West Deptford Tennis Preview: Despite Change, Good Vibes Abound

The boys’ tennis team has their eyes set forward, not backward. The fact that former No. 1 singles player Paulo Parente moved to Florida with his family in the offseason is one the team cannot change, or for that matter, cares to.

For head coach Aaron Burr, all that matters is the returning players who will take to the Eagles’ beautiful new courts this spring.

“We feel this is one of the strongest teams we have had, as far as chemistry and getting along and encouraging each other in practices,” said Burr. “We do these relay sprints at the end of practice, and the energy that is there at the end of practice is noticeable—and the other coaches see it also.”

As nice as chemistry and camaraderie is, talent will ultimately win matches, and the Eagles still have plenty of that. Senior Kai Narayanan will make the move from No. 2 singles to No. 1. Narayanan was great at No. 2 a year ago and filled in admirably when he was asked to play No. 1 in Parente’s absence.

"I think Kai will have a great year,” Burr said. “He played a lot of matches last year when (Parente) wasn’t there. He’s had experience, and hopefully he uses that and transitions it to a full season.”

Also moving up one spot will be senior Steve Marchunt, who will play No. 2 singles. Marchunt had success at No. 3 singles, last year, but the jump to No. 2 is significant in terms of not only the competition, but the style of player. Many No. 3 matches are decided by who doesn’t makes the costly mistakes, while most matches at No. 2 are decided by the player who dictates the pace of play.

“Steve is going to have to step up and not play as cautious as he did before,” Burr said. “He is going to need to realize that he cannot wait for the opponent to mess up. He will have to dictate the points and be more aggressive.”

Senior Brian Keane, a doubles player last year, will play third singles, while the teams of Jimmy Albert/Ethan Nicholas and Mike McKendry/RJ Eckley will handle the doubles.

In addition to trying to build on last year’s 14-12 record, Burr also has an eye on the future. He has a crop of freshman who he thinks will infuse the program with talent.

“We have six freshmen in the program that are buying into it, so hopefully the future is bright,” said Burr.

BOYS' TENNIS TEAM

Coach: Aaron Burr

Last year: 14-12

Returning letter winners: Kai Narayanan (sr.) Steve Marchunt (sr.) Brian Keane (sr.); Mike McKendry (jr.); Ethan Nicholas (so.).

Promising new comers: Jimmy Albert (jr); RJ Eckley (so).

Team to beat: Haddonfield.

Outlook: Despite losing their No. 1 player from a year ago, the Eagles should be able to hang around the .500 mark again this season. Haddonfield and Haddon Heights are the clear frontrunners, but the Eagles should provide their fans with plenty of quality matches this season.

Three storylines to follow:

–Keane’s move from doubles to singles. Keane has the size and wingspan to be a great at-the-net player. However, he must learn when to attack the net and when to stay back, according to Burr. His progression could go a long way in helping the team once again finish over .500.

–How the doubles teams shake out. Burr knows what the teams look like; he just doesn’t know which team will play first doubles and which will play second. The teams will battle it out in a series of challenge matches later this week.

–The new courts. The response to the new courts has been all positive as far as the players and coaching staff go. This time last year, the Eagles were forced to play on rutted courts before the project got into gear over the summer. Now, they'll have a chance to play on a perfect surface for the first time in years.