Five years ago, Boothbay Region High School dropped its boys tennis program because of low student participation. This year, Coach Mark Gorey said the reinvigorated team is looking at its best shot at the playoffs in years.

“I’m very excited about this team,” Gorey said. “In my fourth season as coach, this is the deepest team I’ve worked with and this is our best opportunity to get to the playoffs.”

Not only is the team in great shape, there is also the possibility of new tennis courts for next year. “We are encouraged by the (Community School District) board of trustees consideration of building new courts for next season,” Gorey said.

The tennis courts near the football field fell into such disrepair that last year, the BRHS tennis teams had to discontinue playing and practicing on them. Instead, both girls and boys teams switched to the YMCA indoor courts for practice and play. Gorey said new outdoor courts at the schools could help further revitalize school tennis programs. Play will continue at the YMCA this year.

The boys lineup this season includes four seniors, Sam Schwehm, Brady Duncan, Evan Stevens and Eli Farnham; three juniors, Ben Betts, Quinn Pickett and Ethan Walker; one sophomore, Collin Thompson; and three freshmen, Raymond Perry, Nick Gorey and Daniel Drummond.

Schwehm starts the season as the team’s first singles player, a position he held all last season. Gorey will take over at second singles and Duncan starts at third singles.

Drummond and Walker begin the season as first doubles team and Betts and Stevens at second doubles.

“All of this is subject to change as players continue challenge matches during the season,” Gorey said. Match play is determined by challenge matches among team players.

The team faced Wiscasset at Wiscasset April 22 at 4 p.m and takes on Dirigo at home on Wednesday, April 24 at 4 p.m. at the YMCA. Cick here for the full season game schedule.

Sue Mello can be reached at 207-844-4629 or sumello@boothbayregister.com.