Tomhave, boys tennis serve notice they are team to watch

Led by senior Peter Tomhave, the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys tennis team is looking for big things this season. But the No. 1 singles player is just one of many strong players for the boys team that will be feisty and full of fight this season.

"We have about 28 players on the team this year, which is up a few from last year," said CEC coach Derek Johnson. "We have some new juniors and seniors who are athletic and will definitely put up a fight even if they don't have the tennis experience."

Tomhave made the state tournament last season, where he went 2-2 and looked strong while playing against some of the best in the state.

"Consolation runner-up is a pretty impressive feat," Johnson said. "I was very proud of the way he handled himself against the big dogs. He improved dramatically throughout the season."

The Lumberjacks will open on Thursday in Cambridge. At this point, Coach Johnson is in the process of trying to figure out where players will fit into the team schematic.

"It's good to be out on the courts now," said Johnson. "We just got the fourth court cleared of snow and water. We are ahead of schedule compared to last year. It was tough to get kids together this year during spring break since everyone went on vacation. Now that everyone is back, I am looking forward to seeing where everyone fits on our roster."

Cloquet also returns their No. 2 singles player in Dennis Genereau, who played very well in that capacity last season. Senior Kade Bender also returns and, according to Johnson, could be used in both singles and doubles.

"Genereau played well last year and I hope that continues this year," Johnson said. "Bender is a player that has a lot of fight and will give his best wherever you put him in the lineup. Also returning, we have Cal Pertler and Mason Langenbrunner, who played a lot of doubles last year and improved throughout the season. They are streaky and can get hot and be money with their shots, but they can also make some errors and not look so good out there."

The 'Jacks also have some returning ninth- and 10-grade athletes who did not see varsity action last year, and who should see time on the varsity this season. Johnson is hoping they can step up for the team and accept the challenge.

"I'm expecting some nerves and some sloppy play in the beginning of the season," Johnson said. "We will find our rhythm and get better by season's end. We have some tough foes in our section with the top teams like Hibbing and Virginia. But when playoffs come, anything can happen. I am hoping we can make some noise when we get there."

Johnson has headed up the CEC program since 2014 and is in his sixth year as head coach.