The Marlboro Iron Dukes will enter the 2024 boys’ tennis season with an experienced roster.

After finishing 8-5 a year ago, the Iron Dukes have only lost one senior, Jordan Johnson, but they still remain a young team.

Despite that youth, eighth-year coach Scott Hisel said, “this is a winning year” without many lineup changes or promotions from last year.

Deni Menendez is the team’s only key returning senior, with the rest of the group made up of juniors and sophomores.

“He looks to finish strong from joining the team as a first timer sophomore year,” Hisel said.

Juniors Troy Guillet and Collin Benninger return, along with sophomore Adrien Gueren. The Iron Dukes only have one newcomer: Ayyan Ayed, who Hisel said shows potential for someone who has never held a racquet before.

Hisel has been looking forward to this season since the last one ended.

“The chemistry of my team is extremely strong,” he said. “I am proud of them for this. These boys do everything I ask. It is met with maturity, excitement and ownership. Our team has a strong balance of experience, commitment to win and personal humility.”

Like Hisel in Marlboro, Michael Geller has been coaching both boys’ and girls’ tennis teams for years. Since he started, Geller said this is the most talented boys’ team he’s had in his seven years.

The Huskies lost Jason Dewitt and Matt Steuber, but return Liam Van Valkenburg at first singles, Tedy Cruttman and second singles, and Michael Duncan at third singles. Logan Carle and Zach Haeser will return at first doubles and Andrew Lamark will return at second doubles.

Jude VanVleet, Ziyad Artisal and Kieran Surprise are new to the team this year, as the Huskies hope to improve to .500 from last year’s 3-9 record and have a representative in the Section 9 tournament.

“Many of them have put in the work in the offseason to improve their positioning on this year’s team,” Geller said. The competition is tough in the (Mid Hudson Athletic League) but I think we can surprise a few teams this year.”