A Historic Serve: Lennox hosts first matches on new courts

The Lennox High School boys tennis team served up a historic moment last week, hosting their first-ever home matches at the newly constructed tennis facility next to the high school. The debut took place Tuesday, April 8, marking a major milestone in the eighth season of the program, led since its inception by head coach Kevin Plank.

The Orioles opened their home season against Vermillion. Although the Tanagers ultimately claimed the 8-1 win, Lennox delivered hard-fought matches across the board. In doubles play, the Orioles pushed all three flights to competitive scores, and in singles, Eli Plank scored the lone varsity win at flight #1 with a 6-4, 6-1 victory.

“Overall, I thought the team competed hard and played strong, but also saw some areas that I thought we could practice and improve on,” Coach Plank said.

In junior varsity action, the Lennox duos of Grant Buhta and Atticus Larson and Carter Beringer and Grant Veurink earned doubles victories. Singles wins came from G. Buhta, Larson, Matt Dummer, Veurink, Beringer, and Wyatt Crichton. Despite the strong showing, Vermillion JV edged out Lennox 15-8.

Just two days later, on Thursday, April 10, the Orioles returned to their new home courts to face Madison—another strong program that had recently beaten Vermillion. “Madison had beat Vermillion the week before, so we knew this one was going to be tougher,” said Coach Plank.

Fueled by focus, the varsity squad came out strong in doubles, taking a 2-1 lead with wins from the pairs of Eli Plank and Connor Sherard at flight #1 and Chase Lundquist and Noah Buhta at flight #2. The momentum carried into singles, where victories by Plank (#1), Lundquist (#3), N. Buhta (#4), and Duncan Johnson (#6) sealed a 6-3 team win—Lennox’s first-ever varsity home victory.

“It was not only a challenging day on the court, but the players also had the challenge of a very windy day with strong gusts,” Coach Plank said. “I’m proud of how they didn’t complain about the elements and took the challenge head on and competed hard to earn their first home win.”

The junior varsity squad also competed hard against Madison. Doubles wins were earned by Dummer and Crichton, Beringer and Veurink, and Chase Hazuka and Zach Boysen. In singles, Cam Smith, Easton Timmermans, G. Buhta, Larson, Veurink, Beringer, Crichton, and Hazuka all recorded victories. Despite a strong showing, JV fell just short with an 11-13 result.

The Lennox tennis team is building off a strong 2024 season that featured 10 seniors and a fifth-place team finish at the state tournament. Standout performances included a fourth-place finish for the #1 doubles team of Eli and Cody Plank, and multiple singles podium finishes from Mitch Van Meeteren, Pierce Temme, Alex Heibult, Gunnar Geiken, and Cody Plank.

But 2025 brings a fresh start for the Orioles, as they rebuild after graduating seven of their top 10 players.

“I do have two experienced returners—one being Eli Plank, who has played varsity since seventh grade and has three years of varsity experience, and Connor Sherard, who is one of two seniors and has a year of varsity experience,” said Coach Plank. 

Plank is joined this season by assistant coach Noah Welch, a former varsity player under Plank for three seasons.

“I think our strength will be team cohesiveness and actually be the improvement we make throughout the season,” said Coach Plank. “The boys are eager to learn and are working hard, so I think they will have tremendous improvement throughout the season”

Plank also noted the team’s inexperience as a potential hurdle, adding, “We’ll need to learn quickly from our mistakes and make quick adjustments throughout the short season.”

Plank identified Sioux Falls Christian—the defending champions—as a top contender again this year, along with Aberdeen Roncalli and Huron.

“I’m excited for the season and to see the players learn and grow. I think we have a lot of potential for growth not only this year, but in the future years too,” Plank added. 

The 2025 Lennox High School boys’ tennis team includes: Carter Beringer, Zach Boysen, Grant Buhta, Noah Buhta, Wyatt Crichton, Matthew Dummer, Chase Gervais, Chase Hazuka, David Hofer, Wyatt Holland, Blake Holland, Duncan Johnson, Atticus Larson, Chase Lundquist, Riley Nelson, Eli Plank*, Kodi Scott, Connor Sherard*, Cameron Smith, Kelton Smith, Easton Timmermans, and Jack Wildeboer (* denotes returning varsity experience). 

Next up for the Orioles is road trip to Mitchell on Monday, April 21, followed by a road trip to Yankton on Tuesday, April 29.