BOYS TENNIS
During his famous, infamous, or perhaps even comical press conference depending on your perspective, NBA star player Allen Iverson scoffed at the notion of the relevance of practice relative to games. While Iverson repeatedly and rhetorically questioned “practice” during that surreal interview, Riverside Brookfield boys tennis coach Brennan Denny conversely feels practice is no laughing matter. In fact, to steal Iverson’s nickname, it just might be “the answer” to a successful season for the senior-laden Bulldogs.
“One of the keys for our team is having more competitive practices,” Denny said. “It’s a shame that we’re sheltered away from the bigger schools with upper echelon talent, so we have to step up our intensity in practice to be ready when we face the bigger schools [at the sectional].”
With 15 seniors in the tennis program, led by Matt Patton and Ales Lanzhotsky, the Bulldogs welcome an experienced, deeper team this spring compared to last year’s group which went 10-8 in dual match play.
Patton and Lanzhotsky, who both finished with .500 or better records at No. 1 and No. 2 singles last year, are focused on doubles but could also compete in singles competition. Both players are solid baseliners with Patton more inclined to come into net at opportune times.
The talented tandem will pair up with sophomore twins, Kevin and Jason Piersialla, to mix and match some promising doubles combinations.
“Kevin and Jason are quietly confident,” said Brennan about his precocious sophomores. “Because they’re brothers, they have a natural chemistry. By pairing them with different partners like Matt and Ales, it might allow them to be more vocal.”
Alex Wilson and Sean Hennessy-both freshmen-should help bolster the team particularly in singles competition.
“In general, we’re going to be a deeper team because of our senior leadership,” Denny said. “So many of our players have gained valuable experience, and we’re hoping that we will be able to make a run this season.”
The Bulldogs’ goals include winning the newly formed Metro Suburban Conference title, performing well at the Downers Grove South Sectional, and hopefully qualifying a few players for the state tournament.
Due to the inclement weather, RB has only played one dual match so far, losing to Argo 4-3. Hennessy won at No. 3 singles and the doubles team of Caleb Brondos-Pete Sobiech also defeated the Argonauts.
Weather permitting, the Bulldogs will participate in the Wheeling Wildcat Invite at (9 a.m.) Saturday morning.