Boys tennis ramping up for 2010 with a new coach

In four seasons at the helm of the Highland Park boys varsity, Tom Sclafani did an outstanding job to help change the landscape of local boys tennis. This year's squad will be led by a man who is a legend as a coach for both the boys and girls programs from the 1980s to now, Robert Kertes.

Kertes, who has been a mainstay in both girls and boys tennis programs at Highland Park, has some very important goals in mind. The girls squad won the GMC Blue division title eight of the last nine years, and also captured a Central Jersey Group I championship.

"We want the boys to improve on their win total, compete in one match on the state tournament level and earn a position in the round of 16 in the county tournament," Kertes said. "I'm looking forward to getting familiar with the players and having the chemistry in finding the best seven players."

Main competitors for the boys include arch-rivals Metuchen, Bishop Ahr and South River. The team suffered a major loss with experienced senior Jun Shin (second singles) suffering from tennis elbow. The extent of the injury at the moment is not known.

Last year's squad finished with a season mark of 9-6. This year, according to Sclafani, 24 players are ready to hit the courts. Leading the way is junior Sam Finegold (second singles last year), who will play at first singles. He was undefeated in league play last year.

A battle at third singles will take place between senior Sri Babu Prabu and junior Asa Zuberman-Leibman. "Sri looks to hold on to his third singles spot, but Asa is a good prospect who works hard," said Kertes.

Doubles play is a major part of the Owls tennis program that is loaded.

"We're not lacking in players or hurting in numbers, but it's something that I'm hoping to get familiar with," says Kertes. The early weeks’ challenge matches “will help sort out who plays and this will help let the cream rise to the top," Kertes added.

Junior Michael Chernin looks to start at first doubles. His vision and shot placement are great attributes to his overall game. Junior Joo-Young Shin, also known to the team as Jon, is the leader in second doubles. Shin has a solid backhand and forehand, according to Sclafani.

Others that Sclafani pointed out to watch this season include sophomores Steve Zhang at second doubles – “extremely quick, (with) a solid forehand – and Carl Lin, vying for a spot in doubles. Senior Ken Kuppa and freshman Jacob Choi are players that are both strong and steady at the net. Kertes hopes that he can find a partner to compliment Kuppa. Both players are determined and their positive attitude is something to keep an eye on.

 

Freshman Rui Xu looks to earn a spot. Sophomre Yeong Shin also is someone to watch. Sophomore Spencer Irvine spent some time playing varsity last year. His leadership and work ethic is important to the team. Sophomore Mohammed El Sabri also has some experience and is contending for a spot in doubles. Sophomore Joel Howard looks to utilize strong groundstrokes and physical fitness as an example to help the younger players.

Rounding out the squad in his first season is senior D'Andre Bell, off a tremendous winter on the wrestling mat and bringing a balanced athleticism to the spring season. The Owls opened the season on the road at Spotswood.

"All the players are good kids, they're eager and work very hard. I'm very optimistic about our chances. We have young kids that are. Once our kids get the right attitude and get past the early part, they will get better and better as the season goes along," stated Kertes.