Defeating Canton's tennis team this fall will be about as difficult as hitting a lob shot over senior captain Jimmy LaFontaine.

  LaFontaine stands 6-foot-4, which gives you an idea of how much talent the Chiefs' line-up possesses.

  "We have a strong team returning with two of our singles players -- Ryan Hanz and Adam Payne -- coming back," said Canton head coach Barb Lehmann. "This year will be about the experience and power that each of the players will bring to the net."

  Joining Hanz and Payne in the early-season singles line-up will be Varun Bandri and Jordan Anderson.

  "Our singles will be strong with four seniors and a great deal of experience and power," said Lehmann.

  The Chiefs' No. 1 doubles duo of LaFontaine and Austin Payne -- Adam's twin brother -- should also be formidable, Lehmann added.

  "They're both seniors who have the ability to take over the net."

  Also earning varsity doubles spots -- at least during the first few weeks -- will be Luke Freeman, Ashwin Kumar, Rocky Willette and Alan Halim.

  The Chiefs open KLAA South Division play Wednesday against Livonia Churchill.

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