The lineup is the same. They are undefeated against league opponents just like they were at this time last year. They beat Dallastown again, this time 5-0 instead of 4-3.
With that win on Tuesday afternoon, the Central York boys' tennis team sent a message to the rest of the district and even some teams around the state: Watch out.
"Throughout the district, not many people knew about us last year because at first the Dallastown dynasty kept rolling along," said senior Mikesh Desai, who plays No. 2 singles and won in straight sets against Dallastown's Nate Gambino. "Now this year, everyone knows we have all of our players back and we're better than ever. It means a lot for people to actually know that we're a school to watch out for when we play teams from around the district."
Last year, Central York's biggest strength was its depth. With Evan Cunningham, Prateek Dhar and Brian Shackelford back again the lower portion of the lineup remais rock solid. Meanwhile, Desai and No. 1 Clarke Freeman (above right, with Cunningham) are making strides at the top.
Against Dallastown in 2008, neither Desai nor Freeman could deliver singles victories. In this year's matchup, both won in straight sets.
"I think Clarke and Mikesh have put significant time in, which they need to do at that top level," Central York coach Eric Sweitzer said. "The kids they will be playing at districts and states are so tough. I feel like, especially if Clarke can play aggressive like he did (against Dallastown). he can be more competitive against the top teams in the state. He finished fourth in the district last year and he's ready to step it up and get the job done. And Mikesh is a solid two."
With Freeman and Desai pushing each other and the rest of the team battling on the courts during practice, the Panthers seem to be setting themselves up for a deeper run in the PIAA Class AAA tournament. Last year Central won the district title, but lost in the first round of states.
"The biggest thing that helps us for states is the fact that these kids go at it in practice," Sweitzer said. "In the state tournament, and even in the district tournament, you have to be there on every single court. Every person that steps out there has to be committed to being focused and doing whatever they need to do to get the job done. In states, there is no let up."
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