Verville & Bailin are Aces for Finley Tennis
Jason Verville and Josh Bailin turned in strong seasons at singles for the J. Taylor Finley Middle School boys’ tennis team. The pair helped keep the Falcons competitive over the course of the nine-meet season.
A talented eighth grader, Verville won six matches in No. 1 singles. “He’s been our top player in each of the past two years,” head coach Eric Mininni said. “He is one of the most coachable student athletes that I have ever come across. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to get better.”
Bailin won five matches in No. 2 singles. “Josh has great tennis skills and he understands the game,” said Mininni about the skilled seventh grader. “I expect big things from him next spring.”
The 19-player team was captained by Verville, John Segreti and John O’Brien. Finley defeated Hauppauge (4-3), East Northport (6-1), Stimson (6-1) and Elwood (4-3) and dropped decisions to Commack (7-0), Bay Shore (5-2), Smithtown Great Hollow/Nesaquake (5-2), Northport (4-3) and Oldfield (5-2).
Nicholas Kretschmer and Dan Orefici formed a potent No. 1 doubles team, compiling a 5-3 record. “They really worked well together as a team and were able to move up the ladder fairly quickly,” said Mininni about the duo.
Matt Girimonti went 6-3 in No. 3 singles and Segreti was 5-4 in the No. 4 slot. Jack Monahan and Nathan Musso compiled a 7-2 mark in No. 2 doubles.
“This was one of the most coachable teams I have ever had,” Mininni said. “They are a great group of young men and I expect to hear great things about them in the future. They are one of the first groups to get together on their own and practice to improve their skills. I’ll miss all of the eighth graders. Hopefully, the seventh graders will follow in their footsteps.”
The roster also included Zubair Ali, Aaron Chin, Casey Coleman, Kyle Kennelly, Andrew Knowles, Nathan Ribando, Richard Rongo, Jose Suarez, Brandon Varady and Bryce Vitulli.
The highlight of the year came on the season’s final day. “It just seemed like it all came together for the team,” Mininni said. “All the players were on their ‘A’ game and played really well. It was great tennis to watch and real competitive matches between two equally talented teams.” Finley emerged with a one-point victory over Elwood, closing out the campaign on a high note.