But Williamsport coach Mike Lundy wanted to see more players come out to play on the courts this year. And, sure enough, Lundy did exactly that. Williamsport’s roster grew from eight to 14 this year in Lundy’s second season at the helm and the Millionaires are hoping to build off last year’s 3-10 record.

And a big reason for that growth? Pickleball, believe it or not.

“One major goal from last season is to increase our team from only eight athletes. With a lot of recruiting from within our school, we have almost doubled the size of our team this year to 14 athletes. We have seen an increase in pickleball players in our area and I tell the kids, if you enjoy pickleball, come out for the tennis team and give us a try,” Lundy said. “They love pickleball and are enjoying being part of the tennis team. We easily have more flexibility with our lineup this season. With all this said, we will work hard to improve our win total from last season.”

The Millionaires bring back five returning players from last year in Wyatt Judge, Howard Chen, Joseph Hillman, Spencer Kaar and Charles Plummer. Judge is a senior while the other four are juniors.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport's Spencer Kaar competes at No. 3 singles during a high school boys tennis match against Shikellamy last season. Kaar is one of five Millionaires returnign this season.

“Our practices have been incredible and very competitive,” Lundy noted. “Our lineups for the first half of this season will probably be different every match. This will give us a good opportunity to see how things will unfold for the second half of the season as we prepare for districts in Altoona at the end of the season.”

And those returning five players have helped with being role models for the younger players and newcomers on the roster.

“Our five returning players have been tremendous role models during our practices for all the new guys,” Lundy said. “Of course I stress to the younger players, with hard work and dedication to the sport of tennis, I’m expecting you all to challenge them for varsity positions.”

Lundy sees a handful of newcomers this year making their way into the lineup including sophomores Cooper Gutberlet and Mason Robinson and freshmen Richard Chen, Lincoln Paulhamus and Brayden Swanson.

“Some of our newcomers who will need to fill some varsity positions this year will probably be by committee for the first part of the season,” Lundy said. “Cooper, Mason, Richard, Lincoln and Brayden will need to fill the second doubles spot this season. We will work in practices to see the best combination of those players to play No. 2 doubles. It will be nice to have guys available and give us options.”

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Jersey Shore's Ryder Fink competes against Loyalsock's Evan Anderson in the final round of PIAA District 4 Class AA boys tennis singles at the Central PA Tennis Club in South Williamsport on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Loyalsock is coming off a season in which it went 12-4 in the regular season and 13-5 overall. And pieces are back from that success who look to keep the Lancers competing at a high level.

That includes Ian Bower and Marco Blas, the team’s lone seniors, and junior David Bjorkman and sophomore Nathaniel DePrenda, both of which bring experience to the team.

“We should be competitive this year, but with some new looks and players in different roles,” Loyalsock coach Kirk Bower said. “We lost four starters from last year due to graduation.”

Bower noted a handful of newcomers such as freshman Elijah Lin who will be at No. 1 singles, in addition to newcomers Daniel Taormina (freshman), Luke Edmonds (junior) and Trent Miller.

“(They) will bring athleticism to the mix,” Bower said. “The middle of the lineup is very competitive and could see changes throughout the year. The weather has not been in the spring sports’ favor, but we have been building team unity, and it’s a great group.”

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Montoursville’s Rain Snyder returns a shot by Preston Reedy of Milton during their match in Montoursville last year. Snyder is one of three seniors for the Warriors this season.

“I’m looking forward to seeing their growth through the season,” Bower said.

While Loyalsock has plenty back from last year and some experience, Hughesville will be going through a bit of a rebuilding year according to coach Josh Fry after losing three top guys from last year.

“We have some guys stepping up to the plate this year to help, but we have all four new guys that are playing tennis for the very first time,” Fry said.

The Spartans don’t have a bare cupboard though. Keivn Bobak and Luke Ragan are both returning to help fill the Spartans’ top two singles spots.

“They both have been working a ton in the offseason and should be able to secure us a win from either of them during the regular season matches,” Fry said. “Michael Swales will be a great fit for the No. 3 singles and Luke Vermeire will be a great leader and asset in the doubles.”

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Sawyer Fry of South Williamsport returns a serve by Will Keller of Bloomsburg during their match last year. Fry returns for the Mounties.

Hughesville has four new players joining the team, all of whom have never played tennis before. That includes Landon Hill, someone who’s caught the eye of Fry on the court so far.

“Landon Hill has really shown growth in his tennis skills with the limited time of practice we have been able to have due to weather,” Fry said. “I look forward to seeing the other guys grow as well during the season.”

Fry expects the Heartland Athletic Conference to once again be solid competition wise this year.

“Based on how teams were last year, and with such few guys graduating, I believe this will certainly be a tough year for the league,” Fry noted. “We will see some great matches throughout the season as well as during the postseason tournaments too.”

Montoursville’s roster is down size-wise from last year. After a 19-man roster in 2025, the Warriors have just 11. Three graduated, two are out with injuries and others dropped out. But regardless, coach Shawn Gardner is still optimistic for the year.

The Warriors have Teli Bobotas back at the No. 1 singles spot for a second consecutive year and Gio Catino is at No. 2. Colby Ulmer moved to the No. 3 spot.

“The doubles spots are still changing. Cole Snyder, Rain Snyder, Cullen Pauling and Mason Fry are making up the doubles teams,” Gardner said. “Two other players are very close to breaking into the starting lineup in Ben Heitsenrether and Connor George, which will be substitutes when a starter is absent.”

Gardner also noted that Reid Miller is back for his second year as a sophomore and is improving and that Bobby Nolan is a new player and sophomore that “shows real promise for the future.”

“I’m confident that we will be playing in the district tournament at the end of the season,” Gardner said. “Jersey Shore looks like the team to beat this year. They have all the same players back.”

That includes Ryder Fink for the Bulldogs, who last week became the first Jersey Shore player to ever record 50 individual wins as a singles player in program history. The Bulldogs went 16-1 last year and are off to a solid start in 2026 as well, proving Gardner right about the Bulldogs being a tough team to defeat.

Jersey Shore has its entire varsity lineup returning as well, a huge benefit for a team coming off a standout 16-1 campaign.

“My entire varsity lineup is returning. It’s great to have some experience and depth in our roster this year,” Jersey Shore coach Seth Hensler said. “And with only two seniors playing varsity, I expect good things next season as well. We only lost one athlete in the 2025 season, so my answer (to who is a key returner) would be ‘all of them.'”

Hensler knows a lot of schools in the league graduated some talented players across the board. That makes it a bit difficult for him to try to gauge the league.

“I think this season is a challenge to predict. A lot of schools graduated some heavy hitters,” Hensler said. “I feel the power dynamic has changed, but it all comes down to who’s been playing through the winter. I expect some tough competition, but the Bulldogs are ready for the challenge.”

While Jersey Shore returns a lot of talent and experience, there’s a handful of newcomers that Hensler sees making an impact.

“Abram Bower is our newest freshman and he has a really good swing. I expect great things from him over the next four years,” Hensler said. “Sophomore Ezra Paulhamus and junior Camden Stellfox have also shown great promise in challenging matches. I predict they will make quite a splash throughout the season.”

All in all, Hensler is optimistic for the Bulldogs in 2026.

“I expect a solid season with consistent performances from my seasoned returning athletes,” Hensler said. “They’ve all been working very hard in the offseason. I approach each season with cautious optimism. I know many of our appointments have been working hard as well.”

Entering his 41st year coaching this year is Kent Young at South Williamsport. The longtime coach is hoping to see his Mounties qualify for the team district tournament this year.

“We have quite a few new players this year and all of our new players are underclassmen,” Young said. “We only have three seniors on our roster this year. Our seniors, all are lettermen and have varsity experience.”

That includes Sawyer Fry, Dylan Webb and David Miller and have juniors Carson Harris and sophomore Levi Jackson who are returning lettermen.

“(They) are expected to lead the way and help our new players improve on a daily basis,” Young said. “Freshmen Cameron Stahl and Nate Miller are vying for varsity spots right now with a few others pushing them for those spots as well.”

South Williamsport isn’t part of a league and competes independently, but Young knows a number of tough teams are within the district.

“I do think, looking at the district, that Jersey Shore and Danville look strong,” Young said. “Lewisburg may be in the mix. Not sure what the Northern Tier League has up there yet, but I will be looking at the results for sure.”

Lewisburg has plenty of talent on the roster this year and the Green Dragons are hoping to not only have success when it comes to team results, but also in the singles and doubles tournaments when the postseason rolls around later in the season.

“We plan on having a competitive season as we begin ushering in a new group of tennis players,” Lewisburg coach Evan Lepovetsky said. “We have some wonderful young talent and a few older returning members who are ready to play.”

Of those returning players are Canyon Swartzentruber, Luke Azeredo, Henry Heintzelman, Tyson Nicholls, Colby Jacob, Olin McIlwaine and Clark NIcholls, giving the Green Dragons a lot of experience on the roster. Lepovetsky also noted newer players such as Issac Schreffler, Darren Nolt, Matthew Newcomer, Mason Dwyer, J. Travis Tosolt and others could make an impact for the team.

The Green Dragons know the league will be tough as well.

“I believe our HAC group will be very competitive as the coaches and players within it are very talented and disciplined,” Lepovetsky said. “It will be exciting to see which teams continue to improve and work towards reaching the playoffs.”

Cowanesque Valley is coming off a winless season last year after going 0-8, but coach Evan Kies, in his first year at the helm, is hoping to see the team be competitive.

“With a majority of new players, my expectations include skill development, confidence and team culture. My main goal is to help my team improve on these aspects, giving them an experience that is fulfilling, fun and provides them with a life-long skill they can utilize beyond their time in high school,” Kiess said.

Cowanesque Valley has a young roster that features seven freshmen. The Indians’ lone returner is Carter Hoke.

“(Hoke) has already proven to be a vital asset to the team both on and off the courts,” Kies said.

Those freshmen on the team are Landen Earle, Collin Hoke, Lathan Kilburn, Andrew Louca, Marshal Preston, Elias Rowan and Evan Seymour.

“While all my newcomers have great potential to shine on the courts, Marshall Preston and Collin Hoke have shown quick improvement and have the chance to step up,” Kies said.

Kies and his players know that after an 0-8 season last year, the only place they can go is up and improve and get better. That includes in the NTL as well against some solid teams.

“Given that a majority of my team picked up racquets for the first time just a few weeks ago, I am anticipating the NTL to be just as tough for our small-town school as always,” Kies said. “Nonetheless, we have no way to go but up after last season.”

Like Cowanesque Valley, Milton is coming off a tough season in which the Black Panthers went a disappointing 1-16. In Andrew McNeal’s first year coaching Milton, he had several matches where he played with only three players available of the five he had on the roster.

“It’s a difficult situation to be in — not only as a coach, but also a player,” he said. “It adds extra stress being down those numbers. We had a huge group of guys show up this year.”

That includes nine new players who hit the ground running and have been focused on what they need to do. Milton’s roster this year includes returnees Hagen Hanselman, Ricky Campos and Adam Kersttter in addition to Tavin Reitz, Tobin Strous, Cole Blackmon, Cahner O’Grady, Vincent Zheng, Alex Garcia, Chance Benshoff, Luke Shawley and Wyatt Heintzelman.

That issue of having only a few available players won’t be a problem this year.

“We had growth from individuals last year, and are looking forward to continuing that as a team this year,” McNeal said. “I think these guys realize that it takes each one of them working together to win. We’re looking to shift our momentum and change some of the 2-3 losses into wins.”

McNeal noted that senior captain Hanselman is going to be a key part of that success.

“He stepped up and shifted his momentum at No. 1 singles last year to gain wins at the end of the season. He’s a four-year veteran of the program and is looking forward to starting the season,” McNeal said. “Ricky Campos is also looking to step up and fill the spot of a solid No. 2 singles player we lost (Preston Reedy).”

McNeal noted that Campos is motivated and he knows he’ll work hard at his position to keep the team’s spirits up.

In addition, McNeal had nothing but good things to say about others on the roster.

“Tavin Reitz and Cole Blackmon are new players who have been spending hours of extra time on the court preparing for this season,” McNeal said. “They certainly are anchors on this team and are also going tohold their own. I think they have set their own goals and are looking forward to testing themselves and improving.”

COWANESQUE VALLEY

Coach: Evan Kies

Assistants: None

Last year: 0-8

Roster: Seniors: Scott Williams, Carter Hoke. Freshmen: Landen Earl, Collin Hoke, Lathan Kilburn, Andrew Louca, Marshal Preston, Elias Rowan, Evan Seymour.

HUGHESVILLE

Coach: Josh Fry

Assistants: (not available)

Last year: (not available)

Roster: (not available)

JERSEY SHORE

Coach: Seth Hensler

Assistants: Jan Wasson

Last year: 16-1

Roster: Ryder Fink, Saul Hensler, Abram Paulhamus, Ezra Paulhamus, Luke Sarge, Camden Stellfox, Dillon Harsanyi, Dylan Hensler, Abram Bower, Hunter Staren, Ethan Sampsell, Nate Klugh, Devon Wells, Carson Wensel, Bryn Alexander, Ryan Koch.

LEWISBURG

Coach: Evan Lepovetsky

Assistants: Clark NIcholls, Curtis Nicholls.

Last year: (not available)

Roster: Seniors: Tyson Nicholls, Ethan Pilling, Issac Schreffler, Mark Snyder, Canyon Swartentruber. Juniors: Luke Azeredo, Benjamin DaDalt, Garran Evans, Henry Heintzelman, Colby Jacob, Justin Marchiori, Olin McIlwaine, Matthew Newcomer, Anson Shi, Gabriel Whelan. Sophomores: Conner Ellis, Nolan Jusko, Clark Nicholls, Darren Nolt. Freshmen: Arlo Ciotola, Mason Dwyer, Eli McNett, Spencer Onken, J. Travis Tosolt, Anthony Vanzquez.

LOYALSOCK

Coach: Kirk Bower

Assistants: (not available)

Last year: 13-5

Roster: Elijah Lin, Ian Bower, Marco Blas, David Bjorkman, Nathaniel DePrenda, Daniel Taormina, Luke Edmonds, Trent Miller.

MILTON

Coach: Andrew McNeal

Assistants: Gaven Russell, Bridgette Coup

Last year: 1-6

Roster: Hagen Hanselman, Ricky Campos, Adam Kersteter, Tavin Reitz, Tobin Strous, Cole Blackmon, Cahner O’Grady, Vincent Zheng, Alex Garcia, Chance Benshoff, Luke Sawley, Wyatt Heintzelman.

MONTOURSVILLE

Coach: Shawn Gardner

Assistants: Ryan Baxter

Last year: 10-6

Roster: Seniors: Rain Snyder, Cullen Pauling, Giovanni Catino. Juniors: Ben Heitsenrether, Conner George, Colby Ulmer, Mason Fry, Cole Snyder. Sophomores: Bobby Nolan, Reid Miller.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

Coach: Kent Young

Assistants: Theresa Summerson

Last year: (not available)

Roster: Seniors: Sawyer Fry, Dylan Webb, David Miller. Juniors: Isaiah Snyder, Carson Harris, Ethan Gardner. Sophomores: Levi Jackson, Garrett Bacorn, Dom Peterson. Freshmen: Cameron Stahl, Nate Miller, Qur’an Davenport.

WILLIAMSPORT

Coach: Mike Lundy

Assistants: None

Last year: 3-10

Roster: Senior: Wyatt Judge. Juniors: Howard Chen, Joseph Hillman, Spencer Kaar, Charles Plummer. Sophomores; Cooper Gutberlet, Mason Robinson. Freshmen: Deegan Bragg, Eden Chapple, Richard Chen, Russell Christensen, Lincoln Paulhamus, Aydin Smith, BRayden Swanson.