Goldberg climbs the tennis ladder

By: Ken Weingartner
   Coaches usually have a pretty good feel for the talent on their teams. Sometimes, though, even they can be surprised.
   Such was the case this year for Monroe High boys tennis coach Jim Kushner. Kushner placed junior Darren Goldberg in the No. 8 spot for the preseason stepladder playoffs that determine players’ positions in the lineup. All Goldberg did was beat five players ahead of him and earn the No. 3 singles slot.
   "It shows what I know," Kushner said with a laugh. "He was a surprise. He played a few matches last year and he drives people crazy when they play him. He gets everything back and plays intelligently. He did a very good job."
   Monroe opened the season by winning two of its first three matches. The Falcons are coming off a 4-1 victory over Perth Amboy in which they got wins at second singles from junior Kris Worman, Goldberg, and the doubles teams of Justin Bauman-Kevin Houle and Nick Carofilis-Ashish Patel.
   "I’m hoping we can finish in the upper level of our division," Kushner said. "The division is a little tougher than it has been; the competition is getting better. I’m not saying we’re a bad team by any means, but with the competition being better and us being a little inexperienced, we have to play very well.
   "We’ve qualified for the state (team) tournament the last five or six years. If we can qualify again, it’s a successful season."
   All three starters in the singles positions are relatively new to the singles ranks. Junior Ken Stanley, who primarily played first doubles last year, takes over the No. 1 singles spot from two-time state qualifier Frank Senatore. Worman also played doubles last year, going 18-4 with partner Bauman.
   "Kenny competes very well," Kushner said. "He has, I think, above-average groundstrokes and hits the ball with a variety of spins. He’s a good all-court player. Being a doubles player, he’s comfortable at the net with overheads and volleys. I’m looking forward to him having a good season.
   "Kris has an exceptionally strong forehand and he likes to attack. He’s a big strong kid and hits a real strong first serve and has an acceptable second serve. I expect him to be a strong competitor."
   Having two former doubles players who are comfortable at the net could be a benefit at singles. Kushner enjoys watching his players be aggressive whenever possible.
   "I think that’s the only way to play," he said. "I want them to attack when they have the opportunity and to keep the ball deep when they don’t."
   Houle is in his first year on the varsity level, but is paired with Bauman, who is in his third season. Carofilis and Patel also have experience. All four doubles players are seniors. Jasmine Laferriere and Zack Worman provide depth.
   "I don’t really know what will happen with our doubles," Kushner said. "I hope they mesh; we’ll keep our fingers crossed. I anticipate having a strong season. If things mesh, we’ll have a winning record."