Lakeridge boys tennis to challenge TRL’s best

The Pacers think they have the depth and doubles strength to be strong in 2023.

Team: Lakeridge boys tennis

Coach: Chuck Eidenschink

Team Leaders: Senior Daniel Kaukonen (he was a TRL singles semifinalist in 2022), sophomore Cooper Wyngarden, freshman Micah Leake, freshman Jonah Yim and sophomore Jack Livingston.

Kaukonen “has great on-court demeanor and is a good tactical player,” said Lakeridge assistant coach Doug Brewer. “(And) he has the ability to problem-solve on the court on those days when he may not be playing his best.”

Wyngarden, Brewer said, “has the most fighting spirit of any of the Lakeridge players. He may lose a match, but he will make sure his opponent has to dig deep to beat him,” adding that Leake and Yim ensure that the Pacers have a bright future, while Livingston is the team’s most improved player.

“If (Livingston) continues to up his game at the same rate as he has since last season, he might be a force to be reckoned with by the time he’s a senior,” Brewer added.

Singles: Wyngarden leads the way at first singles, followed by junior Michael Shin at No. 2, Leake at third singles and junior Basim Ibsies at No. 4.

Doubles: In doubles, the Pacers call on Kaukonen and senior Kalevi Kaukonen at No. 1, senior Ethan Westerdahl and junior Hewett Polliack go at second doubles, senior Drew Morris and Yim play No. 3, and Livingston and junior Daniel Shin compete at fourth doubles.

We “will most likely finish third in the TRL, behind West Linn and Lake Oswego,” Brewer said. “Strong play from the bottom of our lineup will be key for us. We don’t have the talent to compete at the top spots with West Linn or Lake Oswego, but we might be able to steal a few points at the No. 3 or No. 4 spots.”

League Race: “If West Linn’s lineup stays healthy, they will not only run away with the TRL title, they will be a strong competitor for the state title,” Brewer added. “(But) Lake Oswego might have something to say about whether or not West Linn goes undefeated in league play.”

See the Lake Oswego boys team preview by clicking here.

See the West Linn boys team preview by clicking here.