The562’s season previews for the 2022-23 school year are sponsored by Vertical Raise, the official team fundraising partner of The562.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach tennis is sponsored by the Long Beach State Tennis Boosters.
For the last few years Millikan tennis has been the favorite in the Moore League with some talented teams that included a CIF title two years ago and a playoff berth in Division 2 last season.
But, on Palo Verde the Rams will have a bit of a different look this season as Andy Nguyen, UC Irvine commit, has decided to not play this season and will focus on ITF play until he begins his college career as an Anteater.
The Rams still have firepower though as Nolan Alvarez will shift to the No. 1 spot and lead the team and was part of the 2021 CIF title run.
While the Rams have some changes on the team, Millikan will also be led by first-year coach Devin Bowler who has stepped in as head coach for Torie Frapwell will be taking a step back from the court this season.
Bowler has been an assistant with the team and he doesn’t expect things to change since the team already has familiarity with him.
Along with Alvarez as No. 1, Bowler expects Nathan Gomes and Noah Edwards will be the team’s No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.
In doubles, Kaden Serdengecti and Eric Carranza will be the team’s top duo while Peter Antonette and Ethan Foote, and Kairo Torres and Harrison Bruchert will be No. 2 and No. 3.
At Wilson, Nick Medina and the Bruins are expected to challenge Millikan for the Moore League title.
“We have many sophomores who have improved off a great first season last year,” Medina said. “And we have new freshmen who are on varsity and starting.”
Doug Smith and Leo Bauch are a duo that will make an impact for Wilson in singles and doubles.
“They are sophomores and continue to improve with more size, strength, and experience.”
Senior Zane Driskill will be leaned on for his leadership for on the double side and will serve as a foundation for the doubles groups.
At Poly, junior Markus Matiauda and sophomore Elijah Wong will serve as leaders for the team throughout the season and into league play.
Coach Ricardo Montecinos expects Matiauda to be a leader after being one of the team’s All-Moore League selections.
On the doubles side, seniors Grant Sullivan will be leaned on for his leadership and the senior duo of Jack Pryor and Matthew Yen will also lead the way.
The Jackrabbits will have some first-year athletes, but freshman Gabe Simms is one that Montecinos expects to make an impact.
Around the league the rest of the teams are working on getting their teams together.
