PEABODY — With its top two singles players returning and five other returning players with varsity experience, the Peabody boys tennis team is ready to pick up where it left off last year.
The Tanners, who co-op with Danvers, were 7-6 last year and made the Division 1 North tournament for the first time in four years. Unfortunately for them, the No. 9 Tanners drew St. John’s Prep, the No. 7 seed, in the opening round, which cruised to a 5-0 sweep.
This year, however, head coach Maureen Kelly says the Tanners are primed for a breakout season.
“It’s just huge having our No. 1 and No. 2 singles players back,” said Kelly. “Add to that the fact that our lower level players have really improved in the off-season and are definitely deeper this year. The improvement I’m seeing isn’t just physical, it’s mental. The kids are really starting to get it. This year’s team has a real solid chance of doing some special things, so that’s exciting for us to see.”
Higgins Middle School eighth-grader Paul Neal is back for a second season at first singles. He was undefeated last year in his first year on the team, earning Northeastern Conference Player of the Year honors as just a seventh-grader.
Danvers junior Alex Nadeau is back for a second season at second singles. He too was undefeated in the conference and was named to the NEC All-Star team.
Other returning players are Danvers senior Kyle White, Danves sophomore Max Leete, Peabody senior Yassir Khader, Danvers senior T.J. Salvo and Higgins Middle School eighth-grader Kacper Latacz.
In 2018, White and Leete saw action at third singles and first doubles while Khader and Salvo played mostly on the JV squad but also saw time on the varsity at second doubles.
Latacz saw action at first and second doubles and also played a singles match.
“Everyone coming back has really improved and they’re taking the coaching very seriously,” said Kelly. “Right now everything is up in the air, except for the obvious one and two singles positions. Everybody else on the team can compete for court time. I’m lucky to have a really nice group of nice boys who only want one thing and that is to win.”
Kelly said she has four promising newcomers. They are Danvers junior Niko Nadeau (Alex’s twin brother), Danvers senior Julian Katz, Danvers eighth-grader Adam Ellington and Peabody senior Alex Chau.
“The new kids will definitely all have a shot at varsity court time,” Kelly said. “Niko isn’t as big into the game as Alex, but he looks good and is an experienced player. Julian hasn’t played team tennis, but has already shown great progress. Adam comes to us with several years of playing tennis, and we all smiled when saw him hit. Alex plays recreational tennis, but has good athletic ability so he also looks promising.”
Keith McCabe and Paul Vecchione, former Danvers High coach, return for another season as assistant coaches.
As far as the conference goes, Kelly said she likes the Tanners’ chances.
“Marblehead and Swampscott are always pretty strong, but we stand a very good chance of doing well in the NEC,” Kelly said.
Peabody opens the season next Tuesday at Gloucester. The Tanners’ only non-conference match is set for April 24 against cross-city rival Bishop Fenwick.
