East gains top singles players
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

The Williamsville East boys tennis team has new starters at first and second singles, but it's a tossup as to which one will earn which starting spot.

As of press time, Flames' coach Randy Ball said either freshman Winston Lin or junior German exchange student Alex Masson could start at first or second singles.

"At this point, Alex and Winston have agreed to alternate playing first singles because they are both evenly matched," said Ball. "Winston is ranked nationally in the 14-year-old age group and plays in national tournaments. Alex is not as well know locally because he is an exchange student, but he plays almost daily at the Miller Tennis Center and at this point of the season, is as strong of a player as Winston. Each should do well."

Junior Jerome Luo, who played at second singles last year, moves to third singles. Senior Matt Kweller, last year's first singles player, moves to doubles.

Ball also returns strong doubles players in seniors Joe Buran and Taylor Deer. Buran has been playing first doubles for three years. Deer played first doubles last year.

"We have a ton of depth and could roll six or seven different players into doubles and be very strong," said Ball.

Not counting Lin and Masson, East returns eight players with varsity experience.

East finished 11-1 in 2007 and tied with Sweet Home for the ECIC Division II title. Ball expects his team to seriously challenge for the league title this spring and some of the players to do well into ECICs and possibly beyond.

East opened the season last Wednesday with a 5-0 win against Iroquois.
East 2008 Schedule
4-22 at Nichols............. 4:30 p.m.
4-23 Sweet Home ........ 4:30 p.m.
4-24 at Hamburg .......... 4:30 p.m.
4-25 at W.S. East.......... 4:30 p.m.
4-28 Lake Shore........... 4:30 p.m.
4-29 Hamburg............... 4:30 p.m.
4-30 Iroquois................. 4:15 p.m.
5-5 at Sweet Home...... 4:30 p.m.
5-7 W.S. East ................ 4:45 p.m.
5-9 at Lake Shore ........ 4:30 p.m.