Cougar boys' tennis preview

DIXFIELD -- For the past several years, the Dirigo boys' tennis team has fared well in the Mountain Valley Conference.

Dirigo has plenty of returning lettermen, so one of the biggest concerns will be where every fits in. The top of the ladder hasn’t been a concern because Josh Turbide will be on the top of the top once again at No. 1singles. The senior will be facing the opposition’s best player and often is the deciding match in team scoring.

A major point of emphasis has been watching sophomore Jeremy Grignon and senior Garret Carver wage battle in competition for No. 2 and No. 3 singles.  

Veteran coach Bruce Thompson has been sizing things and feels the different lineups will create incentives. “Our doubles will be experienced but not as strong as last year. We will be stronger in third singles."

The Cougars will need players to step up in an effort to off set a trio of key loses:  Mason King was at No. 2 singles, while Mike Smith played third singles and first doubles. Joel Cloutier also played third singles and first doubles.

Senior Mitchel Stanley and Jeremy Briggs each played doubles, along with junior  Thomas Barnett.      

Sr. Nick White played two years ago. Jr. Loren Keim and new sophs. Trevor Statham and Jesse Hutchinson each played doubles, while Seth Tacheny saw limited playing time. Freshmen newcomers include Yossapat Chanarune and Dexter Verrill.

Thompson said St. Doms will be the team to beat in the conference.  

“They have a lot of returnees coming back and were very strong last year. Hall Dale will be strong, with Spencer Shagory and the rest of their squad coming back,” he said.