WOODBURY — The Nonnewaug boys tennis team secured yet another Berkshire League title.
The boys finished the regular season with 59 wins out of 60 in their individual matches.
Nonnewaug boys tennis coach Nick Sheikh explains this was an exciting milestone for the boys.
“It was exciting but also just one of the milestones along the way for our season. Like a win, the next match is in front of us but then [we] put ourselves in position to be playing for a league title,” said Sheikh. “Then, based on the last couple years and successes within the team tournament, trying to carry that into states [is important].”
Junior Luke Primini, who won the BL singles championship, feels he wouldn’t be where he is without his team.
“I think we all worked really hard,” Primini said. “We all had a good mindset going in and we were practicing a lot. We were cheering each other on, too, which helped me. It’s a fun atmosphere. One of my favorite things to do is to go to practice and hang out with the team.”
Senior Mason Norris, first doubles player, feels teamwork played a big role in their league championship and run to the Class S semifinals.
“I think that our teamwork [worked] together, [and] our coach definitely helped,” Norris said. “I think Sheikh is one of the most qualified coaches in Connecticut. His dad was nearly a professional player or was a professional player, so Sheikh definitely knows what he’s doing. I think that combined with the team energy and kindness between everyone, it fosters a good environment.”
Not only a good team connection was a contributor to the boys winning this title, but also the time and effort they put into practice every day was a key factor.
“We were really motivated and we practiced every day and that helped a lot,” sophomore Cash Medonis said. “I think we had a lot of good chemistry with our teammates, too. For those playing doubles, I think that all led to a BL title.”
Besides the really good season, the boys are going to have to deal with the loss of the senior players.
“Our seniors are a big part of our team chemistry and it’s just going to be different once they leave,” said Medonis.
Sheikh hopes incoming freshmen can step up into the roles needed.
“Hopefully [we’ll] ramp up and maybe have a couple of our younger players make some big strides and step into some shoes that were graduating,” says Sheikh.
