With 10 seniors among its top 14 players, Salem's boys tennis team is definitely front-loaded.

  "I like our depth and we have a lot of experience," said head coach Bill Nelson, who is entering his 16th season as the Rocks' mentor. "We're 3-0 so far and we won the Monroe tournament, so we're off to a good start. The match that will tell the tale, though, is Thursday when we go to Northville."

  One of the Rocks' lone non-seniors in the varsity line-up is No. 1 singles player Jake Scott, who is just a sophomore. Scott was promoted from the No. 2 singles slot last season.

  "Jake plays an awful lot of tennis," said Nelson. "He played No. 2 last year, but he's really improved a lot."

  Earning the No. 2 slot is senior captain Brock Foster, who has been a standout at No. 1 doubles the past couple of seasons.

  "He's been hurt the past couple of years, but he's healthy now and playing really well," Nelson said. "He won his first two matches  in the meets, and he lost in the final match of the Monroe tournament."

  Playing alongside Brock Foster will be his twin brother, Brett, who is the Rocks' No. 3 singles player.

  "He played No. 1 last year, but he's O.K. with moving down to three," said Nelson. "He said he'll play wherever it helps the team most."

  Holding down the No. 4 singles spot is senior Dion Walker, who has played at No. 3 singles since his freshman season.

  Salem's No. 1 doubles position is in good hands with seniors Josh Perrin (a captain along with Brett and Brock Foster) and Mike Keum.

  "Josh has done a great job at No. 1 doubles the past couple of years and Mike Keum has been playing some really good tennis," Nelson said.

  First-year player Scott Devine has earned a spot at No. 2 doubles along with Guntas Hira, a senior who will miss about a week after suffering an injury last week. During Hira's absence, Zenik Pelekh will join forces with Devine.

  "Once Guntas returns, Zenik will probably play at No. 3 or No. 4," Nelson said. "He's a very aggressive player who can fill in wherever he's needed."

  The Rocks' final three doubles teams will be ably filled by Cody Hazen and Alek Zulkowski (No. 3), Tyler Foley and Greg Selewski (No. 4) and Josh Amann and Kyle Latack at No. 5.

  "I like the guys' attitude," said Nelson. "For the most part, they really worked hard during the off-season. We just need to get past Northville and Novi."

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