High school boys tennis preview: Lightning strikes gold with

newcomers

Amara Aguilar

Coach A.G. Longoria’s Sage Hill High boys tennis team hasn’t even

started its first year of varsity competition, but has already lost a

player that would have held the No. 1 singles spot.

Spencer Reitz was set to play for the Lightning, until notifying

Longoria Thursday night he had elected not play high school tennis.

So instead of relying on Reitz to anchor the team, Longoria will look

to newcomer John Hamilton. The junior transfer brings two years of

varsity experience to the team and could start in either singles or in

the No. 1 doubles rotation.

“He’s got a big serve, a forehand and an all-court game,” Longoria

said. “He’s a big guy at 6-foot-2 or 6-3 and he’s pretty intimidating.

Whether we use him in singles or doubles, he will be an asset to our

program.”

Two more prospects, freshmen Dan Chin and Tristan Cordier, will look

to make an impact. Chin is a seasoned tournament player, Longoria said,

and will be a starter.

Cordier is a product of the Heritage Park and Racquet Club of Irvine

Junior Development Program. He is a strong serve-and-volley player and

will probably start in doubles, but also could get a shot at playing

singles.

“(Tristan and Dan) are both well coached,” Longoria said. “They have

played a lot of tennis. We are going to use three or four nonconference

matches to test the waters to see what the best lineup for our team is.”

Incoming freshmen also include Kevin Moshayedi, Ryan Kim and Michael

Voge. Incoming sophomores include Ramin “Todd” Montalalcab and Kent

Kuran.

In addition to the newcomers, the Lightning have several key

returners. Eric Burton will start in doubles and Anthony Milovantsev will

probably start in singles.

Both helped contribute to Sage Hill’s 7-3 junior varsity run last

year. The team did not play in a league last season, but did face four

varsity teams.

Also returning for the Lightning are Alex Myla, Ian Livingston,

Jonathan Baskin, Mark Ramadan and Drew Roeser.

“I think the players are pretty excited,” Longoria said. “We have

enough people to have a strong team. Considering how small the school is,

I’m pleased with the numbers and depth. We have the talent and if we can

grow up in a hurry we can be successful this year. But we’re also really

looking forward to next year.”

Sage Hill begins the season against St. Margaret’s and Santa

Margarita Thursday and Friday.

Sage Hill boys tennis roster

Anthony Milovantsev

Alex Myla

Ian Livingston

Eric Burton

Jonathan Baskin

Mark Ramadan

Drew Roeser

John Hamilton, Jr.

Dan Chin, Fr.

Tristan Cordier, Fr.

Kevin Moshayedi, Fr.

Ryan Kim, Fr.

Michael Voge, Fr.

Ramin “Todd” Montalalcab

Kent Kuran