Bulldogs small in numbers, big on passion

While depth in terms of overall numbers is definitely a concern for the Highland boys tennis team with just eight total team members, the Bulldogs have a surplus of passion for the sport.

“The small numbers could be a weak spot for us,” Highland coach Matt Pellock said. “We will have the whole team playing every match, and some guys will need to learn on the court in meaningful matches. The lineup is wide open at this point. But this is a group that is very passionate about the sport. They want to be out there playing and getting better.”

That passionate attitude for the sport is very well represented at the top of the lineup by senior captain Brett Barker, who returns after a great junior campaign last year. Barker had winning seasons at both No. 3 singles and No. 1 doubles, where he teamed up with then-senior Ryan Long to nab the fourth and final qualifying spot for the IHSA State Boys Tennis Tournament.

“A big strength for us is having a great leader who is both a talented player and one who loves to play,” Pellock said. I am excited to see Brett’s game this season. He has worked hard to become a good tennis player and I am hoping he can have a successful year. If we can get some winning tennis from the top of our lineup, then that could feed the momentum for the rest of our roster. Brett being able to have a winning season in conference would be a great goal for him. That alone would reflect well on his overall season and put him in a good spot come sectionals for another state bid.”

After Barker at the top of the Highland’s lineup, there will be a collection of mostly young second-year players so there is a lot of experience to still be built for this group.

“We have smart guys who are capable of good tennis and can learn and improve quickly,” Pellock said. “They will have to learn quickly how to stay in points and figure out some of the nuances of the game that come from experience. This year is going to point to what the next couple seasons may look like for this program, and what potential there is for our core group.”

Pellock said he can see a lot of similarities from the senior group from last season, and they had an exciting finish to their careers making the trip up to state, with senior Zach Plocher qualifying for state in singles and Long joining with Barker to make the cut in doubles.

Next in the lineup should be Dylan Bargetzi, whom Pellock refers to as an experienced freshman.

“Dylan has watched his older brother Jared have a nice tennis career, and now it is his turn to add to that,” Pellock said. “He

has the potential to be an impact player for us right away. He has a tremendous grasp for the game at his level paired with good overall skill and feel.”

Sophomores Andrew Roach and Nathaniel English both return with varsity experience from last year. Both played some at No. 6 singles and

3 doubles for the Bulldogs last season, and both should be a staple of the team’s lineup this season.

“Andrew brings great athleticism to the court and pairs it well with good mechanics in his strokes,” Pellock said. “He is constantly learning and improving and we will be expecting some good tennis from him. Nathaniel is an all-year player. He gets a lot of time on the court outside of the season and looking for that payoff as we get going in our season.”

Tyler Baublitz and Dacoda Reichmann are also returning sophomores who will now have a good opportunity for varsity

tennis this year.

“They have improved and continue developing their game,” Pellock said. “I will be expecting these two to challenge their teammates and compete hard everyday.”

Highland also has a couple of seniors returning for their second season in Blake McCaslin and Zander Hayes.

“Zander played as a freshman and we are glad to see him back playing in his senior season,” Pellock said. “He adds some power to our lineup and will give the guys a lot of competitive tennis this year. Blake has an opportunity to be an important player for us this season. I know Blake will work hard to help this team and make the most of his senior season.”

Pellock knows that his team will face top-notch competition in the Mississippi Valley Conference, as always.

“There are some very good players in the conference and surrounding area that are going to test this team,” he said. “Mascoutah has won the past two conference titles and they return a strong group, including a top player (Zack Harris) in the area. We can also count on Triad to be solid, along with some other good talent in the conference as well.”

This story was originally published March 22, 2016 at 3:45 AM with the headline "Bulldogs small in numbers, big on passion."