The Minutemen of Newark Academy boys’ tennis are getting ready for what looks to be another thrilling season. With Coach Lou Scerra at the helm, their eyes are set on defending their county and state titles.

Newark Academy finished third in the state in last season’s NJ.com final ranking with an impressive 20-3 record, including clinching both county and state championships.

This year, despite bidding farewell to standout player and former captain Ethan Polen ‘23, the team will rely on captains and key returners, Andrew Kotzen ‘24, Josh Mandelbaum ‘24 and Jean-Luc Marchand ‘24.

Key returners include All-Super Essex Conference (SEC), All-State and all Non-Public honorees Kotzen, Aryan Grover ‘26 and Aadit Shrivastava ‘26 and All-SEC selections Evan Lai ‘26 and Marchand. Mandelbaum faced an injury that put him on the sideline last season but will play a key role in Newark Academy’s success this year. The team also looks to lean on some newcomers for added success.

Newark Academy competes in the American division of the Super Essex Conference against highly ranked opponents like Millburn, Montclair, Montclair Kimberly Academy, and Livingston.

On Wednesday, April 10th, Newark Academy hosts Millburn at home at 4 p.m. for their season opener. The Minutemen are looking for redemption as the team’s only three losses of last season were all delivered by a strong Millburn team.