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Boys' tennis preview: Dallastown is the team to beat


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It's no secret which boys' tennis team in the favorite in York-Adams Division I this season.

Dallastown easily cruised to a division title and finished third in the district last season, and the Wildcats don't appear to be any less formidable this season. A year after taking the league by storm and winning a district title as a freshman, Holden Koons should once again be the league's top player.

But the Wildcats aren't a one-man team. Head coach Mark Koons' crew brings back five starters, including senior Tyler Lilie, sophomore Jonathan Burns and 2016 YAIAA singles semifinalist Hunter Jones. It would be a major surprise if another team finishes above Dallastown in the division.

But there are a few more teams that could contend at the district level. New Oxford went 14-3 last season but will need a strong season from Justin Gruver after losing two top players — Joey Stiles and Josiah Forry — to graduation. South Western is in a similar position, as the Mustangs bring back Gavin Kenny but no longer have Ben Sentz after the team went 12-2 in 2016.

Central York, Gettysburg and Spring Grove will have to replace top players from last season's winning squads, while Northeastern and Red Lion could also be competitive.

Division II

Littlestown was the surprise of the league last season, improving from 3-10 mark to go 10-3 and capture a share of the division title. Don't be surprised if the Thunderbolts are just as strong this season.

The Bolts bring back most of their top players in Brett Gill,  Ryan Appleton and Noah DeCampo, and they will look to qualify for the district team tournament after missing out by two spots last season.

York Catholic could also be in the mix after splitting the league title last season and qualifying for the district tournament. While the Irish graduated a number of players including YAIAA Class 2A singles champ Michael Andrews, they bring back one of the league's best players in senior Alberto Bruno.

Delone Catholic could be solid after going 7-6 a year ago and bringing in freshman No. 1 singles player Matthew Steinberg. Other teams including York Suburban and Bermudian Springs could show improvements with multiple starters back.

Teams in both divisions will have to adapt to a new format adopted by the YAIAA last summer. Players can no longer compete in both singles and doubles matches during the regular season. The rule forces coaches to rethink where they place players in the lineup, but it puts in the league in line with the format used in the district and state tournaments.

Players to Watch

  • Holden Koons, Dallastown
  • Hunter Jones, Dallastown
  • Tyler Lilie, Dallastown
  • Brett Gill, Littlestown
  • Alberto Bruno, York Catholic
  • Alec Shue, Red Lion
  • Justin Gruver, New Oxford
  • Tyr Abendshoen, York Suburban
  • Gavin Kenny, South Western
  • Matthew Steinberg, Delone Catholic