News Summary

Long Island tennis is buzzing as standout players gear up for the thrilling 2024 season. Athletes like Eric Benderly, Jeffrey Behar, and the Golubenko brothers are making headlines, showcasing impressive skills and inspiring stories of resilience. With several players returning from injuries and a mix of emerging talents, the competitive landscape looks promising. Coaches are also making significant impacts, leading their teams to notable achievements. As the season begins, fans are excited for what lies ahead in Long Island tennis.

Long Island Tennis Players Score Big in 2024 Season Preview

As the warmth of spring settles in, it’s time to shine a spotlight on some outstanding athletic talent emerging from Long Island as they gear up for the exciting 2024 high school tennis season. This year, players are already making waves with impressive performances and inspiring stories that tell us about their resilience and camaraderie.

Commack’s Rising Star

Leading the charge is Eric Benderly, whose stellar singles performance was pivotal in securing the Suffolk large school tennis title for Commack. Benderly isn’t just twiddling his thumbs at singles; he also teamed up with James Yu to snag the county individual doubles title and impressively landed third place in the state tournament! As if that weren’t enough, his exceptional skills earned him an All-Long Island selection this year.

Crafty Plays and Strong Comebacks

Next up is Jeffrey Behar, known for his clever and crafty playing style that sees him effectively exploiting opponents’ weaknesses. Meanwhile, Will Bohner is taking strides forward after overcoming a significant injury. He played a vital role in helping Friends Academy clinch the Long Island Division II championship while also reaching the singles quarterfinals at the Nassau individual championships.

Brothers in Arms

In an exciting sibling rivalry, the Golubenko brothers were standout players, with one sibling reaching the quarterfinals and the other making it to the Round of 16 in last year’s Suffolk individual championships. Golubenko earned a second-team selection as part of the All-Long Island roster. His perseverance is commendable, as he bounced back remarkably after a tough three-set loss in a Nassau singles semifinal.

Emerging Talents and Comebacks

Furthermore, we have Luke Hynes, who played No. 2 singles behind senior George Londos and emerged as a runner-up in the Catholic individual singles championships. This season, he’s expected to climb up the lineup and make an even bigger impact. Sam Lopez-Cardenas is back after a year off, eager to regain his footing after previously finishing fifth in singles at the Suffolk individual championships.

Dynamic Doubles Duo

Another name to watch is Lohit Madisetty, a two-time All-Long Island second-team selection who consistently performs excellently in individual doubles tournaments. This year, he’s pairing up with Gonzales, who may also be in line to challenge for a first singles spot. Oh, and let’s not forget young talent Leonardo Carmo, whose achievements include a first All-Long Island selection while helping secure the Suffolk Division II team title.

International Flair and Continual Success

Joining Carmo’s team is Spanish import Pena Lopez, renowned for his strong net play and impressive international experience. Meanwhile, Shashank Pennabadi, a proven three-time All-Long Island selection, boasts an impressive 26-2 record from last season and played a crucial role in leading his team to victory in the state individual doubles championship. He’ll be teaming up with Thomas, whose powerful shots and endurance make a perfect match.

Future Stars Enhancing Their Teams

The excitement doesn’t end there! Wang had a successful season with an 11-2 record and is spearheading Jericho’s strong singles lineup. Equally promising is Gurudu, who’s on the verge of a major breakthrough with a stunning 14-2 record, also earning the Suffolk League I singles title.

Strength in Numbers

With contributions from players like Nikhil Shah and Devan Melandro, who are also making their own marks on respective teams, every match is shaping up to be a thrilling affair this season. Not to mention the impressive doubles teams, such as Giancarlo Volpe who has earned spots on both the first and second Newsday All-Long Island teams in consecutive years.

Coaching Excellence

The efforts of dedicated coaches like Brian Hoffner and John Selvaggio are instrumental as well, leading their teams to significant achievements and fostering community involvement. Hoffner’s Roslyn Bulldogs ended with a commendable 12-5 record while reaching the county semifinals. Averaging remarkable consistency, Selvaggio’s Bayport-Blue Point girls’ team has won their fourth consecutive Suffolk County small school tennis title. It’s a vibrant time for Long Island tennis, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!

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