AREA BOYS TENNIS PREVIEWS

With a strong core of returning varsity players, Centerville and Northeastern figure to closely compete again for the Tri-Eastern Conference title in varsity boys tennis — and to vie with Richmond for postseason honors.

Northeastern is returning to the Richmond sectional site this fall, so all three Wayne County schools will face off in the sectional after Northeastern competed — and won — the Jay County sectional last year. The Knights are also defending TEC champs. Centerville won sectional and regional titles in 2011, and again advanced to the semistate round.

But other squads hope to be in the mix as well, and a quick trip around the area reveals hopes for all of the competing teams.

Northeastern

Northeastern has a full roster of 15 players for coach Mike Esposito in his fifth boys season at the school, and again Esposito will be assisted by Tom Ladd.

The season begins at home Wednesday versus Richmond, and singles returnees Jacob Rankin (junior), Grant Esposito (sophomore) and Jeremy Lacey (senior) will be back for those three slots again.

http://www.pal-item.com/article/20120811/HSSPORTS/308110024/Teams-take-aim-titles