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HIGH SCHOOL BOYS TENNIS PREVIEW 2025
Orange County boys tennis is known for its traditional powerhouse programs but there’s a new contender to watch this spring.
Marina, boosted by the return of a CIF-SS championship doubles team and two new additions, is aiming to challenge Corona del Mar for the Sunset League title.
The last time the Vikings claimed the Sunset League crown was 2011.
“Our team is probably the strongest that we’ve had in my 11 years of being here,” Marina coach Chuck Kingman said. “We always have Corona del Mar to contend with. I’m excited. I think we have a shot at competing with Corona del Mar this year. We haven’t had the depth in the years past.”
“I like our chances,” the coach added, “but you can never count out Corona del Mar. Jamie (Gresh) is a great coach.”
Marina’s lineup is led senior Trevor Nguyen and junior David Tran, who claimed the section doubles crown last season by not dropping a set.
The returning All-County players are versatile enough to play singles or doubles but will unite to play doubles at 123rd Ojai tournament in April, Kingman said. The duo reached the semifinals in Ojai last spring.
Marina has added freshman DJ Buchfeller, a left-hander rated as a four-star recruit by Tennis Recruiting Network, and Servite transfer Alejandro Hill, an all-league doubles player in the Trinity League.
Hill, a junior, will observe the sitout period for transfers, Kingman said.
“All four players are really good doubles players,” the coach said. “It gives us a lot of flexibility in terms of our doubles.”
The Vikings’ lineup also features quality depth with seniors Darren Le and Justin Nguyen.
This spring, the Sunset League will consist of seven teams who will play each other twice.
Corona del Mar has won at least a share of the Sunset Conference’s top-tier Surf League title the past four years. Marina captured Wave League titles in 2021-22.
NOTES
The 24th National High School Tennis All-American Boys Team Tournament, hosted by Peninsula, is March 14-15. The county’s entries are University and Santa Margarita. University finished second to Torrey Pines last season. …
The Ojai tournament runs April 23-27. The Big Ten Conference’s women’s tournament highlights the collegiate competition during the week. …
The CIF-SS team finals are May 16 at the University of Redlands and The Claremont Club. The individual finals are May 29, two days before the state team finals on May 31 in Fresno. …
Robert Chu, the director of tennis at the Racquet Club of Irvine, is the new boys and girls coach at JSerra. The former Chapman standout replaces long time coaches Kirk and Keith Orahood. The brothers guided the Lions to the Division 1 title and a 21-0 record last season.
TOP TEAMS TO WATCH
1. University: The Pacific Coast League juggernaut returns several players from a squad that claimed CIF-SS Open Division, SoCal regional and state championships last season. The Trojans are deep and experienced.
2. Beckman: Sophomore standout Tyler Lee is not playing high school but the Patriots have plenty of firepower. There’s Lee’s brother Caden, junior Rohan Grewal and strong freshmen Edwin Yuan, Kaiden Somaratne and Landon Le. Beckman will be tough to beat in the South Coast League.
3. Marina: The Vikings have the depth, especially at doubles, to challenge Corona del Mar in the Sunset League.
4. Portola: The return of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps commit Ethan Kim and Occidental College commit Payton Nguyen will boost the Bulldogs but the Pacific Coast League again looks difficult.
5. Corona del Mar: The Sea Kings are aiming to remain in the Open Division after the graduation of O.C. player of the year Niels Hoffmann (USC) and Jack Cross (Cal Poly SLO). Freshmen Henry Dennison and Blake Fraley give Corona del Mar a chance to remain competitive.
Others (listed alphabetically): Foothill, JSerra, Northwood, Sage Hill, Santa Margarita, Woodbridge.
TOP PLAYERS TO WATCH
Riley Anson, JSerra, So.
The reigning Trinity League singles champion reached the section semifinals last season.
Alex Croitoru, Sage Hill, So.
Croitoru teams with Alex Park to form a strong sophomore duo for a team that blends youth and experience.
Matteo Huarte, Mater Dei, So.
Monarchs coach Debbie Shaffer calls Huarte a “rock star” who inspires a growing team.
Rishvanth Krishna, University, So.
A second-team All-County selection last season, the rising Krishna might be the county’s best sophomore. He recently defeated Anson in Las Vegas.
Caden Lee, Beckman, Sr.
The Air Force commit won the Ojai doubles title with his brother Tyler last season.
Brayden Tallakson, Woodbridge, Jr.
The Boise State commit returns as a player to watch in the Pacific Coast League.
Cayden Wang, Crean Lutheran, Sr.
Wang, who has committed to Vanderbilt, is a transfer from Santa Margarita who will observe the sitout period. The Saints are part of the new-look Freeway League.
Edwin Yuan, Beckman, Fr.
Patriots coach Nick Friendt is so high on Yuan, the freshman is slatted to start the season at No. 1 singles.
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