By Walter Scott Jr.
Thomas Dale
Record last year: 6-9
Coach: Michael Zuk
Players to watch: Minh Nguyen, Evan Moody
Team captain Nguyen won four matches at No. 2 in 2019. The University of Lynchburg is interested in his services. A calm competitor, Moody bounced around among seeds 3, 4 and 5, winning five matches.
Seniors on the roster: Minh Nguyen, Cameron Tucker
Keys to success: Zuk said that he would like to be more competitive. If the team stays focused and on their toes, this can happen. Nguyen and Moody will need to lead the way in tough matches.
Meadowbrook
Record last year: 5-10
Coach: Matthew Scott
Players to watch: Tasmaiy Patel, Nathaniel Bragg
Patel and Bragg have both been with the program for three years. They have been striving to help the team grow and push past the first round of the playoffs. Each year they have improved greatly, and Scott hopes to see even more growth from them this year.
Senior on the roster: Nathanial Bragg
Keys to success: Scott says that his team needs to get out of the gates early in order to gain confidence. If this happens, the Monarchs could have a strong season. New faces on the team will need to gain experience and learn from Patel and Bragg.
Matoaca
Record last year: 13-3
Coach: Matthew Ramirez
Players to watch: Tyler Burkhardt; Peyton St. Clair
Burkhardt is the captain of the team, has a positive mindset and tons of potential. St. Clair, who plays tennis year-round, is another team leader. It shows in his results on the court. Ramirez says that he gets better everyday.
Seniors on the roster: Tyler Burkhardt, Cameron Bowles, Khama Jeffrey
Key to success: Ramirez believes that staying positive is the key to the team’s success, along with sticking to the game plan. How the team plays in practice will determine how it plays in matches.
L.C. Bird
Record last year: 4-8
Coach: Patrick Wells
Players to watch: Michael Singer, Anson Ni
Singer has been L.C. Bird’s top player for the past two years. Singer works to perfect his game in tournaments outside of the school team regularly. After hovering around the six seed last season, coach Patrick Wells says Anson Ni has made great strides, earning the No. 2 spot.
Senior on the roster: Alex Anderson
Keys to success: Wells explained that there have been many new players that have come on board this season. He plans on focusing on the basics, and believes that will be key for the team’s progression. The Skyhawks will take things day by day.
