Baker tennis preview

“We’re a little shallower than we were,” said Baker coach George Keister. “I think you could call this a rebuilding year.”

Keister said the Bulldogs face the annual problem of experience and playing time due to weather and other school and family commitments.

“Tennis is not like other sports,” he said. “The kids who are really going to get good at it have been practicing since about the age of 4. You’re not going to get that strong at it playing just three months out of the year.

“A lot of it is mental,” Keister said. “If you have confidence, you play better. If you play better, you build confidence. But a lot of these kids just never get that confidence level up.”

Keister said he isn’t knocking the tennis players.

“We have a lot of new players,” he said. “What I like about these athletes is that they’ve come from other sports. And, most of them are already in shape.

“To play singles you have to be in good shape. Not so much for doubles, but you have to be able to move well.”

Four players return for the boys varsity — Dan Sizer, Trenton Howard, Nathan Eiselein and Jordan Curtis.

“Dan has worked hard,” Keister said of Baker’s No. 1 singles player.

Sizer advanced to state as part of a Baker doubles team last spring.

Curtis is currently penciled in as the No. 2 singles player. However, he also is listed on Baker’s track roster.

“Jordan just came out Friday, and played Tuesday,” Keister said. “He’s a pretty good player, and seems to enjoy tennis. But, I saw he was listed for track too. Right now I’m not sure which way that will go.”

Howard and Eiselein currently are Baker’s No. 1 doubles team.

JJ Vela and Chance Parry are the No. 2 team.

“Those two guys are pretty athletic,” Keister said.

Twelve of the 17 players listed on the girls roster played for the Bulldogs last year.

Junior Courtney Petry returns as the No. 1 singles player.

“Courtney has a lot of experience,” Keister said.

Petry placed second at district last year and has advanced to state her first two seasons.

Helen Galswzewski and Jennifer McKim currently are the No. 2 and No. 3 singles.

Lilly Bass and new partner Miranda McBroom are the No. 1 doubles team.

Ellen Jampolsky, Bass’ old partner, and Anna Clarke are No. 2.

Late Sizer, who played singles last year, and Emily Miller are No. 3. Devon Galiswzewski and Tabitha Clausen are the No. 4 doubles.

“With each of the doubles teams we have an experienced player with a younger, less experienced player,” Keister said.

“It will take some time for them to get use to playing together.”

Jodie Averett is Keister’s assistant coach.

The Bulldogs’ next action is their home opener March 30 against Ontario.