Blue Devil Boys’ Tennis Relies on Talented Underclassmen

Huntington’s varsity boys’ tennis team won seven matches this spring with a lineup dominated by underclassmen. With the Blue Devils losing only two seniors to graduation and 11 players returning, optimism abounds for a strong showing in 2025.

Coached by Jamie Fishlow and captained by senior Tyler Godin and juniors Nicholas Plachta and Ryan Scanlon, Huntington held its own against most of Suffolk’s top teams.

Scanlon captured All-League and All-County honors. Plachta and Godin were also both All-League with Plachta being recognized as Huntington’s county Sportsmanship Award recipient.

Scanlon compiled a 12-5 record in No. 1 and No. 2 singles and took fifth in the county tournament. “Ryan improved tremendously,” Fishlow said. “He has a high skill level and he learned the patience required during matches. He is also willing to try things to improve his game. Ryan competed hard against the top players. He has a great attitude and showed real leadership.

Plachta had a mark of 9-6 in No. 1 and No. 2 singles. “Nick is a great leader on the team and the hardest worker and competitor,” Fishlow said. “He’s improved his skill level and is very coachable. He had a strong record against strong players. Nick played all year with an injury, but never backed down. He has a very positive attitude.”

Godin finished 11-5 overall in No. 3 singles. “Tyler played a strong third singles and kept us in many matches,” Fishlow said. “He developed his game over three varsity seasons. Tyler has been a great team member and a wonderful senior leader.”

Huntington advanced to the Suffolk team playoffs, but not without a dramatic must-win match against Hauppauge.

“In order to make the playoffs this season we needed to win a match to finish the season with at least a .500 record,” Fishlow explained. “Going into our next to last match we were 6-6 and a win that day would lock us in. We immediately won three singles matches to go up, 3-0, but Hauppauge came back and won three doubles matches to tie the score. With our fourth doubles team in a three set battle and down 5-2 in the third set, sophomore Dalton Flynn and freshman Jackson Poli worked their way back to win the set in a tiebreaker.”

Fishlow was happy with his players. “This team was a pleasure to coach and be with every day,” he said. “The players showed an eagerness to be at practice and was always willing to work hard. The veteran players took the younger players under their wing and helped show them the way. I believe they are a true cohesive unit despite that we are playing an individual sport. I wouldn’t trade these guys for anyone. Once again, it was my honor to coach another varsity tennis team.”

Godin and Juan Vera are the only two seniors on the roster. “Two-thirds of our singles lineup is returning and all of our doubles players,” Fishlow said. “We are still looking to pick up our level in doubles. The division competition will remain fierce and it will be a challenge. We have a good thing going regarding personnel and tradition.”

The returnees will include Evan Persampire, Marin Mullaly, Ryan Ramirez, Jake Chiclacos, James Masler, Ryan Donovan, Dalton Flynn, Jackson Poli, Edgar Vidal-Villalba, Ryan Scanlon and Nick Plachta.