SHS boys tennis 2017 season preview

Head coach: Mark Textor (12th season)

2016 record: 8-6 in Olympic League (fourth), 9-6 overall; one doubles team qualified for state 2A tournament

Top varsity returners: Blake Wiker (jr.), Raymond Lam (jr.), Damon Little (jr.), Thomas Hughes (jr.), Tim Porter (sr.), Kevin Meyer (sr.)

2017 SHS boys tennis schedule

Date Opponent Time

Sept. 5 at Olympic 4 p.m.

Sept. 7 North Mason 4 p.m.

Sept. 11 Coupeville 4 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Bremerton 4 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Kingston 4 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Port Angeles 4 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Klahowya 4 p.m.

Sept. 22 Chimacum 4 p.m.

Sept. 25 North Kitsap 4 p.m.

Sept. 27 Kingston 4 p.m.

Sept. 29 at North Mason 4 p.m.

Oct. 2 Bremerton 4 p.m.

Oct. 4 at North Kitsap 4 p.m.

Oct. 6 Port Angeles 4 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Coupeville 4 p.m.

Oct. 12 Olympic 4 p.m.

Oct. 18-19 Olympic Lg. tourney 8 a.m.

A core of returning junior class players helps lead the Sequim Wolves into the 2017 boys tennis season.

Sequim looks to improve upon a 9-6 mark in a competitive Olympic League this fall, and they will do so without state 2A doubles qualifiers Justin Porter and Stephen Prorok, who graduated in June.

Back on the court for Sequim are 11th-graders Blake Wiker, Raymond Lam, Damon Little and Thomas Hughes, plus seniors Tim Porter and Kevin Meyer.

Other players who may see varsity action this fall include Liam Payne, Sam Frymyer, Brenton Barnes, Jonathan Heintz, Liam Braaten, Aaron Jackson and Ben Wright.

“We have about five or six experienced, solid players,” Sequim coach Mark Textor said. “Another five or six have shown potential. I’m confident they are going to work hard and get better.”

Hughes, who started playing in seventh grade after taking part in a tennis camp at the Boys & Girls Club under local pro Don Thomas, said he played about twice a week — sometimes more — over the summer.

“Sophomore, freshman year I was just testing the waters,” he said. “I want to go to districts (this season).”

Hughes said he needs to work on his overall game, but particularly on getting his first serves in.

Porter joined the SHS squad as a freshman and has played for the Wolves ever since.

“I love the mental aspect (of tennis) — it’s mostly thinking instead of moving around,” he said.

Porter said he also has a goal of earning a district berth, and that he needs to work on being consistent, point to point.

“This is such a great group,” Textor said. “It’s the highlight of my work day (teaching) such enthusiastic learners.”

Textor said he expects North Kitsap, Kingston and Olympic to be top teams in the league.

Sequim was slated to open the 2017 season at Olympic (Silverdale) on Sept. 5. The Wolves host North Mason on Sept. 7 and Coupeville on Sept. 11.