High schools boys tennis preview

Hate this part of the job. Hate it.

You see, I’m supposed to rank the best teams. But unlike those ESPN guys, I don’t think I know it all. I mean, who knows who’s got the best No. 3 doubles team? I can give you a pretty good idea in May. But now? Come on.

That said, there are a few things that seem pretty clear at this stage. So take this preview for what it really is – an early guide to how things might shape up as spring heats up.

South Hampton Roads Top 10

1. Cape Henry – This much seems clear – this school is the new seat of tennis power in Hampton Roads.

2. Cox – Stop us if you’ve heard this before – The Falcons have a few guys who know what to do with a racket.

3. Norfolk Academy – Even an injury-riddled Bulldogs team was a tough out; a healthy NA should challenge Cape Henry for TCIS supremacy.

4. Grassfield – Dylan Quinn and Hunter Barnes lead what should be the new beast of the Southeastern District

5. Maury – Tabbing the Commodores to win the Eastern is like calling heads, then flipping a two-headed coin.

6. Princess Anne – Veteran coach Hutch Hammond always gets the most out of his Cavaliers

7. Norfolk Collegiate – Aaron Shroyer and Willie Dashiell lead a host of returners for the Oaks.

8. Western Branch – The unquestioned best of the Eastern Region the past two years, the graduation-ravaged Bruins should still contend.

9. Great Bridge – The Wildcats lost only two starters from last year’s Southeastern runner-up.

10. Ocean Lakes – Veteran Ryan Suit will help keep the Dolphins competitive.

In the Beach District

- Only three-time state singles champion Drew Courtney, now playing for the University of Virginia, could stop Cox’s Ian Fraser, who dominated all Eastern Region comers and continued on to the state final. Fraser also teamed with Cameron Brawley to claim the region doubles title. Brawley was a state quarterfinalist in singles. This duo will be joined by improved team captain Shane Gill, sophomore Ryson Owens, Carter Ferguson and Conner Fanney on what appears to be a strong region team favorite.

- Ryan Suit joins Scott Sinowitz and Ben Gonzales as senior returners from an Ocean Lakes squad that finished tied for second in the district last season.

- Princess Anne has already flexed some muscle by rolling past First Colonial 8-1 in early season action.

- Watch out for Tallwood, which features five senior returners, led by four-year No. 1 Bryan Garcia.

- Brooke Sheetz takes over First Colonial coaching duties from Diane Deaton, who will concentrate on the FC girls team. Deaton formerly coached both squads.

In the Eastern District

- At Norview, the Pilots reached the region tournament for the first time in ages a year ago. Sophomores Trung Trinh, a district singles semifinalist a year ago, Andrew Leksche and Robert Ngo will try to fuel another postseason run.

- Perennial third-placer Churchland has an intriguing mix of seniors and freshmen throughout its top six and will be out to stem its frustrating trend of finishing one spot out of the money.

- Maury dropped a narrow 5-4 decision to Southeastern District favorite Grassfield last week.

In the Southeastern District

- Grassfield may have the two best players in the district – Dylan Quinn and Hunter Barnes both reached the district singles semifinals and the doubles final and the players that beat them have graduated. Sean McMahon, Robert Salzberg and freshmen Colin Ward and Ryan Klempin round out a solid top six.

- Defending champion Western Branch graduated five of its top six. But the lone returner is a good one – senior Matt Puzin hasn’t lost a district or region team match in his three-year career.

- Great Bridge has a double-winner in senior Chad Baxter, who is not only the Wildcats’ No. 1 player but also his class valedictorian.

- Dean Nunez, who played No. 4 last year, is the lone returner for rebuilding Indian River.

- Hickory coach Mark Pearman believes his No. 1, Ryan Sadinski, will contend for the district singles title after the junior compiled an 8-2 record last year.

- Oscar Smith’s Jacob Lee returns at No. 1 for the fourth straight year.

- Deep Creek coach Jan Capua is excited about the return of four of her top five players and the arrival of experienced freshman Devin Brown.

In the TCIS

- Freshman Tanner Baine and Eric Smith were both All-TCIS performers for Cape Henry. Seth White, Kevin Hamele, Chris Ostrowski and eighth-grader Zach Zapatero round out what could be a state title contending squad.

- Defending TCIS No. 1 singles champion Jackson Breit, Evan O’Connor, Keith West, Ankit Grupta, Dave Barrett and Blair Stiner comprise Norfolk Academy’s talented, experienced top six. The match with Cape Henry should be a good one.

- Norfolk Collegiate has seven of its top eight players returning led by Aaron Shroyer and Willie Dashiell.

Applause? Criticism? Send either or both to paul.white@pilotonline.com

Seriously, our coverage this season will depend heavily on constant feedback from the coaches and players involved. So if you want to tell me what you think, great. And if you’ll tell me what you know, that’s even better.