Tennis preview: Sanders hopes to lead Randolph to MCT title

With success comes great expectations.

Last season, Randolph's Mitchel Sanders doubled his victory total of one year earlier, going 20-4 and stunning the Morris County tennis community by capturing the MCT first singles title. Fast forward to his upcoming senior season, and Sanders is very much aware that the target is now highly visible on his back as the rest of the area takes aim at his coveted title.

"There really wasn't much pressure on me previously because I started really didn't have a great record in my sophomore year and wasn't expected to be one of the top players last year," said Sanders, who also advanced to the Round of 16 at the NJSIAA singles tournament last spring. "Now it's going to be different, there's going to be pressure to win every match and everyone I play will be looking to beat me. It's a different mindset. You can't afford to look too far ahead or take anyone for granted. It's definitely match by match."

Sanders has set elevated goals both for himself and his team, which finished second to Delbarton at last year's MCT. The southpaw would like nothing better than to celebrate a second straight MCT first singles title while having the opportunity to share a team championship with the rest of the Rams.

"I'm excited because it's my senior year and I want to defend my county championship and at least get one round further at the state singles," Sanders said. "It's definitely a top goal to win the counties again and I think we have a good enough good players to challenge for the team championship. We only lost two seniors so I think our chances are even better than last year."

One of the welcomed challenges facing Sanders and the Rams during the early part of the season is the invitation they received to participate in the prestigious Bryan Bennett Tournament at Delbarton the weekend of April 11-12, where they will face some of the best teams in the New Jersey. For Sanders, it will mean playing against some of the top singles players in New Jersey, and may also serve as a preview for the NJSIAA singles tournament later in the year.

"We don't play Delbarton anymore during the season so it's definitely exciting to be invited to play in their tournament," Sanders said. "We want to represent our team and Morris County well there and are looking forward to the challenge."

Sanders spent last summer playing numerous tournaments and working on his conditioning, often on the court up to five hours per day. He feels he enters the spring season in top physical shape, something he hopes will benefit him in third sets and later in the season.

"I played a lot of tennis over the summer trying to improve my endurance and my stamina," Sanders said. "I think that was something that was lacking last year; I would get tired in some long matches and I wanted to get stronger. I also worked on my service game. It's important to be able to hold serve in big matches and I have more confidence in that part of my game now."

There is plenty of quality competition awaiting Sanders when he steps on the court this season, so he knows he must be ready from the first match. His focus, however, remains on his own game and with improving from match to match.

"I've grown up with and played against most of the kids in (Morris) County," Sanders said. "I think I know what to expect. There's a lot of good players but I try to focus on my game and being consistent. If I can do that again, I think I'll be okay."

Players to Watch

Mitchel Sanders, Randolph

The senior returns as the defending MCT first singles champion after posting a 20-4 record last season and advancing to the Round of 16 at the state singles.

Justin Wang, Delbarton

The sophomore transfer from Blair Academy is expected to play first singles for the Green Wave but will not be eligible until May, thereby missing the Morris County Tournament.

Parker Pridgen, Delbarton

Senior captain of the Green Wave was MCT third singles champion a year ago and should be force at second singles.

Yanik Parsch, Chatham

The senior is already committed to NYU for tennis and is expected to return to the first singles spot for the Cougars.

Andrew Brown, Mendham

The senior was 18-9 at second singles for the Minutemen last season and will lead a strong returning lineup.

Omar Bokhari, Parsippany

The experienced senior has been on the verge of breaking through at the MCT and could surprise at first singles.

John Rudden, Mountain Lakes

The freshman takes over at first singles for a Lakers' team that has nine new players on the varsity level.