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Blue Streak Duo Leads All–Heartland Boys Tennis Team

Jasmina Meyer/Highlands Today

Sebring sophomores Nikhil Raghuveera (left) and Kyle Komisar both finished undefeated this season to lead the All-Heartland boys tennis team.

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: May 28, 2008

SEBRING — After not playing varsity tennis last year, Sebring sophomores Nikhil Raghuveera and Kyle Komisar had quite an impact on the courts this season.

Raghuveera, who played at No. 5 singles, showed steady improvement and managed to go undefeated with a 12-0 record for the Blue Streaks, which included winning the Heartland Conference title.

But Raghuveera was unable to compete in the district tournament because he was involved in a car accident the night before the event began in Sarasota.

"Nikhil worked very hard to improve his game as the season progressed," said second-year Sebring coach Jack Holt. "He always played hard, had good placement on his shots and made adjustments during his matches.

"We missed him at districts, but he has a great work ethic and is only going to get better."

Komisar, who played at No. 4 singles, went 14-0 and won the Heartland Conference and the Class 2A-District 9 title for the Blue Streaks.

"Kyle practiced a lot and really worked on his game," said Holt. "He was adept at making adjustments during his matches and played within himself.

"He's very coachable and has the potential to be very good."

For their abilities and accomplishments, Raghuveera and Komisar have been selected as the 2008 Highlands Today's Boys Tennis Players of the Year.

"I didn't expect it, but this means a lot to me," said Raghuveera of his selection. "I worked hard on my game, and I'm really happy with how I improved during the season. This was my first year of competitive tennis and I thought I handled the pressure pretty well.

"I played basketball and soccer, but I like the individuality of tennis a lot more because it's just you and your opponent."

Komisar was also surprised by his selection.

"This is pretty exciting," said

Komisar. "I never expected this, but I worked hard during the season to improve my game.

"I have fun playing tennis and I give Coach Holt a lot of credit for helping improve my game, especially with my strategy."

With a good nucleus of young players, the Blue Streaks should be formidable the next few years.

"We only graduate one senior, so Nikhil and Kyle will move up in position and will be counted on for more leadership," said Holt. "They're solid on the court and off and I look forward to coaching them in the future."

THE TEAM
- Shane Stayer, senior, Lake Placid –– Playing varsity tennis for the first time, Stayer, who is also a talented swimmer, went 7-2 at the No. 4 singles position.

The Green Dragon athlete displayed his versatility by also competing at No. 2 doubles and placing second with Michael Wilkes at the district tournament for the Green Dragons.

"Shane had good mechanics on his forehand and backhand and is a very competitive individual," said Lake Placid coach Dennis Berard. "He worked tirelessly on his game, showed a lot of heart and I wish he had come out for tennis before his senior year."

- John Hunnicutt, senior, Avon Park –– Hunnicutt played at No. 5 singles and went 5-7 on the season for the Red Devils.

Hunnicutt, who played varsity tennis for three years, used his experience and size to cover the court.

"John had the most experience on the team and did the best he could," said Avon Park coach Lucky Dixon. "He kept the ball in play and took advantage of his opponents weaknesses."

- Jake Broen, senior, Sebring –– Playing at No. 1 singles, Broen posted a 9-4 record for the Blue Streaks.

He won the Heartland Conference singles title and also played at No. 1 doubles and led Sebring to a third-place finish in the district tournament.

"Jake hit the ball with a lot of velocity and was a tenacious competitor," said Holt. "He gave everything he had every time he stepped on the court and we're going to miss him."

HONORABLE MENTION
- Michael Reed, sophomore, Sebring –– Playing at No. 3 singles, Reed posted an impressive 10-3 record for the Blue Streaks.

Reed also played at No. 1 doubles and scored valuable points for his team during the season.

"Michael improved a lot during the season," said Holt. "He has plenty of natural ability and has the potential to be a really good player."

COACH OF THE YEAR
For guiding Sebring to a 14-4 record and a third-place finish in the Class 2A-District 9 tournament, second-year Blue Streak coach Jack Holt has been selected as Highlands Today's Tennis Coach of the Year.

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