Acorns’ singles ladder loaded with veterans
MORGAN HILL — Jimmy Shedden had no reason to quibble when Live Oak’s new tennis coach, Brad Leach, asked Shedden and his teammates to report for offseason workouts in January — a month earlier than usual.
Shedden was already a fan of Leach, who last year worked with the team as an assistant under then-coach Jennifer Yoder.
Plus, Shedden knew he needed the practice.
“I was a little rusty myself,” the Acorns’ top single said. “Usually, we don’t start practicing until February. I was pretty stoked when Brad said we were starting earlier. It just meant more time for improving.”
Leach has not wasted time getting the team back up to speed after its fall from the Blossom Valley Athletic League Santa Teresa Division at the end of last season. Live Oak has rejoined the West Valley ‘C’ Division, whose online schedule reads like a headstone. At the top of the page, James Lick and San Jose are literally crossed out — posted in red type next to the day they officially forfeited the season because of low player turnout.
While the division is weaker than in past years, Leach’s team appears headed in the opposite direction.
“When I first starting coaching our guys this year, I told them I wanted each of them to be three-dimensional players,” said Leach, who modeled his strategy off the one used by NorCal Hall of Famer Bob Hansen who coaches UC Santa Cruz. “It’s all about skill, speed and strength. We’ve been spending a lot of time building strength. All of our guys are developing. They’re fine-tuning.”
After dropping their division opener, 5-2, to Willow Glen, the Acorns have collected wins over Gunderson, 6-1, and Mount Pleasant, 4-3. Leach and his team feel they can compete for the conference team title, plus individual success at next month’s BVAL-West Valley Division Singles/Doubles Tournament.
“To be honest, I don’t know a whole lot about this league — other than that Willow Glen is really good,” said Shedden, a senior. “But it doesn’t matter who we play. We just want to play the game and win.”
Live Oak’s 10-man roster includes several players from past years. The Acorns have a powerful singles ladder, which includes twin brothers Dylan and Derek Johnson, a pair of 6-foot-3 volley specialists.
“With their size, it’s key to have a good volley,” Leach said. “They do a great job controlling the ball.”
Junior Ryan Campbell, who played with the team as a freshman but sat his sophomore year, will occupy the No. 2 spot. Then there is Shedden, who Leach called one of the most complete players he’s coached.
“Jimmy is an excellent strategist,” Leach said. “He can move his opponent all across the court. While you’re thinking about your next hit, he’s got his next three planned out.”
In his four years as a varsity starter, Shedden has played every singles spot. His only goal is to do his best.
“It’s my last year. I just want to make it special,” he said.
Seniors Shane Herber and Sean Sullivan own the team’s No. 1 doubles spot ahead of Spencer McClellan and Gabriel Fluckiger; and Brendan Haughey and Q. Farooqui.
“If we can get one of our doubles teams to give us a win each match, we’re going to have a huge year,” Shedden said.
The Acorns host Andrew Hill at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday in league competition.
