With the 2021 Moore League boys’ tennis finalists returning to Millikan, the Rams are primed to continue their run atop the league standings under coach Torie Frapwell.
Last season Andy Nguyen, Nolan Alvarez and Lucas Mikasa led a dominant singles rotation that guided Millikan to its first Moore League title since 1997 and capped the season with the CIF-SS Division 4 championship — the first in program history.
“Honestly, (after winning) it’s added some fire to some of our guys,” Frapwell said. “Along with those top guys, it’s created more of a competitive spirit among the whole team and comradery. They know they’ve been there before, and they know what they’re fighting for this year.”
While Millikan is in the drivers’ seat for the Moore League title, the Rams will face a much tougher road to back-to-back CIF championships after being moved to Division 2 after their historic 2021 season.
In doubles action, Jack Baker will serve as a veteran presence for the Rams.
At Poly, the Jackrabbits will lean on their four-year senior captains Frank Vich and Carlo Reyes.
Coach Ricardo Montecinos credited Millikan for the team they have and noted the Rams will be a tough team to beat.
“They’re going to be loaded, they’re going to be great,” Montecinos said of the Rams. “(Frapwell) deserves it, she’s worked hard to build that program up.”
The Jackrabbits will look to Max Quellar, Gani De la Cruz, Justin Rosu and Markus Matiauda to compete for the league title.
Coach Nick Medina and Wilson are in a building season after losing 11 seniors to graduation.
“That’s been the story this year,” Medina said. “It’s a completely different team. We don’t have any seniors this year. Mostly freshman, sophomore and juniors.”
In singles, the Bruins will have two freshmen leading the way with Douglas Smith and Leo Bauch. In doubles, Wilson will look for leadership from captain Zane Driskill, who will double up with Mateo Matta.
After facing most of the season with only six players last season, Lakewood coach said he will have three seniors and has a lot of new guys in the program.
“My expectations are that everyone plays as much as possible, soak up the experience and gain confidence,” McNamee said.
With a lot of new faces, Lakewood will lean on seniors Nathan Hershfield, Ryan Suque and Devean Lilomaiava.
Around the league the rest of the team are working to field teams. Compton coach William Pratt is still looking to get his team together before the season starts.
