Losing five of a team’s top eight players might worry some coaches. But after another strong summer of tennis, Lake Orion’s Lance Davis isn’t sweating.
‘It’s almost as if we’re reloading instead of rebuilding,? he said.
Junior Tyler Barry takes over the reins as the team’s #1 singles player this fall, moving up from #4 last season.
He’s followed by Chris Sulisz at #2 singles, with Corbin Hadley, Bobby Michaels and Tyler Lambregtse in the mix at #3 and #4 singles.
On the doubles side, senior Cody Stauber teams with Adam Ilenich on the top duo, with Steven Nawrocki and Brian Enjaian anchoring the #2 tandem. That pair is undefeated so far in 2008.
Other players expected to see time on the varsity roster include Adam Solarczyk, Nahi Attar, Michael Denemy, Charlie Pepsick, Raj Singh, Brandon Beran, Kyle McDonald, Nicholas Ludwig and Eric Kaczor.
‘We had another good off-season with the boys,? Davis said. ‘All of them took steps to improve their games.?
‘We played USTA and fielded two teams this year,? Davis said.
One of those teams went 4-1 in their matches to earn a second place finish.
Davis said playing in the summer helped not only their games, but the team spirit as well.
‘It really spearheaded their leadership and team building skills, and it kept fun in the sport,? he said.
‘Our parents have been fabulous, too,? he said of the support. ‘That positive relationship has allowed our players to excel.?
Davis said the team placed third in a tournament at Almont earlier in the season, with Sulisz and the #2 doubles team earning first-place finishes.
Also new to the squad this year is Mark Taylor, a former coach at Pontiac Northern, who has helped introduce different types of shots and serves, along with the knowledge of when to use them.
‘He’s taking the kids to another level,? Davis said.
Some of the players have also been taking lessons with former Coach Eric Bracciano.
‘We’re right there,? Davis said. ‘We’ve got a lot of young guys that want to play. That’s half the battle.?
The OAA II is loaded with some good teams, according to the coach, with Athens, Clarkston, Rochester and Stoney Creek among them.
‘It’s going to be tough in our league,? he said. ‘We’re going to be battling with some good teams.?
‘Last year we lost three matches 5-4 and won three matches 5-4,? he added. ‘I’m hoping this summer will put more of those types of matches in our favor.?