This season, Long Island boasts an impressive lineup of boys tennis players, as highlighted by Newsday. These athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, contributing significantly to their teams' successes in both team and individual competitions. From singles champions to doubles powerhouses, these players represent a diverse range of schools and backgrounds, showcasing the depth of talent across Suffolk and Nassau counties. Their achievements include county titles, state tournament appearances, and All-Long Island selections, setting the stage for another thrilling year of high school tennis.
Detailed Insights into Prominent Players
In the heart of competitive high school tennis, several key figures stand out. At Commack High School, seniors Eric Benderly and Jeffrey Behar played pivotal roles in securing the 2024 Suffolk large school title. Benderly's partnership with James Yu led them to triumph in the county doubles championship, while Behar's strategic acumen made him a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, at Friends Academy, junior Will Bohner overcame injuries to help his team clinch the Long Island Division II championship despite missing significant playing time.
Manhasset's Max Golubenko, a seasoned player returning from last year's third-place finish in the Nassau singles semifinals, brings experience and resilience to the court. His journey through the state tournament highlights his determination. Over at Shoreham-Wading River, siblings Ray and Kai Hidaka promise exciting matchups, having reached quarterfinals and Round of 16 respectively in previous seasons.
Other notable mentions include Chaminade's Luke Hynes, who excelled as the No. 2 singles player behind George Londos; Oceanside's Patrick Kana, whose sophomore campaign showcased promising results; and Whitman's Sam Lopez-Cardenas, returning after a year focused on national tournaments. Additionally, Half Hollow Hills East fields strong contenders like Lohit Madisetty and Marcus Gonzales, while Ross School benefits from rising stars such as Leonardo Carmo and Ignacio Pena Lopez.
The list continues with stalwarts like Ward Melville's Shashank Pennabadi, a three-time All-Long Island honoree, and Jericho's Anish Pylla, paired now with freshman Preston Wang. Not forgetting Syosset duo Nikhil Shah and Devan Melandro, who powered their team to a second state title, or Roslyn's Ethan Solop, known for his powerful hitting style.
From a journalistic perspective, this roster underscores the vibrant landscape of high school tennis on Long Island. Each player contributes uniquely to their respective teams, reflecting broader trends in sportsmanship and athletic development. Observing how these young talents evolve under pressure provides valuable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth—qualities that extend far beyond the tennis court. As the season progresses, fans can anticipate exhilarating matches filled with suspense and brilliance, affirming why following high school sports remains so rewarding.