maverick and Goose, that confidence is concealed by the duo’s laid back, businesslike approach.

“We’ve always had an easiness on the court together,” Bourne said.

It doesn’t hurt that they’re best friends.

“We know each other probably a lot better than any other team,” McCall said. “We know who’s going to get what.”

Growing up just three blocks apart, Bourne and McCall began playing side-by-side as 5-year-olds when they joined the Klahaya summer program.

As sophomores they teamed up for the first time and advanced to state. But during the third set of an opening-round match, McCall injured his left shoulder diving for a volley and the pair had to bow out of the tournament.

They haven’t lost since.

Bourne and McCall’s 7-5, 7-6 (1) victory over Kamiakin juniors Alex Hart and Eric Otto in last spring’s state doubles final extended their win streak to 28 matches.

The Thunderbirds keep opposing teams off balance with their complementary styles. McCall’s power game and trademark overhead smashes turn heads, but Bourne stops just as many rallies with his soft touch.

“I’m weak,” Bourne joked.

It’s a partnership that works despite a scarcity of on-court chatter. Shorewood coach Corliss Liekkio is constantly urging Bourne and McCall to speak up.

“They’ve got a secret communication,” Liekkio said. “I keep saying, ‘Talk to each other.’ Steve says, ‘We know what we’re going to do.’”

The defending state champs lead a loaded Shorewood ladder. Nine players return from last year’s 15-1 team that tied Jackson for the division title.

A narrow midseason loss to the Timberwolves was the first for Shorewood in three years and snapped a monster 58-match win streak.

Nomar Mapalo played No. 1 singles for the Thunderbirds all last year, but the junior is facing stiff competition from senior Sachin Narvecar and junior Wes Abney.

“There’s five or six guys who are right up there at the top,” Narvecar said. “It’s pretty tough competition to hold onto the 1, 2 and 3 spots.”

Mapalo qualified for state in singles as a freshman, but had to default after the first round of last season’s Northwest District tournament due to a twisted ankle.

Narvecar lost just once at No. 2 singles in 2003 and placed fourth at the district tournament. As a sophomore he gave up basketball to focus exclusively on tennis.

“I play almost every weekend. I try to play tennis every day,” Narvecar said. “A lot of people on the team have the will to keep playing year-round. They don’t just play during the season.”

Aaron Lee’s partner graduated, but the senior is still a mainstay at No. 2 doubles along with junior Devin Liner and senior Paden Smith. Liekkio expects the remaining doubles slot will be filled by rotation of players.

“There’s a ton of hungry sophomores who are anxious to be in that spot,” she said.

Jackson brings back three of its top four players and appears to stand the best chance of preventing the Thunderbirds from earning a fifth consecutive league championship.

The rivals don’t face each other for two more weeks. By then, Liekkio isn’t sure what the ever-changing Shorewood lineup will look like.

“There will definitely be some movement,” Liekkio said. “I’ve got five people who could play No. 1 singles at this point. The ladder will change daily.”