With the addition of Mifflin County and State College; the perennial powerhouse that is the Commonwealth got a little bit stronger this season. While Red Land enters as the defending champions, look for a three-team horse race to the finish.
Coach: Nick Mallos
2012 record: 10-4 (6-1)
The Big Picture: The Eagles are used to being among the class of the Commonwealth and this year appears to be no exception. Ethan Lynn and John Gaspich are a great one-two punch atop the singles ladder for this deep bunch. The stalwarts don’t stop on the doubles’ courts as Luke Clahane and Gregg Balew are a go-to first doubles pair for Mallos.
Key Returnees: Ethan Lynn (sr, No.l), John Gaspich (jr, No.2), Luke Clahane (jr, doubles,), Gregg Ballew (sr, doubles), Drew Heck (No.3)
Coach: Jane Borden
2012 record: 13-0
The Big Picture: The Little Lions will not be welcomed with open arms to the Commonwealth once opponents get a look at their talent. Cooper Josephs and Edward Budding are a pair of highly decorated players to top Borden’s lineup. Success will be no stranger State College as they enter the division without a loss in a regular season dual match since 2007.
Top Returnees: Cooper Josephs (sr, No.1), Edward Budding (sr, No.2)
Coach: Randy Bixler
2012 record: 16-1 (6-0)
The Big Picture: The Patriots will be right in the mix with State College and CV. They are once again led by senior ace Ben Kunkel. The defending Mid-Penn champion is a virtual lock at number one singles. Bixler’s group is a top-heavy lineup that will need their singles players to sweep at times this season.
Key returnees: Ben Kunkel (sr, No.1), Peter Landis (jr, No.1), Mike Bacior (No.3)
More high school boys' tennis preview:
» Paxton Fitzpatrick's game is substance over style
» Mid-Penn Conference Players to Watch
» Mid-Penn Colonial preview
» Colonial Division team-by-team glance
» Mid-Penn Commonwealth preview
» Mid-Penn Commonwealth team-by-team glance
» Mid-Penn Keystone preview
» Mid-Penn Keystone team-by-team glance
» PennLive boys' tennis homepage
» Spring sports preview page
Coach: Andrew Hoffman
2012 record: 5-10 (3-3)
The Big Picture: After a middle of the pack finish, the Panthers look like they are capable of settling into the number four spot in the division. Nate Beachy leads the way for Hoffman followed by David Wilson.
Key Returnees: Nate Beachy (No.1), David Wilson (No.2)
Coach: Gary Hocker
2012 record: 5-8 (3-3)
The Big Picture: The Trojans are led by senior exchange student Morgan Pietz who will play first singles. Pietz has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with this season. Hocker also has some doubles experience with seniors Charlie Scanzello and Alex Williams.
Key Returnees: Brendan Bittle (sr, No.2), Charlie Scanzello (sr, doubles), Alex Williams (sr, doubles), Mitch Rosenberger (so, No.3)
Coach: Jere Bender
2012 Record: 5-6 (3-3)
The Big Picture: Last season’s number one doubles team of Aidan Henken and Ryan Seibert will move into the singles ladder this season. Bender needs the sophomores to learn the ropes quickly to keep pace in the division. The young Rams should be able to grow throughout the season.
Key Returnees: Aidan Henken (so, No.1), Ryan Seibert (so, No.2), Sreeram Ravi (sr, No.3)
Coach: Glenn Kyle
2012 record: N/A
The Big Picture: Kyle isn’t quite sure what to expect from his newcomers this season, but does expect progress along the way. The Huskies are shooting for a .500 season and will be led by junior Connor Saltzer. Right behind Saltzer will be sophomore Matt DeBenedetto.
Key Returnees: Connor Saltzer (jr, No.1), Matt DeBenedetto (so, No.2)
Coach: Seng Pham
2012 record: 0-15 (0-6)
The Big Picture: The Herd is almost certain to improve on last season’s winless campaign. Pham will be looking for leadership from the top his lineup from senior John Heffernan. Heffernan will be backed up at number two singles by fellow senior Nick Wagner. Junior newcomer Josh Hicks will round out the singles lineup.
Key Returnees: John Heffernan (sr, No.1), Nick Wagner (sr, No.2), Cody Lebo (jr, doubles)
Coach: Patrick Gahr
2012 record: 2-12 (1-6)
The Big Picture: Though the Colts have a good balance from one through four in their lineup, it will be tough sledding. Gahr is counting on his doubles teams to develop throughout the season but a lack of experience in singles could hurt the cause. It will be a host of juniors lining up in the doubles ladder.
Key Returnees: Conner Gill (jr, doubles), Seth Wilson (jr, doubles), Ben Work (jr, doubles), Aneel Maini (jr, doubles)