Last season for the Lynn Classical boys? tennis team was a rebuilding year, said coach Chris Hayward. The Rams had a starting lineup with no varsity experience and scuffled to a 5-12 record. But they found themselves competitive with some of the top teams in the Northeastern Conference.
With many of the players in their lineup now having a full season of experience, Hayward believes that when the season begins on April 6 at Peabody, his team will be able to give some of the NEC?s top programs a run for their money.
?A lot of our guys have a year of varsity experience under their belts and I think that will make them very competitive,” Hayward said.
Leading the way have been captains Mehdi Bakhouch and Patrick Gibb. Bakhouch was part of the first doubles team last season while Gibb is expected to jump into the lineup.
?Both (Bakhouch and Gibb) have significantly improved their own skills but also have worked tirelessly on and off the court to help our entire team,” Hayward said.
The Rams have significant strength returning at doubles. Simon Kazimierczyk teamed with Bakhouch last year and the duo is expected in the first doubles spot once again.
David Hincapie and Alex Chea are back in the second doubles pairing this season.
Classical will debut some new faces in the singles rotation. Calvin Cheung spent much of last year in the No. 2 spot and he is the lone returning starter, at the top of the order for the Rams.
Hayward sees Gerald Ennis and freshman Moses Ba, whom he expects to have a big impact on the team, as potential contenders for open spots in the lineup.
?I am very proud of the commitment and enthusiasm that I have already seen from our kids,” Hayward said. “I am looking forward to us having a great season.”Classical is scheduled to play its home opener on April 8 against Beverly, on the newly refurbished courts at Breed Middle School.
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