Last year was a tough one on the courts for the Lake Orion boys tennis team. But their commitment to the team has things looking up for the fall campaign.
Coach Lance Davis said his team spent their post-match Tuesday evenings last year together at Buffalo Wild Wings.
‘I think we were able to overcome our struggles that way,? Davis said, noting the comradeships built there should translate to the court this season.
‘The continuity is there and the camaraderie is better than years past,? he said.
After not winning a match last spring, the team opened the season last week with a 4-4 tie at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep.
‘I’m very pleased with our off-season commitment,? Davis said. ‘We had about six or seven guys go to the Nike summer camp and bunch of players play in some USTA tournaments.?
‘We’re trying to develop a love for the sport and hope that translates into competitiveness,? he added.
The coach said his team was aided by the change in seasons, which allowed his players to get right back on the court and have the summer work pay immediate dividends.
‘The turnaround is definitely going to be beneficial for us,? Davis said.
Senior Evan Wharton will assume the top singles spot, and took a 6-4, 6-4 victory in his opening match.
‘He’s been on the court non-stop this summer,? Davis said of his co-captain (along with fellow senior Mike Westcott). ‘He’s really been the lightning rod in getting his teammates on the court.?
Senior Robert McLean, sophomore Adam Ilenich, sophomore Tyler Barry, senior Calvin Walker and senior Pablo Ortega will fight for time in the singles department, according to Davis.
The team will again compete in the OAA II.
‘Our league is tough,? Davis said. ‘Troy Athens qualified for states last year and they return a lot.?
The coach said Farmington, Clarkston and Rochester are other formidable opponents that will compete for the league title.
Outside of league action, things don’t get any easier for the Dragons.
‘Our crossovers are against Rochester Adams and Lahser, and they are perennial powers as well,? Davis said.
‘We’ll have to put forward our best effort every time out.?