By Ross Flint, Martinsville Reporter-Times
8/13/2008
While there are some questions remaining to be answered as the beginning of the season approaches for the Martinsville High School boys tennis team, coach Kevin Miller knows he has one thing going for his team — experience.
Five of seven players return from last year’s team, which finished 4-9 in the regular season — four of whom have played on the varsity for at least 1-1/2 seasons.
“They should know what it takes to go out there and compete each time,” he said.
What remains to be answered is who will play what position.
The lineup will be decided this week once the challenge matches are completed. Seniors Kyle Creviston and Daniel Hankins, who shared time playing No. 2 singles last season, and junior Levi Snyder, who played No. 1 doubles, are all in the mix for playing singles, as is sophomore Kyle Williams. Miller called Williams “the freshman surprise” after stepping in and winning a varsity match last season after finding out he would be playing that day with little notification ahead of time.
The other returning players for Martinsville are Rafael Chaparro and Justin Wardlow, who were the No. 2 doubles team last year and will again play doubles.
After the singles lineup is decided, Miller said he decides on who will play on the doubles teams.
Another question Miller has is who of his veterans will step up and take a leadership role, and who unexpectedly steps up and earns his way into the lineup.
He said he expects a competitive team this year, one that improves as the season progresses in a strong conference.
The first step in that progress is to play well against conference opponents before that tournament begins.
“That not only gives the kids confidence, it works its way into the seeding (of the tournament),” Miller said.
The Mid-State Conference should be strong from top to bottom, he said. Decatur Central and Plainfield, which has a new facility opening this year, should both be improved.
“Those kids are going to be pumped,” Miller said about Plainfield playing on a new home court.
Greenwood, Franklin, Whiteland and Mooresville should also all be strong.
In the sectionals, Miller looks to get off to a stronger start than the team did last year. The Artesians didn’t win a set on the first day last season.
“They understand that the first is critical,” he said.
Martinsville begins its season at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Brown County. The first home match is against Greenwood at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 26.
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