The Hillsboro tennis team will work to overcome inexperience this season, as senior Josh Funk, the only returning letter-winner, will play alongside four freshmen.

Last year was Funk’s first on the team, but that’s one more year of experience than rookies Dakota Klein, Brandon Wiebe, Jacob Isaac, and Dylan Wiens.

“We will be looking to Josh as a senior for solid positive leadership,” Holmes said.

Central Kansas has traditionally been home to some of the best tennis players in Class 3A, Holmes said, but his young team appears to have the right mind set going into the season.

“The guys seem focused and really looking forward to the season,” Holmes said.

The team hasn’t practiced enough for Holmes to know yet how he will use his players for singles and doubles, and he said any early decisions could change as individual players develop.

“The beginners are really just learning to play the game at this point,” Holmes said. “We’ll focus on helping all players improve, competing with integrity, and working together as a team to help each player have a positive experience.”