Sharing load new strategy for Hernando

BROOKSVILLE -- Brett Teitelman enjoyed the security, the ability to circle two wins on his clipboard before matches even started.

Andrew Sufficool, at 20-3 the eventual Times All-Citrus/Hernando player of the year, was just that automatic last year in singles and with then-junior Eric Frechette in doubles for Hernando High. Trouble was, Teitelman had to worry about the rest of the team (even though it went 17-3).

This season, Teitelman has no sure things, but perhaps more opportunities.

"We don't have that super-dominant guy like we had with Andrew, but we do have a lot of depth," Teitelman said.

"It sure is nice to have that one big guy and be thinking you have two points locked up, but if you look at us so far, we're 3-0 and all the wins are by 4-3 scores, and none included a win at No. 1 (singles)," he said. "I guess it's a double-edge sword."

Frechette has taken over the No. 1 flight, but Hernando's depth is coming from everywhere, including No. 2, where junior Drew Taylor is 3-0, extending his varsity record to 24-0. He played fifth last season.

"I think we're going to be very competitive in the district again," Teitelman said. "We lose one key guy, but other than that, it's going to be real interesting."

CENTRAL

COACH: Hank Deslaurier.

2002 RECORD: 1-16.

KEY RETURNEES: Jason Haynes, sr., No. 2; John Jachimonwicz, jr., No. 5.

NEWCOMERS: John McDonald, fr., No. 1; Raymond Cho, soph., No. 3; Shawn Wilson, fr., No. 4; Blake Jarrell, fr., No. 5/6.

LOSSES: None.

OUTLOOK: McDonald offers an infusion of talented youth in a Bears program that has struggled mightily, but Central has some quantity now as well as quality. Expect improvement this season, although Deslaurier thinks his team may be "another year away" from challenging the area's top teams.

SCHEDULE: FEB.: 25 -- Crystal River; 27 -- at Lecanto. MARCH: 4 -- Springstead; 6 -- at Crystal River; 10 -- at Mitchell; 13 -- at Citrus; 18 -- Hernando; 20 -- at Springstead; 26 -- Ridgewood. APRIL: 1 -- Lecanto; 3 -- Land O'Lakes; 8 -- at River Ridge; 10 -- at Clermont East Ridge.

HERNANDO

COACH: Brett Teitelman.

2002 RECORD: 17-3, won district.

KEY RETURNEES: Eric Frechette, sr., No. 1; Drew Taylor, jr.,No. 2; Michael Ehlenbeck, jr., No. 4; Daniel Crespo, jr., No. 5; Daniel Widboom, soph., Brent Lowman, jr., doubles.

NEWCOMERS: Joe Hill, jr.; Rick Walters, sr.; Charlie Maggard, fr.; Jacob Elder, fr.

KEY LOSS: Andrew Sufficool.

OUTLOOK: The Leopards lose the area's top player, All-Citrus/Hernando player of the year Andrew Sufficool, but might have more depth. Hernando will be in most matches and could be a force in the district tournament.

SCHEDULE: FEB: 25 -- Lecanto; 27 -- Springstead. MARCH: 6 -- at Lecanto; 13 -- Hudson; 18 -- at Central; 20 -- Citrus; 25 -- Pasco. APRIL: 1 -- at Springstead; 2 -- at Wesley Chapel; 8 -- Ocala West Port; 9 -- Zephyrhills; 10 -- at Gulf; 14 -- Crystal River; 15 -- Lake Wales.

SPRINGSTEAD

COACH: Terry Hoffman.

2002 RECORD: 2-13.

KEY RETURNEES: Lester Nichols, jr, No. 1; Johann Pambianchi, sr., No. 2; Francois Pambianchi, so.; Jimmy Fisher, jr.; John Tennison, sr.

NEWCOMERS: Clayton Etchison, fr., No. 3.

OUTLOOK: Hoffman expects the Eagles to be more competitive because they have added depth. The depth will have to compensate for a potential "struggle" he said near the top, where Lester Nichols and Johann Pambianchi will vie for No. 1 duties. "We don't have a guy who does it all," Hoffman said. "We don't have a guy who has power and is real quick and agile. We have some with power and some that are real quick."

SCHEDULE: FEB. 25 -- at Citrus; 27 -- at Hernando. MARCH: 4 -- at Central; 6 -- Citrus; 12 -- at Land O'Lakes; 13 -- at Crystal River; 18 -- at Lecanto; 20 -- Central; 25 -- Clermont East Ridge. APRIL: 1 -- Hernando; 2 -- at Ridgewood.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright