Despite having their line-up devastated by graduation, Chiefs are still competitive

  Canton's boys tennis team hasn't had to rebuild the past several years despite significant hits from graduation.

  Instead, the Chiefs reload thanks to a deep and plentiful roster that runs nearly 50 players deep.

  Although it lost to Plymouth earlier this summer in a key KLAA South Division match, the Chiefs have rebounded nicely heading into the cross-over portion of their schedule.

  Among the nine seniors who graduated this past summer were key contributors Mike Darouie, Justin Liedel, David Kang and Samta Samuga.

  A talented nucleus of returnees along with a large freshmen class should help make up for the losses, according to head coach Barb Lehmann, who added that some intangibles will strengthen the team as well.

  "This team has a good combination of ability, dedication and character," said Lehmann. "Their commitment to tennis during the off-season has been outstanding. They motivate each other with the amount of time they put into the sport."

  The Chiefs won the KLAA South Division last season  -- a feat that will be difficult to repeat, Lehmann predicted.

  "It's a tough division this year with us, Plymouth and Churchill," said Lehmann.

  Riley Hoernschemeyer and Kartik Bhatt have been voted captains for the 2009 season. Hoernschemeyer will call on his versatility and play both singles and doubles, while Bhatt will excel at No. 4 doubles.

  "I like the closeness of this team," said Bhatt. "We have a lot of new guys this year, but it's nice to see a lot of returning guys back, too."

  "We have a lot of new freshmen in this year which is nice," said Hoernschemeyer. "We had five last year and about 15 this year. Two of the new guys are potential varsity players."

  The Chiefs' talented singles line-up starts with No. 1 players Ryan Hanz. Hoernschemeyer will play No. 2 and some doubles while Adam Payne is locked in at No. 3. Varun Bandri will hold the fort at No. 4.

  The Chiefs are in good hands at No. 1 doubles thanks to the presence of Steve Lee and Jimmy LaFontaine. Bhatt and Austin Payne are solid at No. 2 doubles while Jordan Anderson and Kristian Matesic are playing well at the No. 3 slot.

  Senior Andrew Tidwell, a standout baseball player in the spring, will team up with Rocky Willette at No. 4 while Ashwin Kumar and Luke Freeman round out the starting line-up at No. 5 doubles.
 

Ed Wright can be reached at info@plymouthcantonsports.com or (734) 453-1980.