Boys tennis: Scouting Lake County
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
CARMELCoach: Chris Kannenberg (seventh season)
Last season: fourth in ESCC tournament, eighth in Class 1A Carmel sectional
Returning upperclassmen: Brandon Apostal (Sr.), Johans Baladad (Sr.), Kevin Linares (Sr.), Matthew Nikolai (Sr.), Michael Nunez (Sr.), William Patterson (Sr.), Nathan Schedler (Sr.), Zachary Snyder (Sr.), Mitchell Whelan (Sr.), George Yacu (Sr.), Tommy Borkowski (Jr.), Matt Edejer (Jr.), Justin Feldman (Jr.), Dylan Laughlin (Jr.), Matthew Powers (Jr.)
Key newcomers: Jack Gallagher (So.)
Outlook: The Corsairs feature a host of returning players and are ready to compete for an ESCC title. "Outlook for the season is strong," Kannenberg said. "We have a motivated returning team with the majority of the players being seniors with lots of playing experience. Many of our top players, led by our team captains Nathan Schedler and Johans Baladad, trained in the off-season and are ready to complete."
NORTHERN LAKE COUNTY CONFERENCE
ANTIOCHCoach: Jamie D'Andrea (fifth season)
Last season: seventh in NLCC, fourth in Class 1A Lakes sectional
Key returning players: Tom Ruminski (Sr.), Will Vesser (Sr.)
Key newcomers: Easton Herbon (Sr.), Merrick Foote (Jr.), Adam Lynn (Jr.), Dax Foote (Fr.)
Outlook: There will be some growing pains with half of the Sequoits' lineup from last season having graduated. "Our lineup will likely be completely different from last year, as our former No. 1 doubles team of Ruminski and Vesser will be playing singles for us this year," said D'Andrea. Ruminski and Vesser's doubles experience has improved their court awareness and reflexes and will hopefully lead to more dual meet victories this spring. Doubles will be an experiment in the early going with plenty of new faces and combinations. "The players new to the program seem hungry for competition and are eager to learn," D'Andrea said. "It might be a rocky start, as the new players will likely have a learning curve, but by the end of the season, I predict that we will be competitive with other teams in the NLCC, and I'm hopeful that we will have multiple players representing ACHS in the state tournament."
GRANTCoach: Max Boton (second season)
Last season: fourth in NLCC tournament, sixth in Class 2A Stevenson sectional
Key returning players: Billy Friedman (Jr.), Walid Rafeh (Sr.), Brian Yoon (Sr.), Billy Hornewer (Sr.), Andre Lee (Sr.), Alex Wurzer (Sr.)
Key newcomers: Sam Rafeh (Jr.), Max Schaewe (Jr.)
Outlook: Grant enjoyed one of its best seasons a year ago and looks to continue on that trend this spring. Walid Rafeh looks to get to state, and the experience and talent will hopefully yield an NLCC crown. Boton says Friedman has "massively improved," while Yoon, Hornewer, Lee and Wurzer are returning seniors that will contribute to the doubles lineup. Schaewe is new to varsity and has lots of power. "We're hoping to win the conference for the first time in a long time," Boton said. "We have the players and the experience. Now it's just time to execute."
GRAYSLAKE CENTRALCoach: Chuck Lawson (14th season)
Last season: 9-4, second in NLCC, fifth in Class 1A Lakes sectional
Top returning players: John Ryan (Sr.), Josh Adisumarta (Sr.), Jack Wold (Jr.), Jeff Wold (Jr.), Aavik Patel (Jr.), Jon Hong (Sr.)
Key newcomers: Josh Kim (Sr.), Dylan Whetham (So.), Nick Zador (So.), Milan Patel (Fr.), Kollin Wardin (Jr.), Jaylord Sajor (Sr.), Ethan Blenniss (Sr.)
Outlook: By their standards perhaps, the Rams had an "off" season, finishing second in the NLCC. They took a blow with state doubles team Jordan Ramsey and Greg Madjarov having graduated, but plenty of firepower returns. Ryan will anchor the singles at No. 1 and Adisumarta will play No. 2. The Wold brothers will play No. 1 doubles. "As always, we hope to win the NLCC and get some more guys to state," said Lawson.
GRAYSLAKE NORTHCoach: Johnny Kent (third season)
Last season: 7-6, tie for third in NLCC, second in Class 1A Lakes sectional
Key returning players: Dante Komater (Sr.), Cole Schultze (Sr.), Eduardo Fonseca (Sr.)
Key newcomers: Dylan Clausen (Fr.), Christian Abban (Fr.), Bryan Burger (Jr.), Michael Wentz (Sr.), Eric Kang (Sr.), Adi Chinthagunta (Sr.), Lucas Shurboff (Sr.), Jack Reinwald (Jr.)
Outlook: Just like a year ago, the Knights are seeking to replace 8 out of their 11 starters from last season. "While you can never fully replace experience, we have a hungry group of seniors that have been waiting their turn and are ready for this opportunity," Kent said. "As it is every year, our success and ability to reach our goal of being NLCC champions again will be determined by how much and how quickly they develop." Abban and Clausen are talented freshmen, while experience lies within top doubles team of Schultze and Komater, who went 19-5 last spring. Fonseca also returns to bolster the doubles lineup. He will likely team with Burger. "Overall, we have a great group of kids that fit the profile of Knights tennis players in working hard each day to compete and that really love the sport," Kent said. "We are excited for what the future holds and look forward to having a great year. "
LAKESCoach: Bryan Plinske (15th season)
Last season: 6-7, fifth in NLCC tournament, first in Class 1A Lakes sectional
Key returning players: Andrew Butler (Sr.), Carson Hubert (Sr.), Ravi Singh (Sr.), Eric Brugioni (Sr.), Jack Murrie (Jr.), Aaron Oster (Jr.)
Key newcomers: Gavin Murrie (Fr.), Ryan Kiddle (So.)
Outlook: Despite losing the top doubles state qualifying doubles team of Matthew Mercure and Adam Hagman to graduation, the Eagles season outlook is positive. "We're certainly looking to defend our sectional championship title," Plinske said. "We have a great core of seniors who have a ton of varsity experience and have stepped up to be leaders." A strong group of freshmen will help too. "The team vibe has been wonderful, even though we've only been able to condition and work on serves so far," Plinske said. "The guys have done everything asked and cannot wait until the weather breaks and we can get out and start hitting."
ROUND LAKECoach: Atom Davis (ninth season)
Last season: 14-4, fourth in Class 2A Stevenson sectional
Top returning players: John Brown (Sr.), Danny Guzman (Sr.), Diego Martinez (Sr.), Diego Martinez (Jr.)
Key newcomers: Javi Bolanos (So.)
Outlook: Last spring, the Panthers enjoyed one of their best seasons in the program's history. Davis is hoping that trend continues with 9 of 11 starters back. "We hope to capitalize on an amazing season last year by winning the NLCC title this spring," Davis said. "We look forward to the challenge." Brown, Guzman and Martinez anchor the lineup.
WAUCONDACoach: Ryan Whitfield (fourth season)
Last season: 10-3, 7-0 in NLCC, fourth in Class 1A Carmel sectional
Key returning players: Dev Patel (Sr.), Chase Hayden (Sr.), Emil Ularu (Sr.), Alan Tondryk (Sr.), Tyler Fish (Sr.), Robby Modica (Sr.), Connor Brannick (Sr.), Mark Yaroslavsky (Jr.), Vinny Padula (Jr.)
Key newcomers: Nathan Chung (Sr.), Ethan Yost (Sr.), Ryan Ruether (Sr.), Dylan Brannick (Fr.), Memphis Gallego (Fr.), Rene Terrazas (So)
Outlook: The Bulldogs have incredible depth with 9 of their top 11 players back from last season. Patel returns for his fourth year on varsity and will move up to play No. 1 singles after playing No. 2 last year. "Dev is our team leader and has been instrumental in raising the level of play of his teammates," Whitfield said. "He is hoping to make a return to the state tournament after qualifying in singles as a junior. Ularu will move into the No. 2 singles position after winning the conference championship at No. 3 singles last season. Chase Hayden returns at No. 1 doubles and will be playing with Gallego. "They have developed amazing chemistry in a short period of time and are looking to make some noise this year," Whitfield said. "We have 10 players competing for the remaining spots in the lineup. Our excellent team athleticism should result in improved play as the season progresses. We expect to be competitive in conference play and hope to qualify several players for the state tournament. We have scheduled some of the top Class A schools in the area in preparation for the postseason."
NORTH SUBURBAN CONFERENCE
LAKE ZURICHCoach: Andrew McCurley (second season)
Last season: fifth in Class 2A Cary-Grove sectional
Top returning players: Jason Morrison (Jr.), Markus Kittlaus (Sr.), Adrian Ganoza (Sr.), Thomas Braasch (Sr.), Thomas Yun (Sr.)
Outlook: The Bears lost 9 seniors starters to graduation last year, so learning on the job and rebuilding seem to be the theme this spring. A strong contingent of seniors should yield wins. "We are young but we're looking forward to these seniors and others to step up and win some conference matches for us this year," said McCurley. Morrison, Kittlaus and Ganoza return to anchor the lineup. Braasch and Yun look to make the starting lineup.
LIBERTYVILLECoach: Dan Kiernan (25th season)
Last season: third in Class 2A Stevenson sectional
Top returning players: Hayden Friese (Sr.), Nate Massa (Sr.), Scott Johnston (Jr.), Hunter Friese (So.)
Key newcomers: Kyle Otte (So.), Conner Stelter (Fr.), Wilber Warren (Fr.)
Outlook: State qualifiers Kenny Hermann and Jack Higgins graduated but plenty of experience returns, led by Hayden Friese. "Massa, Johnston, and Hunter Friese will also make an impact," Kiernan said. "We have solid and experienced returning players that will add depth to the team." Stelter and Warren will help solidify doubles. "We're looking to improve as we get a better feel for our doubles lineup," Kiernan said.
MUNDELEINCoach: Shelley Majewski (third season)
Last season: seventh in Class 2A Stevenson sectional
Key players lost: Colin Bisterfield, Powell McCarthy, Henry Dumblauskas
Key returning players: Jesus Ramos (Sr.), Jose Ramos (Sr.), Charlie Castro (Sr.), Raphael Familara (Sr.), Osvaldo Gomez (Sr.), James Ito (Sr.), Eugene Lee (Sr.), Justin So (Sr.), Lucas Nyberg (Jr.), Thomas Riggio (Jr.)
Key newcomers: Kevin Edquiban (Fr.)
Outlook: Senior leadership is strong for the Mustangs, whose roster includes seven seniors. "With many returning seniors, the coaches recognize a more mature, consistent and positive attitude toward games and practices, which will be beneficial during duels and invites as well," said Majewski. Along with these seasoned players, the new freshmen and sophomores have the opportunity to bring fresh ideas and talent to the 2019 season. Majewski is high on frosh Edquiban. "He has talent, a competitive spirit and experience," she said. "The coaches expect him to be a great asset to the team this spring. We're just eager to hit the courts. We've noticed incredible improvements with everyone and are looking forward to some exciting matches and exceptional play."
STEVENSONCoach: Tom Stanhope (10th season)
Last season: 10-1, NSC champs, first in Class 2A Stevenson sectional, second in state tournament
Key returning players: Zach Kim (Sr.), Eric Perksowski (So.), Ozzie Viswanathan (Sr.), Arjun Sheelvanth (Sr.), Payton Adkisson (So.), Daniel Tulchinskiy (So.), Andy Dong (Jr.), Tom Gong (So.)
Key newcomers: Kevin Fei (So.), Michael Kim (So.), Nicholas Stec (Fr.), Gabe Visotsky (Fr.), Christopher Yang (Jr.), Kiran Mohan (Jr.)
Outlook: The Patriots have a nice mix of experience and talented underclassmen. "We have an exceptionally young, but talented and deep team this year," said Stanhope. "Coupled with real threats at the top of the lineup, we should continue to compete for the NSC championship and at state." The newcomers bring a lot of tournament experience but Stanhope expects the upperclassmen to bring the team-first mentality. "There will be a lot of rawness early on, but we hope to be playing our best tennis by the end of the season," he said. Perksowski, Sheelvanth, Kim and Viswanathan are returning state qualifiers from a year ago.
WARRENCoach: Greg Cohen (23rd season)
Last season: 7-6, fourth in NSC, fourth in Class 4A Stevenson sectional
Key returning players: Nihad Mokkath (Sr.), Cecil Mella (Sr.), Alex Kuscsik (Sr.), Inman Glass (Sr.), Michael Boyke (Sr.), Keann Matias (Sr.), Nedan Fidan (Sr.), David Olander (Sr.), Sahil Tripurana (Sr.), Nathan Denny (Jr.), Sohom Dash (Jr.), Collin Sorge (Jr.), Tim Hidlago (So)
Key newcomers: Colton Wood (So.), Jack Sutz (Jr.), Sam Yoder (Jr.), Garrett Porter (Jr.)
Outlook: Numbers are strong again at Warren with 70 players in the program. "We are hoping to get opportunities for those players to compete and learn the sport of tennis," Cohen said. "These players have great academic success and we hope to have success on the court as well." Mella is hoping to return to state. Past all-conference players Mokkath, Denny and Dash add depth.
CENTRAL SUBURBAN LEAGUE NORTH DIVISION
VERNON HILLSCoach: Doug Gerber (18th season)
Last season: 14-5-3, 3-3 CSL, second in Class 1A Carmel sectional
Key returning players: Rohet Chitekela (Sr.), Thomas Florian (Sr.), Cooper Guillaume (Sr.), Jack Mulcrone (Sr.), Sujay Voleti (Sr.), Eric Rodriguez (So.), Pranav Vaswani (Jr.), Keshav Sivaram (Jr.), Keshev Trikha (So.)
Key newcomers: Tarun Bathini (So.), Alexander Kapelevich (Fr.), Michael Kim (So.), Prem Nai (So.), Anthony Pomeranets (Fr.), Aditya Sabharwal (Fr.)
Outlook: With 11 players having graduated, the Cougars are young. "Over half of varsity will be ninth- and 10th-graders, but these new players have plenty of match experience and will get plenty of match play," Gerber said. "The returning players will need to anchor this year's doubles spots, and with both No. 1 and No. 2 singles players gone, challenge matches will decide who is playing in the top singles spots."