By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The boys tennis preview for the Ravenna Ravens’ 2023 season:

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Brittney Kohanski, 7th year.

Coaching Staff: Ryan O’Donnell.

2022 Record: 6-7 overall; 5-5 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Lettermen (5): Dylan Phelps, Ben Rainone, Parker Addison, Lily Schofield, Derick Skilton.

Lettermen Lost (1): Blake Fitzgerald.

Underclassmen to Watch: Prston Hatcher, fresh.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We have a lot of returning players that have made great improvements over the past few years,” head coach Brittney Kohanski said. “We went from last place two years ago, winning one league match, to winning multiple matches last year and finishing in third place.”

SINGLES

Parker Addison and Dylan Phelps will be playing first and second singles, respectively, throughout the majority of the season after playing in the same positions in 2022.

“They have both made improvements to their game, so hopefully they will have a winning record,” Kohanski said.

Addison placed third at last year’s Metro Athletic Conference Tournament and is described by Kohanski as a “very consistent player.”

Phelps worked throughout the off-season to improve and grow his consistency.

Freshman Preston Hatcher will also see time at singles.

“He has a lot of athletic ability and potential to be a solid tennis player,” Kohanski said.

DOUBLES

Ben Rainone, Lily Schofield and Derick Skilton all return after lettering last season.

Kohanski said that there is the possibility for any of the three to occasionally play singles throughout the season, but the group will start at doubles.

“Lily and Ben had a lot of close matches last year once they started playing together, so they’ll hopefully have some momentum to play together,” Kohanski said.

Skilton was part of a group that placed second at the MAC Tournament last season, and has been partnered with Chauncey Walton at second doubles to open the season.

“Chauncey has a lot of potential, as well,” Kohanski said.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“We have three seniors and a lot of returning players, so we are just hopeful to keep improving throughout the season,” Kohanski said. “Most of the players are very coachable and are willing to try new things to get better at the sport.”

SCHEDULE

March 30: vs. Poland

April 3: at Woodridge

April 5: vs. Field

April 6: at Kent Roosevelt

April 10: at Norton

April 12: vs. Cloverleaf

April 17: vs. Coventry

April 18: vs. West Geauga (JV only)

April 19: at Field

April 20: at Cloverleaf

April 24: vs. Norton

April 25: vs. Akron Garfield

April 26: vs. Coventry

April 27: vs. Woodridge

April 28: vs. Akron North

May 1: vs. Canton McKinley

May 2: Metro Athletic Conference Tournament (at Ravenna)