While most teams that go 14-3 and win its conference championship may have to suffer the consequences the following year with graduation losses, the South Brunswick High boys tennis team is one of the exceptions.
"We are returning the core group of last year's starters in addition to outstanding freshman talent," South Brunswick Coach Nancy McDonald said.
Heading the list of returnees is Nikhil Roy, the winner of the Greater Middlesex Conference title at first singles in 2010. Roy is still just a junior.
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"It was South Brunswick's first singles champion in school history," McDonald said.
Considering the tennis weapons at Roy's disposal, more singles championships are a real possibility.
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"He is consistent from the baseline, and very fast on the court," McDonald noted of Roy. "He has a good, positive attitude and is able to come back when behind in a match."
Fortunately for South Brunswick, the Vikings team is more than just one great player. This is a great team. This is a team that won the GMC Tournament last season.
Rohan Bhatia, a junior, was the team's second singles player last year. Dan Shapiro (senior) was a first doubles player last season. Jag Buddhavarapu (junior) was a second doubles player.
Dylan Karchere-Sun, a freshman, has already earned his way into the singles lineup.
Other members of the team are seniors Akul Bali, Akash Niranjan and Vighnesh Sivakumar. Other juniors on the team are Arun Chockalingam and Alberto Tenias-Nieli. Freshmen trying to get varsity time are Vivek Subramani and Kooshul Jhaveri.
The assistant coach is John Lolli.
In addition to winning the GMC Tournament, South Brunswick also won the GMC Red Division. The team reached the Central Jersey Group IV quarterfinals.
"We look to compete for the division title as well as advance further in the state tournament," McDonald said.
South Brunswick will open the season Apr. 1 at North Brunswick. South Brunswick also will be away for a match Apr. 4 at JP stevens. The home opener is Apr. 6 against St. Joseph.
