VIDEO: High School Boys' Tennis Ready to Lay It on the Line

The boys' tennis team graduated its top singles player from a nearly perfect team last year. One would think its 40-game Cape Ann League winning streak and expected long run in the state championship playoffs would be at stake.

But following a state championship in 2009 and a loss in the North Sectional finals to eventual champion Weston last year, the Generals are battle-tested and have the experience to repeat its success.

“I hope we can continue our league dominance,” said coach Joe Maher, who is entering his 13th year at the helm. “But there are always good teams out there.”

His teams’ past successes have come in different ways – strong singles, strong doubles or a mix of both. This year he might be able to rely on points from both singles and doubles. But he has kids playing in new spots as three starters – two singles players and one doubles player  – graduate from last year.

Expected to battle for the top three singles positions are seniors Jack Lebel and Trip McLane and junior Stuart Rowe. All three come with experience, which will help in the tough Cape Ann League. Rowe was undefeated at No. 2 singles last year, Lebel has been on varsity since he was a freshman; and McLane was the No. 3 singles for the Generals last year.

“We have, in the league, as strong and balanced one, two and three (singles) as anyone,” Maher added.

When players graduate often others are moved up and thus doubles teams are the most affected. Maher has the luxury this year of having a doubles team remain intact. Spencer Collins and Chris Young, both seniors, return to build on their success, which included an all-star nod for Young.

The second doubles should be Joey Merrill and Brian Rodgers - both juniors. While neither has varsity experience, Maher feels confident they will be able to hold their own; “They’ve looked good and have practiced well.”

“We’ve lost a few key players but I think what we’ve lost we’ve made up (for it) pretty well,” said Young, while taking some some time off from practice at .

Maher feels a more balanced league this year. With Manchester-Essex, Pentucket and North Andover in the conversation for the league title, his team has its work cut out for them. That competition will bode well come tournament time.

”Manchester is our main rival in the small division,” Maher said. “It is always a strong match and it will be good competition for us.”

The Generals open the season on Monday, April 11 at 3:30 p.m.

“They are a difficult team to open up against. They have two very good top singles like us, so it will be a battle,” Maher said.

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