SPORTS

Wang ready for full season at Delbarton

Dan Breeman
Correspondent

Delbarton’s Justin Wang had a little more than half a season to work with in order to make his mark on the Morris County tennis scene in 2015. This spring, the talented junior will try to take the next step to the top of the Morris County Tournament first singles field while attempting to help his team recapture the MCT team championship.

Wang, who transferred from Blair Academy and joined Delbarton’s lineup just prior to last year’s MCT, finished the 2015 season with an overall record of 15-4, including a MCT semifinal appearance and a third-round appearance in the NJSIAA singles tournament.

Wang is expected to be one of the top singles players in Morris County and among the top players in the state again.

“I’m excited to play a full season,” said Wang, who last season also helped lead the Green Wave to the Tournament of Champions, where they were ousted by eventual champion Millburn.

“I’m a little nervous, as we’ve set our goals pretty high. My goal is to do the best I can and represent my school in the best way possible. ... My service game has greatly improved, and holding serve in the big matches is essential. We’re looking forward to an exciting season without getting too far ahead of ourselves.”

Wang is one of eight players returning to a deep Green Wave lineup this spring. Veteran head coach John Thompson is expecting big things from his top singles player, whose calm demeanor both on and off the court serves him as well as his skills on the court.

“As co-captain, Justin leads by example and is the hardest-working player on the team,” Thompson said. “And there is not an ounce of attitude or arrogance about him. He should be one of the top 10 singles players in the state this year.”

First serve

Some of the best teams in the state will gather on Delbarton’s campus for the annual Bryan Bennett Invitational April 9-10. The host Green Wave, Montville and Mountain Lakes will represent Morris County. Newark Academy, Westfield, West Windsor-Plainsboro South, J.P. Stevens, Montgomery, Montclair, Holmdel, Livingston, and Notre Dame are also expected to participate.

Players to watch

Sammy Eden, Mountain Lakes: The freshman takes over at first singles for a Lakers squad that may be the team to beat in Group 1.

Justin Gold, Randolph: One of the top second-singles players in Morris County last year, the senior takes over the top singles spot for the defending MCT champion.

Christian Lizardi, Montville: The freshman slots in at first singles to make a strong Montville team a serious MCT threat this spring.

Ollie Monaghan, Chatham: The junior, who returns to the court after playing soccer for the past few years, could be a surprise.

Mark Nagpal, Morristown-Beard: The freshman moves into the top spot in the Crimson singles lineup.

Kevin Samaan, Mendham: The senior takes over at first singles after finishing 14-6 at second last season and is one of five returning starters for a strong Minutemen squad.

Justin Wang, Delbarton: The junior, who was 15-4 a year ago, hopes to add an MCT first-singles title to his resume.